Personally, the hike wasn't as bad as I'd anticipate – still quite the challenge though. It was my first-of-the-season hike after months of hiatus – not bad if I say so myself! My body was definitely feeling it the next day though. Couldn't get out of bed, lol.

Overall, pretty well-marked trail. If you plan on taking the Sky Hut trail…be sure to not miss that tiny spur road to the left! It's faint but is an obvious trail with a small sign signaling the start of the Baldy Bowl Trail. It's 0.3 mi after you pass the waterfalls. If you find yourself climbing up the fire road for more than that then you are on the Devil's Backbone instead.

After that, the trail is pretty straightforward. You're making a relentless climb to the top – bring a windbreaker, it gets windy!