E Bondus from UNITED STATES writes:

My Baldy is a great 10-12 mi hike, gaining 4000’, summit above 10K’. Only caution is watch the weather for rain, lightning or snow. Snow in winter month can cause deceptive cornices on the Devils Backbone trail section & have led to several deaths/year. Other snow covered slopes present risks, some deadly as well.
Allow 5-8 hours round trip from Mankers Flats campground area, including a short lunch/rest up top.
There are two main routes;
#1 is up and down the Sierra Club Ski Hut route thru Baldy Bowl.
#2 is a loop route up dirt road to Top of ski lifts, then over Devils Backbone to summit, then down Sierra Club Ski Hut trail.
Carry water as supply is sketchy on trail; try lodge at top of ski lifts, or Ski Hut if open, or creek under hut.
Remember 4000’ altitude change will give 15-20’ cooler weather up top plus winds so maybe a shell?
Have fun, take a picture, be safe

2020-05-17