# @gracefkim on YouTube

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://youtube.com/watch?v=iTI1Rj3Lzww
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68532091-gracefkim-youtube
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/79b9fdf1f4.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-08-01T14:33:38.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Grace Kim (@gracefkim) — https://gondola.cc/gracefkim

## Caption

If you’re thinking about hiking to the highest point in LA, here’s everything you need to know before going:

📍 The trailhead: We parked and started at Manker Flats (~6,000 ft), so you’re already high up, but you’ll still climb ~4,000 ft to the top of the summit.

🥾 First half is manageable. It’s a wide dirt fire road and you can move up fast. About 3.5 miles in you hit Baldy Notch. It’s a lodge/hut, has a gorgeous viewpoint, and the ski lift. Great spot to refuel. Some people only hike to here and chill (totally worth it on its own).

⛰️ Second half 🥵 From the Notch you’re on the Devil’s Backbone, a narrow, exposed ridge up to the summit. That first 0.5 mi after the hut is brutal, no shame in frequent breaks.

💧 Bring more water than you think. We used hydration bladders and still wanted more. Pack snacks and a meal. Lunch at the top with the views was the best reward.

🌆 On a clear (non-foggy) day you can see all the way to DTLA from the top!

A few more things to know:
🚗 You’ll likely need a Forest Adventure Pass to park — check before you go
🌅 Huge sunrise-hike spot; expect crowds coming down as you head up
🏃 People train here hard. You’ll see runners going up (yes, really)
🧥 Pack layers — the summit is windy and cold even when it’s warm below
🎿 The ski lift can carry you up or down to the Notch if you want to shorten it. The ski lift down was worth every dollar — $30/person
❄️ Winter is a different beast — snow and ice mean you need crampons + an ice axe and real experience. Not a casual hike off-season.

So… the verdict is that on a scale of 1 to 10, this hike was an 8, but so worth it 💪 Save this for when you’re ready to hike Mount Baldy (Mt. San Antonio) — the highest peak in LA County at 10,064 ft 🏔️

🥾 @viakix 
🎒 @ospreypacks 

hiking mt baldy, best hikes in los angeles #mtbaldy #mtbaldysummit #mountbaldy #lahikes

## Stats

- **Views:** 1,646
- **Likes:** 79
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- **Comments:** 4

## Tags

mountbaldy, mtbaldy, lahikes, mtbaldysummit

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