Chasing Winter Sunsets
While crowds of Black Friday Shoppers were congesting the outlets and malls, we were chasing Winter.
We hiked up Mt Baldy to see the sunset from the San Gabriel Mountains.
Ski Lift Up
I normally don’t take the ski lift up, but I can’t resist the thrill of riding up when it’s snowing.
Some people might consider this cheating, but our concern today wasn’t mileage but having fun.
So, if you’re more interested in enjoying the most scenic parts of the trail and mountain, you can ride up and only have three miles left to the summit.
The lift only seats two, so you might be the third wheel who doesn’t get to be in Rodolfo’s selfie.
The Top of The Notch
The Lift drops you off right next to the Top of the Notch Restaurant, and already it was beginning to feel like winter.
Devil’s Backbone Trail
The first time I hiked this portion in Winter, I was definitely concerned about slipping off the mountain at it’s narrowest points.
Proceed with caution.
Still, the hike isn’t that technical and offers views and experiences that could seem otherworldly for drought stricken Californian’s.
I was freezing at parts, which was still more enjoyable than yet another heatwave this year.
The Views
On the trail, there are multiple views at almost any moment whether you look forward or back or side to side.
The Peak
Last year, I was able to go on a training run to the summit with Endurance Athlete JP Sakamoto.
The highest point of the San Gabriel Mountains, Mt Baldy is 10,068 ft of elevation and is the highest point in LA County.
Be advised, it gets cold and windy up there.
The Descent
As we descended down, the sky changed colors and you could see the sun’s rays in the valley.
Done for the day, we headed down with the sun setting to our west.
Conclusion
This hike is quickly becoming one of my new favorites.
It’s easily accessible yet diverse in terms of scenery and difficulty.
If you’re looking for strenuous, you could try the ski hut lodge trail. Or, you could always simply take the scenic lift up the mountain for a more moderate hike.
Either way, be safe and enjoy!
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Click Here to view our Winter Hiking Bryce Canyon
Click Here to view our Winter Hiking in Zion Post
