-Mt. Baldy-

HPS: #14

Elevation: 10,064 ft.

Date Hiked: 3-21-2010

Trip Report:
Mt. Baldy is the highest point in Los Angeles also an HPS peak. Mt. Baldy is also considered one of the 3 big peaks in southern California. During the winter months there is excellent mountaineering in the Baldy Bowl, a large bowl like feature with numerous climbing routes. I had wanted to climb this route while there was still snow, this weekend turned out to be the perfect time.

The Baldy Bowl

I arrived at Manker Flats Friday night and slept in my car. I did not want to make the 2 hour drive in the morning. I was going to hike solo but when I work up around 6 AM there were three guys parked next to me. I got up and asked if I could tag along with them. They said that was fine. There names were Micah, Travis and Todd. We left around 6:45 and made our way up the road to the Ski Hut trail. This is an easy trail to miss if you are not paying attention. There is an old metal register a few yard up the trail, this way you know you are on the right path. As we hiked up the trail we finally got our first view of the Baldy Bowl.

Our First View of the Baldy Bowl

The majority of the trail up to the ski hut was snow free and in a few weeks it will completely be snow free. The views opened up as we made our way up.

The Baldy Bowl

Not to long after we started the hut came into view. The last half mile or so was still snow covered.

The Ski Hut

We stopped at the ski hut and took some time to gear up for the bowl. We also ate and hydrated. I took some time to admire the views of the snow covered mountains around us. After everyone was ready we left for our climb up the bowl. I was looking forward to this climb and was curious to see which couloir we would choose. We decided to follow two people who were already halfway up the bowl. They chose a spot in the center of the bowl.

Thunder Mountain and Onterio Peak from the Bottom of the Bowl

As we made our way up many other people began their climb. I was glad we were one of the first groups to leave because the snow was already beginning to get soft and throw rocks down the bowl. A couple of times we had to let the people below us know rocks were flying down the bowl.

People Heading Up the Bowl

View up the Bowl

Getting Closer

The climb up the bowl was difficult. It was very hot in the bowl and I was glad I did not wear my snow pants. Eventually the top came into view. The view from the top was great. I could see many HPS peaks in the surrounding areas.

Top of the Bowl

Santiago and Modjeska Peaks in Orange County

Victorville and the Saddle Between Mt. Harwood and Mt. Baldy

West Baldy

We took a break at the top of the couloir and enjoyed the views. We also ate and took some photos. From the top of the couloir it was only a short distance to the summit. The most difficult part was over. We made our way over a gradual incline in which the trees disappeared and there was only snow.

The Final Slope to the Summit

Almost There

We summited around noon taking 5 hours and 15 minutes from the trailhead. The views from the summit were good but it was a hazy day so unfortunately we could not see the Sierra.

Mt. Baden-Powell from the Summit

Mt. Baden-Powell ver. II

West Baldy from the Summit

My Summit Shot

Cajon Pass from the Summit

We stayed on the summit for about a half hour and talked with the other people on top. We decided to descend the standard route which goes west around the top of the bowl and then down to the ski hut. As we traversed across the bowl we saw a few skiers going to down various chutes into the bowl.

Skiers

A few of the couloirs were steep near the top. One in particular, which was very steep, had boot prints in which someone had climbed.

Boot Prints

Mt. Harwood

Interesting Tree

Interesting Tree Black and White

The Baldy Bowl Black and White

When we got to the West end of the Baldy Bowl we decided to glassade down to the bottom of the bowl. In only a few minutes we were down to the bottom. I can see why this is so popular here.

Our Glassade Tracks

Overall this was a great first trip to Mt. Baldy. I want to come back in the future and hike the other HPS peaks in the area as well.