Man what a hike! This was my first time up Mount Baldy and it did not disappoint. I had hiked Cucamonga Peak the day before and then camped overnight at Manker Flats. I packed up camp around 5:30am, and it was actually already light out, which was nice. I think my lungs appreciated spending the night at 6,000 feet, as I live at sea level in San Diego and hiking to high elevation is a BIG difference.

I decided to hike to Baldy Notch and up Devil's Backbone and then down Baldybowl trail. I don't know if the other way would have been better, but I enjoyed it all. The way down was very rocky and gravely and I slipped a couple times. My legs were toast by the end. The peak was FRIGID and super windy and I was thankful for the wind breaks up there. But the sun was shining and warm and I was able to warm up out of the wind.

I started around 6:30a and finished by 12:30! So a nice 6 hour hike, finishing up a little faster than I expected. I was back home in SD before rush hour hit. 🙂 That was peak number 6 for me!! Proud of myself.