Winter Adventures at Mount Baldy: Snowshoeing, Skiing, and Glissading in Southern California

Nestled in the heart of the San Gabriel Mountains, Mount Baldy (formally known as Mount San Antonio) stands tall as the highest peak in Los Angeles County. At 10,06 4 feet, it is an iconic destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially in the winter months when its slopes are blanketed in snow. While many people visit Mount Baldy to ski or snowboard, snowshoeing provides a unique opportunity to explore the mountain's beauty at a more leisurely pace. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the West Bowl of Mount Baldy and share our adventure of snowshoeing to the summit, enjoying the views, and glissading down.

Snowshoeing to the Summit

Mount Baldy is easily accessible from the Manker Flats trailhead, which is just an hour's drive from downtown Los Angeles. From here, the well-trodden Baldy Bowl Trail (also known as the Ski Hut Trail) takes you to the summit via the picturesque West Bowl. This trail, which is roughly 4 miles long and gains about 3,900 feet in elevation, provides a moderate-to-strenuous workout depending on your fitness level.

In the morning conditions were icy so crampons are recommended until the Ski Hut and then Snowshoes are recommended from the Skit Hut to the summit. Strapping on our snowshoes, we embarked on the ascent, marveling at the snow-covered trees and crisp mountain air. As we climbed, we enjoyed breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, with the San Gabriel Mountains stretching out as far as the eye could see. With each step, our excitement grew, and we couldn't wait to reach the summit.

The West Bowl: A Playground for Skiers and Snowboarders

As we approached the West Bowl, we caught sight of skiers and snowboarders carving their way down the slopes. This area of Mount Baldy is renowned for its steep, ungroomed terrain, making it a haven for advanced skiers and snowboarders seeking a thrilling backcountry experience. Watching them in action only added to the exhilaration of our journey.

It is only recommended to go up the west bowl if you have the necessary skills and equipment to self arrest. Ice axe and helmet are highly recommended.

Summit Views and a Well-Deserved Break

Finally reaching the summit, we were rewarded with a panoramic view that was nothing short of spectacular. The snow-capped peaks of the San Gabriels stretched out before us, while the Mojave Desert shimmered in the distance. We took a well-deserved break at the top, enjoying the serenity and marveling at the beauty of the natural world.

Glissading Down: The Perfect End to an Adventure

After soaking in the views and catching our breath, it was time to head back down the mountain. Instead of retracing our steps, we decided to try our hand at glissading - a controlled slide down the snow using our snowshoes as brakes. It was an exhilarating experience, as we whooped and laughed our way down the slopes, feeling a mix of adrenaline and pure joy.

Our adventure on Mount Baldy was nothing short of incredible. Snowshoeing to the summit via the West Bowl allowed us to experience the mountain's beauty up close, while glissading down brought a thrilling end to our day. Whether you're a seasoned snowshoer, skier, or snowboarder, Mount Baldy's West Bowl offers an unforgettable winter experience for all. We highly recommend making the trip and creating your own memories in this stunning Southern California destination.