Hiking Recommendation | Guide to Summiting Mt Baldy, LA's Highest Peak

🏔️Mt Baldy (also known as Mt San Antonio) is located in the San Gabriel Mountains to the north of Los Angeles. With an elevation of 3,068 meters (10,066 feet), it's the tallest peak in Los Angeles County. It offers a certain level of challenge and is a must - hike trail for hiking enthusiasts! There are several routes to reach the summit here. We chose the Mount San Antonio and Mount Baldy Notch Trail (heading up in a clockwise direction). 📈Basic Trail Info: It's a loop trail with a total length of 10 miles and an elevation gain of about 4,000 feet. It's classified as a hard - difficulty trail. It usually takes around 8 hours to reach the summit. Clockwise 🆚 Counter - clockwise ❓ The left - hand section of this trail is relatively steeper, while the right - hand section is more gradual and has a gondola. All Trails suggests going up counter - clockwise. But from my experience, going down a very steep slope can cause significant damage to the knees 🦵. I'd rather save the less steep section for the descent. Also, considering that your legs might be in a lot of pain during the descent, you can opt for the gondola 🚡. So, we chose to go up from the left side in a clockwise direction and come down the right side (and took the gondola 🚠). 🧗The Ascent (Clockwise): The first 1,800 feet of elevation gain is relatively easy. The second half, however, involves a steep climb. The slope is very steep, with some sections almost at a 50 - degree incline, making it quite strenuous. 🚠The Descent: The descent also has a steep slope. There are two sections of the gondola, but in summer, only the second section is open. We chose to take the gondola for the last part of the descent 😅. 🏡Basic Facilities: There's a shelter called the San Antonio Ski Hut along the way where you can take a rest. At the end of the first gondola section, there's a restaurant where you can buy an icy cola 🥤! 🚾Toilet Issues: There are hardly any toilets along the trail. You know what I mean 😂. The only one is in the aforementioned restaurant. 🍗Supplies to Prepare: Hiking poles, hiking boots, a hat 🧢, sunscreen, water, and lunch 🍱. 🗻Scenery: As it's the highest peak in Los Angeles, you can get a panoramic view of the entire Los Angeles County! For friends who love outdoor hiking, this should be a classic must - hike trail in LA! 📶Other Precautions: Download an offline map in advance. I recommend All Trails 〽️. #LAOffTheBeatenPathSpots #USTravelGuide #HikeEveryWeek 🏟😅