Devils backbone hike full#

Getting caught on the trail after dark is a recipe for bad times. If you’re starting later in the day, don’t forget to look at the sunset time. If you can do the hike on a weekday, you’ll encounter even less crowds. The later that you leave, the tougher it will be to park at Manker Flats. It’s one of the most popular hikes in LA. Leave early.ĭo the Mt Baldy hike as early as possible to avoid the crowds. I’ve also seen pictures of a line of hikers from this same perspective. When to Hike Mt Baldy I left early on this day and had the whole Devil’s Backbone section to myself, which is the best way to experience it. Mt Baldy is located in the new San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, as well as Angeles National Forest. It was named for the bald (treeless) face of the Baldy Bowl which is visible when you see the mountain from LA. Mt Baldy is also known by it’s official name of Mt San Antonio, but everyone just calls it Mt Baldy. Play your cards right and this could be you on the summit of Mt Baldy. There are a few ways to hike Mt Baldy, and this guide takes you on the most popular route. You can see from the Pacific to the Mojave on a clear day. With almost 4000 feet of climbing, it’s a tough yet popular hike, and well worth the effort. This 11 mile Mt Baldy hike brings you to the highest point in LA at 10,064 feet. Picking the Right Time To Hike Mt Baldy.Turn by Turn Hike Directions & Hike Video.The park is open from sunrise to sunset Monday through Sunday and the parking gate closes automatically at sunset.įor more information on Devil’s Backbone Open Space, go to Baldy Hike – FYI ➤ Huge REI Sale On Now

Devils backbone hike full#

Parking is free, however, the park is considered full when no more spaces are available. The open space area offers restrooms, water fountains for people and pups, a covered amphitheater area and a few picnic benches. Watch out if you are walking the edges of the trail and if you have to let someone pass, step off to the side of the trail, don’t walk off it.” While there are rocky areas, most of the trails are easy to maneuver for hikers, bikers and runners. “It’s just being aware and watching the sides of the trails. When it heats up later in the day, they go back into the brush,” she said. “One of the main things is that the earlier you are out and it’s cooler, that’s when the snakes are going to come out to sun themselves. (Tamara Markard/Staff Reporter)ĭevil’s Backbone is home to different types of wildlife - most notably rattlesnakes.īorland stresses that visitors stay on trails and not wander off into the brush where you are more likely to encounter the scaly creatures. “People need to make sure they have enough water for themselves and their dogs.” Pups are welcome to tag along on hikes but must be leashed at all times. “There are no shady spots on the trail, it’s a wide open foothills trail,” Borland said. Pets are welcome to accompany their owners, but must be leashed at all times and picked up after.Īs with any outdoor adventure, be sure to pack plenty of water and bring a hat and sunscreen. Trails are open to hiking, mountain biking, running, horseback riding, nature and wildlife viewing. It’s a good place to build up to bigger hikes.” I’ve seen people with young kids out on it, carrying a little one on their back. “It’s a quick hike and the scenery is beautiful. “This is probably one of my favorite hikes,” said Doug Lowery from Loveland. The hike to Keyhole is around 2 miles up and back, Borland added. “The main feature is the Keyhole which is a hole that has been eroded through the rocks and gives a view out to the mountains.” “You can go really big or you can go small,” she explained. While there are rocks and uneven areas, the trails are relatively simple and offer visitors the option to do one loop or multiple loops. The trail is one of the most popular sites for visitors, Borland said. Trail maps and information boards are located in the parking area along with restroom facilities and water fountains.