Considering a Mount Baldy hike? But overwhelmed by how to approach it? We completely understand. When researching this hike, I found plenty of trail maps but no comprehensive rundown on what to expect or just how long it would take. Mount Baldy has been on my to do list ever since my husband Kevin and I moved to Los Angeles. But it always seemed to get pushed off — due to bad weather, brush fires in the area… someone sleeping in! Umm, I won’t name names (but his name rhymes with Bevin)!
Finally, after years of excuses (often ending with, “wanna just hike Runyon?”), we finally accomplished it. And needless to say, this hike is no Runyon Canyon! Mount Baldy towers at 10,064 feet tall, making it the tallest mountain in Los Angeles county (and the highest in the San Gabriel Mountains).
With that said, hiking Mount Baldy is totally doable and most people (in relatively descent shape) will be fine. There are several trails to reach the peak. We loved the route we mapped out, which leans more towards the casual hiker versus the hardcore mountain men (not us!). It’s far from easy — a 6.5 mile roundtrip hike from the Top of the Notch Restaurant to the Mount Baldy peak and back.
Some people suggest starting at the base of the mountain. That’s great if you have all day. But for those who want to get back for a night out, this is the one for you. We took the ski lift, which cuts off roughly 7.7 miles roundtrip between the base of the mountain and the Top of the Notch Restaurant. The restaurant is where you’ll begin your hike. It even has cold beer on tap. Resist! Resist! At least until you’ve finished the hike. You’ll thank us later.
Below is our full itinerary, outlining the time it will take on each section, what to expect and photos of the terrain including the infamous Devil’s Backbone — a narrow section with shear drops on both sides at certain points. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds if you take your time. But first thing first…
Where is Mount Baldy Hike? And How Do I Get There?
If you’re coming from Los Angeles, you’ll need to plan out your day and wake up early. We planned to leave at 7 AM. But the kids slowed us down. I know, blame it on the kids. But between feedings and diaper changes, the time just slipped away. Now that we’re dads, I have a whole new understanding.
We eventually got out the door by 9 AM. It took us about 1.5 hours to drive to the Mount Baldy ski lift parking lot. It was a Saturday so traffic was light. The parking lot is just $5, or you can save a little by parking just below the lot. It adds about an additional 5 minute walk. We parked below (mainly since my Google Maps got off and I was nervous we missed the lot).
It’s a relatively quick and easy ride from LA, zipping on the freeways until the exit just after Claremont, Calf. Load up Google Maps before exiting, since cell reception is spotty as you climb higher into the mountains (at least with AT&T). Take it easy on these roads. There are more twists and turns than a roller coaster.
When Is the Best Time of Year to do a Mount Baldy Hike? And Do I Need Any Special Equipment?
I can’t tell you how many people commented on how “impressed” they were with our minimal supplies. Or thought we were clueless. Maybe a little bit of both? In any case, this hike doesn’t require any special equipment if you go in the summer. We wore regular workout clothes, sneakers and had a backpack with water. This is a strenuous hike and you should have at least 2 liters of water per person.
One thing we should have brought? Hiking poles. We were in the midst of moving to a new home, and I couldn’t find them. I thought, oh well, who needs poles? Given the steep incline, the poles would have been helpful for both balance and protecting the joints. If you don’t have hiking poles, you’ll still make it (and probably just fall a few times on the way down like us!). Regarding the time of year to hike Mount Baldy, stick to the summer months (late May through September) and always check the conditions. This is NOT a hike to do for the inexperienced hiker in the winter especially, when there is ice or snow.
Arrival: Mount Baldy Hike
The parking lot for the Mt. Baldy ski lift is well marked. After driving the twisty roads, we eventually arrived at 10:30 AM and found no shortage of parking. There is a tiny shop at the base of the ski lift where you can buy your ski lift tickets, snacks and water. You’ll also find bathrooms here. There is even wifi!
You can buy your ski lift tickets online at a discounted price ($20 per person), or purchase them upon arrival ($30 per person). Insider tip, if military or former military, ask about their discount.
The total ride time up is about 20 minutes. We personally enjoyed watching the hikers below us, huffing and puffing up that first part. It was weirdly gratifying to pass them. Kevin couldn’t help but point out every person who looked exhausted. Soon enough, we’d join them in their pain!
Arrival: Top of the Notch, Where You’ll Begin Your Mount Baldy Hike
The ski lift dropped us off at Top of the Notch Restaurant around 11 AM. This is the start of your hike. We recommend eating here on the way back. If you’re like us, food will help motivate you to get back. While this is the “easier” version of the Mount Baldy hike, the climb is no walk in the park. We were truly exhausted at the end. So feel free to quickly check out the spot, snap some photos and follow the path towards the Mt Baldy summit. The trail is just behind the restaurant. If you get lost, just ask some other hikers who will point you in the right direction.
