An updated forest order from May 23, 2025 shows us the trails for this 11 mile loop are open.

11 miles with 4,000ft elevation gain

We are parking and starting at Manker Flats. Because this area gets very busy early, we do need to start this early!

After a little less than a mile we move onto a single track technical trail on our left, the Ski Hut Trail, that will get our hearts pounding the moment we set foot on it. Rapidly we’ll reach the Ski Hut (8200′) and cross the Baldy  bowl. There are a couple of places where the trail is a little difficult to find, but if you look for the obvious, you should be able to manage.

The last mile to the top is a butt-kicker.
We come out at the Mount San Antonio pk. (A.K.A. Mt. Baldy) with an elevation of 10,064ft. After making the obligatory pictures we continue on the Devils Backbone Trail that is technical, steep with lots of loose rocks, take it easy and make sure to stop and enjoy the views! After 3.2 miles we will have reached the Notch, here you can refill your packs in the restaurant bathrooms and even buy a snack and a refreshing drink. Restaurant has food but we might be a bit early for that. After taking a little break we head back via the fire road to Manker, a four mile downhill jaunt back to the cars.