Hike Details:
DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Difficult
DISTANCE: ~ Between 12k – 19k (8-12 miles) (RT)
TIME: ~ 5-7 hours
ELEVATION GAIN: ~ 1,188m (3,900’)
(Not recommended for beginner hikers)
Where to Meet Up
– Find us around the trail head gateway at the Manker Flats parking area, across from the Manker Campground
Facilities:
– Restrooms can be found at the Trailhead.
Parking:
– In Google Maps:
Look up Manker Flat, California 91759
You’ll need to display a National Forest Adventure Pass (or an America the Beautiful Pass) when parking
Parking fills up early on the weekends. If the parking area is full, there’s usually roadside parking all the way up and down the road.
A large parking lot up by the ski lifts is usually wide open in the summertime. Park up there, and walk 10 minutes back down to the trailhead. (theres a secret hiker trail on the left that saves 5 mins… shhhh)
THE PLAN:
Plan for an awesome 6-7 hour event, with almost 4,000’ of elevation gain, Spectacular 360º views from the summit at 10,064′
Ascent Route:
– Ski Hut Trail (6000′) to the summit (10,064’)
Descent Route 1:
– Devils Backbone trail to “Top of the Notch” restaurant (7,800’) (the chair-lift down to the parking lot) Bring $10 for the chairlift.
Descent Route 2:
– Devils Backbone trail to “Top of the Notch” restaurant. Then walk 2 miles down the dirt service road back to the parking lot (2 miles)
Descent Route 3:
– Ski Hut Trail (out and back the way we came)
What to Bring
Gear List:
Layers:
– Wind jacket
– Beanie
– Light gloves
– Mid-layer (anything with long sleeves will work, just nothing too bulky)
– Extra pair of socks (light weight)
It might be windy and chilly at the summit.
Add or subtract layers as needed.
Footwear:
– Well broken in trail runners or lightweight hiking boots (Trail runners work well on this trail) – (sneakers are ok for this trail too)
– Light-weight to Mid-weight socks … (be familiar with the brand/style)
– Gators are ‘optional’ for the descent which can get loose and gravelly. Your choice.
– (NO BRAND NEW FOOTWEAR)
– Microspikes in the winter and shoulder seasons
Sun Protection:
– Hat (cap or wide brim hat) – Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
– Chapstick or Carmex
– Buff / Bandanna
– Sunglasses
Pocket Calories:
– Trail treats… Things that can fit in your pockets but won’t melt:
-Energy Gels
– Starburst
– Tic Tacs
– Whatever you bring on a race… bring that!
Clothing:
– Sports shirt (moisture wicking) … it will get sweaty
– Shorts (or convertible hiking pants)
Trekking Poles:
– Recommended – Not a requirement, but they really help.
Ice axe:
– winter treks only.
Crampons:
– Only if climbing the “Bowl” with heavy snow pack.
Avalanche Beacon:
– On snowy treks and if climbing the “Bowl” with heavy snow pack.
Pack List:
Capacity/Size:
– 13 liters to 18 liters will be fine. (Any larger will be overkill)
– A trail running vest also works if you want to go fast and light (just minimize contents to bare minumum)
Water:
– 1.5 liters
– Bring an EMPTY 1 liter bottle (like a Nalgene) or bladder (like a Platypus) which we will filter/fill at the spring half way up at the Ski Hut.
– Bring a FULL .5 liter (12oz bottle) or accessory bottle to drink along the way from the trailhead to the spring.
– A 32oz bottle of gatorade (full sugar) can take care of most your water and glucose needs. It’s just extra weight to bring from the bottom.
We will refill all the empty bottles at the spring and will carry the heaviest water load from there to the summit. This will give us enough for the complete descent regardless of our descent route.
Food:
– Bring a snack like an apple or a granola bar
– Bring a small lunch item like a wrap or sandwich
– (optional extras) like trail mix or cookies, something with high calories …. but keep it small
– Pack extra emergency glucose, like gels, glucose tabs, or candy that won’t melt in the heat.
Other Pack Essentials: (Just to be safe… )
– Headlamp
– Batteries
– Knife
– Tylenol
– Antacid
– Camera
– TP
– Glucose meter + strips
– CGM backup
– Emergency insulin (in cooling pack like a frio) either pen or vial+syringe
At least 1 person in the party should carry: – First Aid Kit (small)
– Blister Treatment
– Phone
– Charger+Cords
– GPS
– Map
– Emergency Blanket(s) – Water Filter
– Emergency glucose
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Other Notes:
Parking requires a National Forest Adventure Pass.
$5 for a day pass (these can be picked up at the Mt. Baldy Visitors Center in town)
$30 for an annual pass (these can be purchased on-line, in town at the visitors center, at REI, at Adventure 16, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and most sporting goods stores in southern California)
If you’re new to this mountain, it’s best to go with a guide or someone who is quite familiar with all of the trails. Lots of people get lost on these trails at all times of the year, and need rescue. Always be prepared to spend the night on the mountain. If unsure of the trail, ask people. Carry a map or GPS and be familiar with how to use them.
This is an alpine area and can be quite taxing even on the fittest of people. Altitude sickness can effect anyone at any any time at these elevations. If you are not feeling well on this hike, plan on bailing. Head down to lower elevations. Don’t worry, the mountain will be here next time.
On the weekends, Parking fills up pretty quick at the trailhead. If you arrive at the trailhead at 9am, you might be out of luck, however, theres usually more parking up the hill a bit further at the Baldy Ski Lifts. You just have to walk an extra 10 minutes downhill to the trailhead.
Theres a restroom at the trailhead, and at the Baldy Ski Lifts building
The Baldy Notch (“Top of the Notch” restaurant (7,800’) has a full bar with delicious cold beer on tap and in bottles, as well as a full restaurant to satisfy your post hike hunger and thirst. (they take credit cards too)
For more info or questions, email:
info@typeoneoutdoors.com
Other Stuff:
LNT:
We will be traveling in a protected national forest ecosystem, so we will practice Minimal Impact Principles.
Whatever we pack in, we will be packing out.
Feel free to bring an extra ZipLoc bag for litter.
Leave rocks, trees, wildlife undisturbed.
Just in Case:
At least 1 person in the party will carry:
– First Aid Kit
– Blister Treatment
– Phone
– Map
– Headlamps
– Emergency blanket
– Emergency glucose
For more info or questions: email:
info@typeoneoutdoors.com
