This was our (my son and I) second time up Baldy.  Beginning with a bit of mist and intermittent glimpses of the sun and sky, we were not prepared for what was to come.  Simply put, the conditions were more than tough, making a difficult hike quite a bit more challenging.

After traversing mist, then rain, then breezy winds unloading into real gusts, we got to the summit in time for snow and sustained winds strong enough to make the visit to the top a rapid affair.  One or two pictures and everyone decamped for more hospitable environs.

After too little debate, we decided to go ahead and finish the loop via devils backbone.  As we started down, rain and intermittent snow gave way to hail.  About .5 of a mile down, we found cover behind a rock to survey options.  The hail was blowing sideways with sustained winds that really were howling.  We decided to go ahead and finish, and continued the hike with brutal gusts, stinging hail and occasional – but impressive (and scary) claps of thunder.  As the hail let up, and started to slide towards slush, the trail became a little slick as well.

After a truly grueling hike down the backbone, we landed at the ski area in time for closing time, so the warming time was limited.  No worry, the last 3 miles were wet and a bit sloshy, but also a bit victorious.

Lessons were learned:  Foremost of which is, when Ranger Dan tells you to avoid the other route home, listen and honor the experience.  Another:  don't underestimate the weather, even in So. Cal.  Finally, in the end, danger on Baldy is real, especially for the occasional hiker such as myself.

We emerged chastened, more than a little damp, with our faces still stinging from the sideways blowing hail, and happy for having finished with mostly good stories.