Peaks · California

Mount Baldy, 10,064 feet

Mt. San Antonio, the tallest peak in the San Gabriels, right above Los Angeles. Here's the climb, what's on top, and the winter danger to respect.

Turn your Mount Baldy summit photo into a charm

A hiker standing with one foot on the metal summit plaque set on a stone base atop Mount Baldy, snowy ridge behind him — **Real Summit.** On the Mount Baldy summit plaque, the full photo as taken.

Mount Baldy at a glance

Summit elevation: 10,064 feet¹
Standing: The tallest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains²
Where: Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains National Monument^1,2
Baldy Bowl Trail: The Ski Hut route, about 4.5 miles one way with about 3,412 feet of climbing, rated strenuous. It starts on Falls Road just above Manker Flats Campground.²
Devils Backbone Trail: About 3.24 miles from Baldy Notch to the summit along an exposed ridge³
Parking and permits: A National Forest Adventure Pass is required to park in non-fee areas. No wilderness permit is needed for the summit routes.^1,4
Safety: Serious injuries and deaths have occurred on these trails. In winter, spring and even early summer the Devils Backbone takes experienced mountaineering skills, and the Forest Service closes the Baldy trails when snow and ice make them unsafe.^2,3,5

The summit plaque

The summit is marked by a dark metal plaque set flat on a low stone base, out in the open on Baldy's broad, rocky top. It sits low, so the classic pose is standing on or right behind it, like the hiker in the photo above.

Getting the summit photo

Stand on or just behind the plaque so it stays in the frame at your feet.
Have your photographer step back far enough to get you head to boots and the whole stone base.
Go early. Afternoon light and wind on top make for squinting, windblown shots.

Mount Baldy questions

Do you need a permit to hike Mount Baldy?

No wilderness permit is needed for the summit routes. The Forest Service requires a National Forest Adventure Pass to park in non-fee areas.

Which is the main trail up Mount Baldy?

The Baldy Bowl Trail, also called the Ski Hut route: about 4.5 miles one way with about 3,412 feet of climbing, starting just above Manker Flats. The Devils Backbone runs about 3.24 miles from Baldy Notch to the summit.

Is Mount Baldy dangerous in winter?

Yes. The Forest Service warns that serious injuries and deaths have occurred, and closes the Baldy trails when snow and ice make them unsafe.

Is Mount Baldy the same as Mt. San Antonio?

Yes. Mt. San Antonio is the official name, and Mount Baldy is what most hikers call it.

Carry your Mount Baldy summit

LA's big local summit, plaque at your feet and the city far below. However many times you trained on these trails, that summit photo is the one to keep. We cut it to your outline with the plaque kept in, so the top of the San Gabriels comes with you on every hike after.

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Sources

USDA Forest Service, Angeles National Forest, Recreation at Mt. Baldy.
USDA Forest Service, Angeles National Forest, Baldy Bowl Trail.
USDA Forest Service, Angeles National Forest, Devils Backbone Trail.
USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, Adventure Pass.
USDA Forest Service, Angeles National Forest, Mount Baldy trails closure, 2026.

Closures and pass rules change. Check the Angeles National Forest before you go, especially from fall through spring. Facts checked October 2026.