Mt. Baldy via the Baldy Bowl Trail will kick your butt! Make no mistake, going up your going to wish you ate your Wheaties in the morning and going down will make your knees go Snap! Crackle! Pop! I opted for going up the Bowl Trail, as I knew going back down the Devil’s Backbone Trail would be much easier on the knees. That hike up is a good one, so get plenty of sleep the night before.

I started at Manker Flats just a little before 6 am and there were already a fair number of cars at the trailhead. It was the air was cool, so I was happy that the majority of the hike was going to be pleasant. Even when the sun did come out, it stayed relatively cool and even my hands were cold until shortly reaching the top.

Reaching the top at 9am got me there a bit before the village of people arrived and so I was able to eat my early trail lunch with some peace. Even though there was little to no wind, I sat inside one of those rock wind breaks and ate and listened to nature and the sounds of the excited hikers as they summited.

Being at the top of a mountain is kind of a spiritual experience for me. Maybe it’s because the air is thinner. Maybe it’s because we are a little closer to our God. Or maybe it’s a realization of how small and insignificant we are in comparison to “everything” when looking out at the world below us. Perspective.

After my lunch, I went over to just below the northeast side of the peak. The view is breathtaking and there is still some ice and snow on that side. You are now far enough away from the gathering crowd at the peak, so you can enjoy some quiet reflection before heading back down.

The Devil’s Backbone Trail is definitely the way to go down. There are some awesome panoramic views on either side of you as you head down that ridge. And like I said earlier, not nearly as painful on the knees. Bare in mind the DB trail does extend the hike a bit more than if you were to go back down the Bowl, but that view and less pain is worth it. Another great day and another 6POP completed!

This Mt. Baldy hike is dedicated to all the follicly challenged role models in my life, especially my dad and my grandpa.