In total, the hike will take you anywhere from 3 to 5 hours to do roundtrip from Top of the Notch. We kept a quick and steady pace, and managed to do the entire trip just under 3 hours with a few stops to catch our breath along the way.
The Climb Up Mt Baldy: In One Word, Steep
Be sure to apply sunscreen (and re-apply since you’ll likely sweat it off). Kevin and I forgot to put it on and both got terribly sunburned. Do it right, and avoid the wrinkles later we say. The hike starts with a mild incline, which will get your heart pumping. Just when you have your pace down, it gets a lot steeper (you’ve been warned).
We chatted with other climbers along the way — and heard a wide range of perspectives on just how long it will take to get up. One guy, who was already on his second loop for the day (show off!), said it took him just about 1 hour to reach the peak. Another person told us it took her about 2.5 hours to reach the top. We clocked in at about 1 hour, 20 minutes on the way up. If you’re tired, take a break. Oh, and don’t forget to look around and take in the scenery.
Devil’s Backbone: Is It As Scary As it Sounds?
About midway to the top, you’ll reach a sign with the ominous name “Devil’s Backbone.” This part of the trail should be taken carefully. If you’re afraid of heights, you’ll be tested. Kevin hates heights, so I was a little nervous how he’d handle it. But it wasn’t too bad. Between the exhaustion, and pain, I think he didn’t have time to worry about the steep drops ending in death. At certain points, the trail gets pretty narrow. Like any risky activity, take your time and don’t rush it. It took us about 45 minutes to get through this portion to the peak.
As you make your way along the Devil’s Backbone, you’ll occasionally pass through wooded sections. We suggest taking a break and grabbing some water in the shade. Hydration is key, especially as you make your way to the final stretch up the peak.
The Final Push: Reaching the Mount Baldy Peak
The final stretch is a doozy. The last part involves a series of switchbacks along the loose rock trail. This is where you need to be pretty careful, especially if you didn’t bring your hiking poles and wore tennis shoes.
Just as you reach the top, psych… It’s a false summit. Kevin and I took a break for a good 10 minutes. There is a trail marker (that looks like a pole) at this point. You could take a break or just power on through. You are about 30 seconds from the real summit. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of the desert stretching in all directions.
We arrived at the top around 12:30 PM. On the weekend during the summer, the peak will likely be packed with other hikers. I love that there is even a photo opp (sign and all) for those Instagram shots. Yep, only in California!
What Goes Up, Must Come Down: Making Our Way Back to Top of the Notch
The hike took us 1 hour 20 minutes to get to the top. And we spent about 15 minutes at the top taking photos. The return trip to Top of the Notch Restaurant took us also 1 hour and 20 minutes. Normally, it’s quicker on the way down but not on this hike. This is due mostly to the gravel and steep inclines, which slow you down. We both took turns landing on our butts even with our snail-like pace. With that said, the return seemed to go so much faster. You’ll work up an appetite by the time you get back to Top of The Notch around 2:30 PM if following this itinerary. Perfect timing!
Wrapping Up Your Mount Baldy Hike: Lunch at Top of the Notch
The menu is pretty simple at Top of the Notch. The restaurant is open both for breakfast and lunch. The food isn’t gourmet. But after a hike like this, honestly, anything would have tasted good.
While inside, be sure to check out the cool chandelier made out of actual skis.
Kevin and I made our way outside, and grabbed a table with a view. There isn’t a bad seat.
The restaurant has a wide range of beverage options, including beer. But we stuck to PowerAid, knowing that we were completely dehydrated and still had to ride the ski lift back down the mountain. We’re such lightweights!
We stayed at the restaurant until about 4 PM, taking it all in. But all good things must come to an end. We headed back to the ski lift for the final 20 minute stretch. And if we were happy to skip the last portion of the hike before, you wouldn’t believe our happiness now. We were exhausted and even walking back to the car seemed taxing!
We arrived back to the base of the mountain at around 4:30 PM, and made our way back to LA. Was it worth it? You better believe it. This was one of our favorite hikes we’ve done in the LA area. What’s not to love about a hike with a restaurant and ride included? Best of all, we made it back to LA just in time for a hot date out. Or in our case, a hot date on the couch and falling asleep at 9:30 PM. Oh well, we were just grateful to get any rest now that we’re parents. We take what we can get!
Looking for other unique ideas for things to do in Southern California? Check our hike to the secret swings in Malibu, perfect for a date. Speaking of date ideas, you won’t want to miss this Malibu mystery picnic, where you’ll solve clues to find our next picnic basket item. Finally, if you are looking for more hikes check out our section about our top picks.
