We got to Manter Flat at 7:30 a.m. and the parking area was already pretty full.  The hike up to the peak via Baldy Bowl was very pleasant. It was windy at the peak, but we did manage to take a nice nap inside one of the wind shelters. We decided to do a loop and took the Devil's Backbone trail down.  I prefer this route because Baldy Bowl is short and steep (about 4000′ elevation gain in 4 miles).  It's better on your knees to go up this route and then down via Devil's Backbone.  Baldy Bowl is also a prettier trail than Devil's Backbone.  It is a lot more enjoyable going up a pretty route when I'm hiking at a slower pace, and then going down Devil's Backbone, when I can go faster.  The best reason of all is the celebratory drink at the Top of the Notch restaurant after conquering the peak.