Mt. San Antonio (Mt. Baldy) via the Ski Hut Trail

Mt. San Antonio, or Mt. Baldy as it is known locally, is one of the cans of the challenging "six-pack of peaks" in Southern California.

For this one, start before the Manker campground and head up the fire road. This is known as the "Baldy Bowl or Ski-Hut Trail". You'll see some cabins on your left and will approach a steadily flowing, spring-fed waterfall. Take the turn, and then hit the dirt road, and turn left to go up the Sierra Club Ski-Hut Trail. Keep going up, and break at the hut for lunch. After your break, strike out and walk across the trail to another ascent, and walk up the switchbacks and towards the next ridge and keep going up.

There are a few slightly different routes you can take to get to the top (some shorter/ some longer) as well as jumping on the ski lifts to cut the elevation gain and mileage significantly, so know your limits and what you can handle. Note, this hike, because of its strenuousness and altitude, are not good for people who get altitude sick in airplanes, or who have anxiety. These two factors could cause significant delay to your trip and may create a dangerous situation for everyone.

Once you get to the top, catch your breath, as the view will take it away, and head down the Devil's Backbone to the ski lifts and lodge. At the lodge, you can replenish your water and rest your feet and either take the lifts down, or walk down another mile or so.

When you descend you head eastward and take the Devil's Backbone trail and across a semi-sketchy ridge known as the Baldy Notch. Past this is a dirt road (next to the ski lift) that will take all the way back down passing San Antonio Falls and back to the trailhead.