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This was my last full day of vacation in California so despite having
already hiked the Gabrielino Trail
and Mt. Wilson and the
High Desert Trail and Mt. Baden-Powell, I just knew I had to
get in one more hike before I returned to Illinois! So I made Mt. Baldy,
aka Mt. San Antonio, elevation 10,064', my destination. It turned out
to be the perfect choice!
I hadn't been to Mt. Baldy in 28 years: I camped on top of the mountain
on the evening of America's Bicentennial - July 4, 1976! So when I arrived
at the Manker Flat parking area, I wasn't exactly sure where to go.
I approached a fellow hiker, Russ Manion, and told him of my plans.
He said, "Don't go that way (dirt road under the ski lifts), I'll show
you a much better route." And so we teamed up for the ascent via the
Sierra Club Ski Hut and Baldy Bowl. We were together for the entire hike.
Today was a good day: a new trail and a new friend. Thanks again, Russ!
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Here's a map of my route.
Go here for a larger map.
The hike from Manker Flat to Mt. Baldy via the Sierra Club Ski Hut
is about 5 miles each way, with an elevation gain of about 3200'.
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San Antonio Falls as seen from the trail.
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The Baldy Bowl area and the Sierra Club Ski Hut.
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Russ on the trail with his homemade ultralight gear.
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Yours truly on the trail, basking in the glorious scenery.
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The Sierra Club Ski Hut.
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The hut sleeps 24 (it would be cozy!) There is also an
outhouse.
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Russ takes a break at the hut.
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Yours truly at the hut.
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Baldy Bowl area above the ski hut.
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Spectacular view of Upland, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and more.
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Looking down on Manker Flat.
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Russ.
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Bill. I'm sweating, but I feel GREAT!
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More of me. (This may come as a surprise to you, but some people
actually ask for pictures of me! Huh, mom.)
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The "scree" of Baldy Bowl. Russ says many people, including himself,
actually climb UP the bowl in the winter. No, thank you!
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Russ.
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Bill with hat hair.
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Bill.
Q: Why are there more pictures of Bill than of Russ?
A: Because it's Bill's web page!
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Spectacular.
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We're almost to the top, at about 9600'.
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Russ. Across the bowl you can see the Devil's Backbone trail
which runs from Baldy Notch to the summit.
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More Russ.
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View to Baldy Notch.
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We made it! Plaque at the summit.
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View of Mt. Wilson from the summit. I was on Mt. Wilson
eleven days ago. Go
here for a report.
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Mt. Baden-Powell from the summit of Mt. Baldy. I was on Mt. Baden-Powell
two days ago. Go
here for a report.
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Mt. Baden-Powell from the summit of Mt. Baldy.
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Looking towards Mt. San Gorgonio.
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Lytle Creek area (foreground) and Interstate 15 at Cajon Pass (background).
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Interstate 15 towards Victorville.
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My California hikes
My home page
Copyright © 2004 by Bill Qualls.
Last updated May 15, 2004.
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