Well finally – after many months of talking about it, the lads were finally able to get together and conquer the fearsome Mount Baldy! What a cracking day to do it, the weather was bloody perfect. The hike to the summit took us a bit over 3 hours with a few stops to get our breath and take in the breathtaking views of the Angeles and Mojave Desert. For the lads it was their first time over 10,000ft.

We went via the fire road and up Devils Backbone. Which seemed to be the reserve route. It is longer (6.5 miles), but provides a more balanced way to the summit. We came down Baldy Bowl and if you are game, go up it, but for 3 miles less you still have the same elevation gain and it is an unrelenting slog. That being said, I might try it that way for the extra challenge.

If you are thinking of doing the hike, do it now – the weather is great and there is a little snow/ice (hardly any on the actual trail) for you to combat. I think if you wait until late May/June the heat with add an extra dynamic that some may not handle. Plus if you wait too long, you won't be able to take a dip at the San Antonio Falls on the way down. This is a hike I'd happily do again!

Even on a Monday there were still more people than we thought out on the trails – especially the Baldy Bowl route.

Onwards to San Gorgonio and Mount San Jacinto.