We (Jennifer and I) started early, about 5:45, to beat the heat. We took the Baldy Bowl Trail up , passing the ski hut. I was feeling very good and energetic, glad we started early. The trail was steep, and got even steeper after the ski hut. It was quite a workout for the glutes and thighs so I was glad that I was in shape. When we reached the top we found that Mt. Baldy is indeed bald. No shade at all. It was around 10:30 , we ate our lunch as we rested our feet, then about 11:30 we started down Devils Backbone Trail. It was getting hotter and there wasn’t as much shade on that trail. We were a bit surprised at how many people were going up as we were on our way down. It was a toasty day! We were surprised to smell food as we approached Baldy Notch. There’s a restaurant up there! Top of the Notch restaurant. Restrooms with flushy toilets a water filling station and everything! We weren’t hungry yet , but with Jen’s knee bothering her and the hot dirt road descent looming ahead, we decided to take the ski lift down to shorten our hike a bit. What fun that was! I must say, this was a great day. Lots of fun!