6hrs 43min 19sec. Total mileage came out to be 10 miles for us. Every blog and everyone we spoke to warned us about getting lost so Marlon printed out Hiker Guy's instruction from his website.
Driving to Manker campground, it was drizzling which had us worried because we didn't prepare for rain. Fortunately, it cleared up for us. We debated whether to use the lift or not and decided that we'll take it on the way back since it's very likely that we'll be tired.
Started to climb around 6:45am. We stopped at the Notch to have some breakfast before attempting Devil's Backbone. After leaving the restaurant, we took the trail on the right leading us to a very steep climb. During that climb we came to find out there was an easier shortcut. What's done is done. We were committed to this climb. After what seemed to be forever, we summited. Marlon made a banner for this challenge so we signed it and took pictures.
The idea was that after we summited, we would go back down Devil's Backbone and get couple of beer to celebrate and then take the lift. However, plans changed (as always). At the peak, for whatever reason (probably the low oxygen), we decided to take a different route, the ski hut trail.
Ski hut trail was very rocky, sandy, and slide-y. Half way through we regretted not going back to the Notch for hard earned beers. Working through the knee pain, we finally finished the hike!
Overall, this hike wasn't too bad. I think the next time, I'll go on Devil's Backbone and back for a pint of beer.
Responses
Saw you up there as I took my peak photo a couple minutes after you. Great job. I have never been down Ski hut trail and after all I hear about it doubt I will. Going down Deveil’s backbone has the advantage of the beers at Top of the Notch.
Lesson learned on my part!
Onto San Bernardino Peak next month for us! It seems there won’t be a nice break on that mountain like Mt. Baldy or Mt. Wilson. Let’s see how we survive.