Manker Flats (Baldy) to Wrightwood

Hike Name: Manker Flats (Baldy) to Wrightwood Location: south CA Length: 14 Submitted by: Jeff Ferguson Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more California trail reviews California national parks California state parks
For more trail descriptions and topo maps, try a Free Trial Offer from Trails.com

Description
This very rigorous two day hike begins at the 6,200 foot elevation. The initial 4.2 mile stretch to the summit of Mount San Antonio (commonly called "Mt. Baldy") proceeds above the headwaters of the San Antonio river along a popular, moderately steep trail to the Sierra Club Ski Hut. The Ski Hut is a good spot to take a break and the last opportunity to top up on water at a year round spring before starting up a stretch of very rough, steep trail which switchbacks along the south edge of a south east facing bowl; eventually attaining and scrambling up the south ridge to "Baldy" summit at 10,064 feet (a vertical elevation change of about 3,860 feet). "Baldy" summit, the highest point in the San Gabriel Range, offers a spectacular 360 degree view taking in the inland valleys of Southern California, the rugged San Gabriel Range and the desert expanse to the north. Stone windbreaks at the summit offer the opportunity to take an extended break in relative comfort. From the summit a little used, though well marked, trail proceeds due north, plunging 1,400 feet over 1 mile to a small saddle between "Baldy" summit and Dawson Peak. This stretch of trail lacks what one might call a switchback and, at points, presents uncertain footings over areas which offer a poor chance of recovery in the event of a fall. While the trail may be negotiated without the aid of a rope, as is usually the case, hikers with limited experience should think carefully about the wisdom of traversing the San Gabriel range along this route, and all hikers should exercise caution. Those who do proceed will find the small saddle bounded to the east by a steep wooded area and the west by a precipitous slope; atop which our party enjoyed a memorable light show as the sunset faded over a spectacular view of the San Gabriel range. A few, small flat spots 15 to 30 feet east of the saddle provide an area in which party of six or so may sleep, offering a surprising degree of shelter from the prevailing westerly winds. During our stay everyone slept in relative comfort while temperatures descended into the teens and winds howled in the trees above. Apparently a natural eddy at the top of the saddle brought winds in the camp to something approximating a standstill. Continuing north from the saddle the trail once again scrambles with few switchbacks 900’ up to Dawson Peak. Some 200 to 300 yards after the crest a number of flat, apparently well sheltered areas along the trail offer another good camping opportunity. Thereafter the trail descends gradually into a second saddle between Dawson Peak and Pine Mountain. Somewhat surprisingly this saddle seems to offer little potential for camping due to a general lack of open, flat areas and less shelter from the wind. Another 500 foot scramble from this saddle to the peak of Pine Mountain is followed by a 1,400 foot descent which begins in moderate terrain and ends along another very exposed, hazardous ridge before reaching a dirt road which is part of the Pacific Crest Trail. The three miles of trail between the first saddle and the Pacific Crest Trail feel more like nine, but don’t be put off; the rigors are rewarded with spectacular views and an alpine hike along what feels like the rim of the world. After reaching the dirt road the hike moderates dramatically following the contour west for 1.6 miles at which point a Forest Service sign marks the head of Acorn Trail on the right. Over 2.7 miles this very well constructed and maintained trail drops 2,000 feet through a thick pine forest, ending at the bottom of an oak filled wash at the top of a residential area in the community of Wrightwood. Hiking about a mile downhill through the residential area brings you to the Angeles Crest Highway. Hiking a couple of blocks further east along the highway you come to Park Street along which we found at least one bar and grill which was happy to accommodate four rather dusty and scruffy backpackers while they waited for their ride home. Finally an important note about water. After the aforementioned spring at the Ski Hut there isn’t any, during any season, so be prepared to carry all the water you think you will need. We traversed the route in November with ambient daytime high temperatures around 65 degrees and I drank all but one half a liter of the 9 liters (about 2.4 gallons) I carried at the start of the trip (I’m a 6’2", 210 lb male). Almost half the water was consumed ascending "Mt. Baldy". After estimating your water needs be sure to account for the additional weight you will be hauling up to "Baldy" summit. This is a very rigorous and sometimes dangerous hike but for those who are prepared it offers considerable reward.

Directions to Hike
From Interstate 10 at Claremont go north 2.7 miles on Indian Hill Blvd to Baseline. Go east on Baseline three quarters of a mile to Mills Ave. Take Mills Ave north 1.1 miles past the fire station and go right on Baldy Road. Follow Baldy Road approximately 11 or 12 miles to Manker Flats (just beyond 8 sharp switchbacks). The trailhead is at the north end of Manker Flats beyond the campground and lodge on the west side of the road. The trail starts on a dirt road blocked by a locked pipe gate. The exit at Wrightwood may be accessed via the Angeles Crest Highway, which runs along the north edge of the community.

Contact Information
Mt. Baldy Ranger District
110 N. Wabash Ave.Glendora, CA 91740(626) 335-1251

submit a new trail review

---

About Our Reviews

Many people ask us to recommend a place to go hiking. Instead of us deciding what places are best, we let the backpacking community help out. The reviews on budget-travels-tips.com have been submitted by our viewers. Some reviews are positive and some are negative. If you don't agree with a review, feel free to submit your own trail review.