Hike Log

Side Trip

Philip August 2, 2025

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Trailhead Manker Flat

Type of hike Day hike

Trail conditions Trail in good condition

Road Road suitable for all vehicles

Bugs No Bugs

Snow Snow free

8/2 Mount Baldy via Ski Hut, 8.9 miles, 4,019 feet in elevation gain

Headed up to Manker Flat this morning to climb Mount Baldy via the Ski Hut. I got there early and started early. There were several dozen vehicles at the trailhead, yet on my ascent and at the summit, I only saw a handful of hikers.

My original plan was to summit via Ski Hut and come down via the Devil’s Backbone. I decided as I was approaching the summit that, due to the expected heat and the exposure on the Backbone Trail, I would head back down the same route I climbed up. I can handle the heat and exposure, but just didn’t want to deal with it today. Great choice!

Descending via the Ski Hut allowed me to see several dozen hikers as they were attempting their summit and I even took a side trip to San Antonio Falls and soaked my feet for a few minutes. Something I hadn’t done since my first Baldy Summit about 9 years ago. This turned into a very relaxing day for me. ????