Since losing 20 pounds in the past 2 months, I have been challenging myself to do longer and harder hikes. The next challenge on my list was to bag Mt. San Antonio (aka Mt. Baldy) peak.
I was joined by 4 backpackers this past Saturday with the same goal of bagging Mt. Baldy. Our planned route was to take Manker Flats to the Ski Hut and finally to the peak. This one of the ways to Mt. Baldy, totaling around 4 miles with almost a 4000 ft. elevation gain (6100 ft. to 10,064 ft.). This is a short hike in comparison to the other 3 ways to the peak but this trail is just as challenging and strenuous.
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| Start of the trail. |
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| San Antonio Falls |
A short distance from San Antonio Falls, this is where the hike gets challenging. From here, it's all uphill.
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| Mt. Baldy Trail |
This trail was a great test for me. The elevation gain and incline was a good work out.
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| Ski Hut in sight...but still a ways to go. |
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| Oh switchbacks...how I love you ;) |
After a few more grueling switchbacks, we finally make to the
San Antonio Ski Hut. It was close this past weekend but you can actually rent this place and spend the night here.
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| Obligatory shot in front of the hut |
We stayed here for a bit to rest our legs and recover our energy. We still have another 2000 ft. climb ahead before we can fully rest.
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| Upwards we continue... |
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| The Baldy Bowl |
After another mile or so, we find a nice place to setup camp. We had amazing views of the city and we were looking forward to the views we would have at night.
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| My buddy enjoying front row seats to an amazing view |
We rest for a few minutes here and have some lunch. We needed the extra energy to complete our planned goal for this day. After an hour or so, we ready our day packs with water and
energy bars. Off we go to summit Mt. Baldy!
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| The switchbacks here are very slippery |
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| Each step brings us closer to our goal |
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| Last patch of snow near the peak |
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| Almost there! |
After suffering through the last of the climb, we approach the peak. Man, was I happy to see it. Getting here was an accomplishment for me. Just last year, I quit my hike to Idlehour because I thought it was hard...now this!
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| AHHHH...it's done, peaked officially bagged! |
We stayed at the peak and took a few photos and just sat around enjoying the view.
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| View of the backbone...next time I'll do this side. |
We soon hike back down to our camp to enjoy our accomplishments and have a well deserved dinner.
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| I love these shoes...Merrell Mix Masters |
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| It just doesn't get any better than this. |
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| City below us coming to light |
Tired and full, we head to bed to rest our achy bones. The following morning was quite bitter sweet...too fast and too soon, the weekend is over.
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| View of the sunrise from my tent |
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| Moon still visible at 5:30AM |
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| Till next time... |
What a wonderful way to spend a weekend. Accomplished a goal and had an awesome time doing it. Till the next adventure, thanks for tuning in.
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