Baldy Bowl Trail
Portions of this trail are may be covered in snow at most times of the year depending upon how much snow was received over the winter.
Hiking at high elevations (Mt Baldy, Ice House Canyon, Mt. Islip, etc.) in winter/spring/and even through mid-summer requires experienced mountaineering skills and is not recommended for those unprepared for extreme conditions that can change very quickly.
The weather might be warm at the start of your hike, but there could still be winter-like conditions on taller peaks in the mountains ahead of you.
Consider both your safety and the safety of rescuers.
At a Glance:
Distance: 4.5 miles (One-way)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Total Climbing: 3,412 feet
Highest Elevation: 9,992 feet
What to Expect
The Baldy Bowl Trail - Ski Hut delivers the fastest route to the summit of Mt. Baldy (Mt. San Antonio) without using a ski-lift. Hikers can expect an aggressive climb, gaining elevation quickly, but will be rewarded with views of San Antonio Falls and a ten thousand foot 360-degree view from the San Gabriel's tallest peak.
Starts on Falls Road, about 0.25 milee north of Manker Flats Campground, hikers will traverse the southwest side of Mt. Baldy passing San Antonio Falls a half-mile in. After 2.6 miles of hiking, hikers will reach the halfway point of their hike upon reaching the Sierra Club Ski Hut.
From the hut, the easiest part of the trail manifests west over a large slide area (the formation of the "bowl") lined with large boulders and easier elevation gain till hikers reach a ridge just south of the summit. It's straight-up from there! A two-thirds of a mile unapologetic 550-foot climb to the summit lies ahead until the summit is reached.
Activities
Day Hiking
Alerts & Warnings
- Additional Fire Restrictions: Region-wide (English, EspaƱol) thru May 29, 2025
- NEW! Office & Visitor Center Updates - Need Info or Passes?
- Frenchman Fire Closures
- Updated Closures of the Bridge Fire Area could affect Your Forest Visit!
- EXTREME Fire Danger Level
- Forest Service Road Closures
- Closure: West Fork Road closed to recreationists on weekdays thru Dec. 1, 2024
- Planning to Camp? (Stay Limits/Dispersed Camping Restrictions) til Dec. 15, 2024