Baldy Bowl Trail #7W02

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Adventure Pass required for parking at Manker Flat. Snow and ice can be present late in spring. Be prepared for dramatic changes in weather.

The trail starts along the Baldy Road #3N01 0.8 miles from Manker Flat. It climbs steeply on the east side of the canyon above San Antonio Falls with intermittent shade from oaks, Jeffrey pines and white fir. After 1.5 miles, it enters Baldy Bowl where the Sierra Club operates a ski lhut. There is a nearby spring which has nice wildflowers.

From the hut, the trail traverses west over a large slide area (the formation of the "bowl") then climbs to the top of a ridge directly south of Mt. San Antonio, aka "Mt. Baldy". The trail is less well defined as it climbs steeply north and there are multiple routes up the rocky ridge. They all lead to a saddle just below the summit. The last pitch is steep, but the trail surface is easier to follow. Be sure to look behind you when you reach the summit as there are multiple trails connecting there.

This trail is commonly chosen as part of a loop to Mt. Baldy. If you take this trail up to Mt. Baldy, be prepared for some arduous running and climbing.

Oaks, Jeffrey pines, sugar pines, lodgepole pines, white fir offer occasional shade. There are limber pines near the summit. Buckthorn, manzanita and chinquapin are the most common ground cover. Watch for bighorn sheep.