Saturday, June 6, 2026
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
This is a MODERATELY STRENUOUS hike
Approx. 6.6 miles / 2,362' elevation gain
Mt. Baldy (its official name is Mount San Antonio) and I go way back. Growing up in the San Gabriel valley, I could see it from home, assuming it wasn’t “smogged in.”
It is a massive rock, rising 10,064’ above sea level. It is the highest peak in Los Angeles County and the third highest in Southern California. By some estimates, it’s the seventh most climbed mountain in the world.
Most importantly, it is my favorite hike in the LA area.
In the mid-90s, I hiked Mt. Baldy for the first time with the OCLB chapter of the Great Outdoors. I was completely entranced with the mountain and have hiked it about a dozen times since. In my opinion, it’s the perfect combination of great scenery, the right amount of challenge and spectacular views.
We would very much like to share Mount Baldy with you.
We will hike to the summit via the easiest (least hard?) way possible, taking the ski lift both ways. This route is about 6.6 miles round trip with 2,362’ of elevation. We expect that it will take 4.5 to 5 hours with a lunch break and moderate pace. This route saves about 3 miles, 1500’ of elevation gain and at least two hours when compared to the “Ski Hut” route.
Anyone in moderately good shape can do this hike!
Of course, there is no such thing as a free lunch. In order to take this route, a round trip ticket for the ski lift is required at a cost of $40 plus $10 for ski lift parking.
If you prepay online, it's $35 plus $5 for parking.
Purchase discounted lift tickets and parking here!
We will start meeting at the outside patio of the Baldy Notch Restaurant at 10:00 AM, and begin the hike at 10:30 AM. This spine-tingling hike is along a ridge with steep drops. It is not for those who are afraid of heights. There are parts that some people find too frightening to continue, but it is not nearly as frightening as Half Dome in Yosemite or Angel's Landing in Zion.
If you don't want to spend the money for the chairlift, or if you want to bring your dog, you can hike up to Baldy Notch, but that will add 3 miles or so to the trip.
There are restrooms and snacks available for purchase at the lodge.
Where Do We Begin?
