Scariest section of Devil's Backbone Trail in Mt Baldy

There's nothing wrong with being scared but with a wind gust at 45 mph and fear of heights, what can go wrong? You'll be fine as long as you don't step on loose rocks and slip. Don't freeze to death either. Devil’s Backbone Trail offers spectacular views from an impressive ridge-top trail. The spine-tingling hike along a tantalizing spine starts from Baldy Notch and ends at Mount Baldy, the highest summit in the San Gabriel Mountain. Devil’s Backbone Trail is 3.3-miles long with 2,350 feet of elevation gain, and can be reached several ways. The single track crosses the spine of a skinny ridge with steep drops to the north and south, providing sweeping views and shaky knees for those with a fear of heights. You would not want to hike this way in the winter, but during the summer under normal weather conditions, the trail is devilishly exciting. The views are immense!


The trail leaves the top of the ridge after 2/3 of a mile and crosses the rocky southern face of Mount Harwood (Baldy’s eastern neighbor). Daunting Mount Baldy appears to the west, but keep an eye on the ground. The narrow trail gives way to a steep slope of scree. Cross a forest of sparse pines to a saddle between Baldy and Harwood. The elevation here is 9,360 feet. The summit is at 10,064 feet, so about vertical 700 feet separate you from the top. That distance is covered in 0.7 miles of steep switchbacks. This is the steepest section of the trail, but push through, the highest point in the San Gabriel Mountains waits for you at the top. As you climb, Mount San Gorgonio and Mount San Jacinto appear over your shoulder in the distance to the east and southeast. Enjoy 360-degree views at the summit.