There is no easy hike to Mt. Baldy.  There is just a comparatively easy hike among a myriad of significantly more strenuous options.  We chose this easier version for our weekly family and friends hike.  The hike begins by taking the ski lift up to Baldy Notch from the parking lot at the end of Mt. Baldy Road.  This eliminates over 1,500′ of gain over the next easiest way.

From Baldy Notch we took the Devil’s Backbone Trail to Mt. Baldy which gains a fairly steep 2,225′ over 3.2 miles.  The views are spectacular and descriptions and photos don’t capture what it feels like to walk and look out from the often precarious trail which has at some remarkable stretches drops of thousands of feet on both sides from a roughly four foot ridge.

Fortunately, we were treated to a crystal clear day.  Normally, the views of the Mojave Desert are clear.  However, to be able to see Catalina Island with reflections of the sun on the water is uncommon.

View toward Catalina Island from Mt. Baldy at 10,064′.

Going down the Devil’s Backbone Trail in the late afternoon provided many opportunities to enjoy the sun setting and casting reflections on the Pacific Ocean in the distance.

View toward the ocean from the Devil’s Backbone Trail

Using a tree to block the sun and allow me to enjoy looking at the Pacific Ocean.

As the sun went down and shade began to cover the trail, our focus turned toward making it down in time to eat at the restaurant.

After enjoying a festive meal celebrating the first Mt. Baldy summit for five of my companions we headed down the ski lift and enjoyed the last moments of sunlight and the lights coming on from the city below.