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Baldy Bowl

Mod. Snow, Trad, Snow, 2200 ft (667 m),  Avg: 3 from 48 votes
FA: unknown
California > Los Angeles Basin > Angeles Nationa… > Mt Baldy Rd > Mt San Antonio (Mt Ba…

Description

A great alpine experience just an hour away from LA—but don't underestimate the scope of the day out—it's a big one from car to car about 4000ft or more to the summit. A good intro for aspiring alpinists if accompanied by a guide/expert.

The Approach:

Start early. Park at the gate by the Falls Road left of the Mount Baldy Road, leave room for access! Hike up Falls Road to the Falls, make a hairpin right and continue to follow the road 'til around a left bend, on the left bank there's a trail through the scree, follow this up then left to the shoulder of the ridge. The trail gets better, follow it all the way to the Sierra Club Hut and a well earned rest. About 2.5 miles and 2000 ft. May be tricky to follow in a big snow year, but there's usually a beaten track.

The Bowl Routes:

From the Hut there are lots of lines, some easier than others, some more direct, some perhaps quite technical—pick your poison. About 1,700 ft from the Hut (8,300 ft) to the summit (10,064 ft / 3,068 m).

Descent:

One can get back to the Hut in 15 minutes flat with a sequence of glissades, however, be careful not to go too fast or lose control—there can be rocks sticking out or right beneath the surface in a low-snow year.

Location

From Sierra Club Hut (8,300 ft.)

Protection

Ice-axe, crampons. If with a beginner then deadmen anchors, rope etc.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Sunrise on the way up.
[Hide Photo] Sunrise on the way up.
Partway up Baldy Bowl with cool ice formations on the trees
[Hide Photo] Partway up Baldy Bowl with cool ice formations on the trees
Sophie, 3 legged dog, makes her 3rd winter ascent of Mt. San Antonio, this month. A year later, she bagged two ascents in a day, once from Mt. Baldy Village, then from Manker Flats (20 miles & 8k vertical).
[Hide Photo] Sophie, 3 legged dog, makes her 3rd winter ascent of Mt. San Antonio, this month. A year later, she bagged two ascents in a day, once from Mt. Baldy Village, then from Manker Flats (20 miles & 8k v…
Clouds above the LA Basin - Xmas 1989
[Hide Photo] Clouds above the LA Basin - Xmas 1989
Sastrugi on Mount Baldy
[Hide Photo] Sastrugi on Mount Baldy
Here ya go. Taco Sauce is the super steep one out of view to the left up the triangle buttress.
[Hide Photo] Here ya go. Taco Sauce is the super steep one out of view to the left up the triangle buttress.
Charlie & the bowl
[Hide Photo] Charlie & the bowl
Approaching the Sierra Club Hut
[Hide Photo] Approaching the Sierra Club Hut
Dostie’s Dare
[Hide Photo] Dostie’s Dare
Baldy Hourglass Couloir
[Hide Photo] Baldy Hourglass Couloir
here we go!
[Hide Photo] here we go!
The hike down after summiting
[Hide Photo] The hike down after summiting

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Steve Gabriel
Rancho Cucamonga
[Hide Comment] The Baldy Bowl is a must do classic in the SoCal area. A word of caution though, it has also taken many lives and continues to do so. During the winter, a helmet, ice axe and crampons are a must, far too many people attempt this in just microspikes which is not sufficient and has lead to many a fall/injury/fatality. Jan 10, 2023
Benjamin Chapman
Small Town, USA
 
[Hide Comment] 10 documented deaths and 100 rescues in recent years. Jan 28, 2024