I was really nervous about Clibing Mount Baldy. I kept hearing horror stories of people having to be rescued or the fatalities that occurred recently. I built it up so much in my head that I had a fear for the infamous Devil’s Backbone. When I actually climbed it, the Devil’s Backbone turned out to be my favorite part of the entire hike!! I couldn’t believe it! It was so beautiful and not as scary as it’s made out to be. I started up the fire road passing the beautiful San Antonio Falls all the way up to the Notch then continued up the Devil’s Backbone to the peak. We then turned around and came back down the same way we went up. It was a beautiful clear day and no wind which made crossing some of steep & narrow trails a little bit easier.
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Responses
Congratulations, @jesskatmcd! The Devil’s Backbone sounds much worse than it is… when the trail is dry and the weather is good. Imagine it covered in snow and ice and it’s a whole different thing.
I looked and looked for some indication where this might be. I spent nearly my entire 65+ years in the Southwest USA and I have no idea where this is. There are a lot of Mounty Baldies and a few Devil’s Backbones. My gues is Utah. Was this a quiz or just bad writing.
Thanks @jeff it definitely has a reputation, especially in the winter. One of the girls turned back because of her fears. I’m so glad it didn’t get the best of me. So excited to take on the rest of the SoCal peaks.