Ascent via the Notch and Devil's Backbone; descent via Baldy Bowl passing the ski hut, for a total of 5 hrs 45 min. It was a stunning hike overlooking a sea of clouds that completely covered the LA Basin – I felt like I was looking down from an airplane.

We arrived at the Manker Flats trailhead at 6:45 am and the cars were already stretching down the road. Trail conditions were good, with only a little snow that one could easily step around. It was very windy and cold at the top (mountain-forecast.com said wind chill around 30 degrees), and not particularly tranquil with a large number of people, so we did not spend very long relaxing before heading back.

Baldy Bowl is very steep, with lots of loose soil. The descent was actually slower than the climb up. I did not have poles, but I ordered some when I got home! If you prefer a gentler descent, go down Devil's Backbone.

This was my first time hiking Baldy and I will definitely do it again!