Mount Baldy, also known as Mount San Antonio, is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains, standing at 10,069 feet and located northeast of Los Angeles.
This iconic, often snow-capped mountain provides a stunning backdrop to the Los Angeles skyline and can be seen from both Orange and San Bernardino counties.
Mount Baldy is a popular destination for winter sports and outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from hiking trails to skiing, tubing, and cozy cabin rentals.
The first chairlift ride to the Top of the Notch offers a scenic, 15-minute journey with spectacular views—a perfect start to a snowy adventure or a sightseeing excursion.
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Scenic Chairlift Ride
The Sugar Pine chairlift transports visitors from the parking lot to the Top of the Notch, offering breathtaking views of the canyon and the valley beyond. The 15-minute ride offers a bird's-eye view that feels especially magical during winter when snow covers the landscape.
Operating year-round, the chairlift provides easy access to both summer hikes and winter activities. Ticket prices range from $20 to $30, depending on the day of the week.
Traveler Tip: During peak season, chairlift tickets can sell out, especially on weekends. Purchase tickets online in advance to secure your spot.
Mount Baldy Lodge and Restaurant
The Mount Baldy Lodge offers six rustic cabins for rent, perfect for a mountain getaway. The lodge grounds feature a swimming pool, sand volleyball court, basketball, cornhole, ping pong, and horseshoe courts for summer fun.
The lodge’s restaurant serves American pub-style cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. It features pool tables and a full bar. Guests can also dine on the patio, enjoying panoramic views of the San Gabriel Valley.
Adjacent to the lodge, visitors will find a well-equipped ski rental shop. Booking rentals along with chairlift tickets is highly recommended during high-demand seasons.
Interesting Fact: The Mount Baldy Lodge has been welcoming guests since 1937, making it a long-standing retreat for nature lovers.
Snow Play
Mount Baldy is one of Southern California's top spots for snow play. It offers tubing and family-friendly winter activities. A 15-minute chairlift ride brings visitors directly to the tubing park.
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A full-day snow play ticket, which includes round-trip access via chairlift, costs around $79, though prices may vary depending on the day.
Traveler Tip: Snow play tickets are popular, especially on weekends. To avoid disappointment, book online ahead of time.
Skiing
Mount Baldy's ski resort is known for offering an affordable skiing experience. Its variety of runs appeals to both beginners and experienced skiers. All-day chairlift tickets are available, generally ranging from $60 to $90.
The resort spans over 4,000 acres of skiable terrain, with 26 runs across three mountains, serviced by four chairlifts. Skiers can enjoy everything from gentle slopes to challenging runs.
Group skiing and snowboarding lessons are available daily, though it's best to check with the resort for current packages.
Interesting Fact: Mount Baldy's vertical drop from the summit to the base is 2,100 feet, one of the longest in the United States.
Hiking to the Summit
The Devil's Backbone trail is the most popular route to Mount Baldy's summit. This route offers breathtaking views, and on a clear day, hikers can see all the way from the Pacific Ocean to the desert.
Many hikers start from the Top of the Notch, accessible via the Sugar Pine chairlift. For a more strenuous experience, begin from Manker Campground, following the service road.
Warning: Hiking the trail in snowy conditions can be dangerous. Be sure to check the Mt Baldy weather report before embarking on your journey.
The hike to the summit is about 3.5 miles one way and involves an elevation gain of approximately 2,200 feet.
For a detailed hiking guide, visit hikingguy.com. The guide offers an alternative return route bypassing the ski area, or you can retrace your steps.