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{{short description|Highest peak of the San Gabriel Mountains in California, United States}} |
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{{Infobox mountain |
{{Infobox mountain |
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| name = Mount San Antonio |
| name = Mount San Antonio |
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| etymology = [[Anthony of Padua|Saint Anthony of Padua]] |
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| photo = Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy), California.jpg |
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<!-- Images and maps ------> |
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| photo_caption = South face of Mt. San Antonio, seen above [[Upland, California]] |
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| image_skyline = {{photomontage |
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| photo_width = |
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| photo1a = Los Angeles, Winter 2016.jpg{{!}}Los Angeles skyline |
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| elevation_ft = 10064 |
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| photo = Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy), California.jpg |
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| elevation_ref = <br />''[[The National Map|The National Map of the United States]]''<ref name="NatMap2018">{{cite map |author=United States Geological Survey |map=The National Map – Advanced Viewer|title=The National Map |map-url=https://viewer.nationalmap.gov/advanced-viewer/ |url=https://www.usgs.gov/core-science-systems/national-geospatial-program/national-map |date=2018-10-22 |access-date=2020-07-09}}</ref> |
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| photo_caption = Aerial view of Mt. San Antonio, facing north. |
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| prominence = {{cvt|6224|ft|m}} ↓ [[Cajon Pass]] |
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| photo_width = |
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| prominence_ref = <ref name="pb">{{cite peakbagger |pid=1338 |name=Mount San Antonio |access-date=2009-01-25}}</ref> |
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| elevation_ft = 10064 |
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| isolation = {{cvt|42.52|mi|km}} → San Bernardino Peak |
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| elevation_ref = {{NAVD88}}<ref name="pb">{{cite peakbagger |pid=1338 |name=Mount San Antonio |accessdate=2009-01-25}}</ref> |
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| listing = {{unbulleted list |
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| prominence = {{convert|6224|ft|m|abbr=on}} ↓ [[Cajon Pass]] |
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| prominence_ref = <ref name="pb"/> |
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| isolation = {{convert|42.52|mi|km|abbr=on}} → San Bernardino Peak |
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| listing = {{unbulleted list |
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| [[List of the most prominent summits of the United States|US most prominent peaks]] 52nd |
| [[List of the most prominent summits of the United States|US most prominent peaks]] 52nd |
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| [[List of highest points in California by county|California county high points]] 14th |
| [[List of highest points in California by county|California county high points]] 14th |
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| [[Three Saints]] |
| [[Three Saints (peaks)|Three Saints]] |
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| [[Hundred Peaks Section]]<ref>{{cite hps | |
| [[Hundred Peaks Section]]<ref>{{cite hps |access-date=2016-08-10}}</ref> |
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}} |
}} |
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| location = [[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles]] / [[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino]] counties, [[California|California U.S.]] |
| location = [[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles]] / [[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino]] counties, [[California|California U.S.]] |
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| range = [[San Gabriel Mountains]] |
| range = [[San Gabriel Mountains]] |
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| map = USA California#USA |
| map = USA California#USA |
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| map_caption = Location in California |
| map_caption = Location in California |
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| map_width = |
| map_width = 220 |
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| label_position = |
| label_position = right |
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| coordinates = {{coord|34.2888927|N|117.6467218|W|type:mountain_scale:100000_source:gnis|format=dms|display=inline,title}} |
| coordinates = {{coord|34.2888927|N|117.6467218|W|type:mountain_scale:100000_source:gnis|format=dms|display=inline,title}} |
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| range_coordinates = |
| range_coordinates = |
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| coordinates_ref = <ref name="gnis">{{cite gnis |id=273439 |name=Mount San Antonio | |
| coordinates_ref = <ref name="gnis">{{cite gnis |id=273439 |name=Mount San Antonio |access-date=2019-09-16}}</ref> |
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| topo = [[United States Geological Survey|USGS]] Mount San Antonio |
| topo = [[United States Geological Survey|USGS]] Mount San Antonio |
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| type = [[Granite|Granitic]] |
| type = [[Granite|Granitic]] |
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| age = |
| age = |
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| first_ascent = |
| first_ascent = |
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| easiest_route = Ski lift to Baldy Notch, Devil's Backbone Trail (hike) |
| easiest_route = Ski lift to Baldy Notch, Devil's Backbone Trail (hike) |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Mount San Antonio''', |
'''Mount San Antonio''', commonly referred to as '''Mount Baldy''' or '''Old Baldy''', is a {{cvt|10,064|ft|m}} [[summit]] in the [[San Gabriel Mountains]] on the border of [[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles]] and [[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino]] counties of [[Southern California|California]].<ref name="gnis" /><ref>{{cite summitpost |id=150444 |name=Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy) |access-date=2017-01-10}}</ref> Lying within the [[San Gabriel Mountains National Monument]] and [[Angeles National Forest]], it is the highest point within the mountain range, the County of Los Angeles, and the [[Los Angeles metropolitan area]]. |
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Mount San Antonio's sometimes snow-capped peaks are visible on clear days and dominate the view of the [[Los Angeles Basin]] skyline. |
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The peak |
Mount San Antonio's sometimes snow-capped peaks are visible on clear days and dominate the view of the [[Los Angeles Basin]] [[skyline]]. The peak and a subsidiary one to the west form a [[double summit]] of a steep-sided east–west [[ridge]]. The summit is accessible via a number of connecting ridges along hiking trails from the north, east, south, and southwest. |
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==Name== |
==Name== |
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The [[Tongva people|Tongva]] call the mountain ''Yoát'' or ''Joat'', which means ''snow'', and the [[Mohave people|Mohave]] call it ''Avii Kwatiinyam''.<ref name="Munro1992"> {{cite journal |last1=Munro|first1=Pamela |last2=Brown|first2=Nellie |last3=Crawford|first3=Judith G. |year=1992 |title=A Mojave dictionary |journal=UCLA Occasional Papers in Linguistics |location=Los Angeles |publisher=University of California, Los Angeles |volume=10 |oclc=28561333}}</ref> |
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The mountain is almost always referred to as "Mount Baldy" by locals, to the point where many may not recognize the name "Mount San Antonio". |
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The name ''Mount San Antonio'' was probably bestowed by [[Antonio Maria Lugo]], owner of a rancho near present-day [[Compton, California|Compton]] circa 1840, in honor of his patron saint, [[Anthony of Padua]].<ref name="hps1969">Sierra Club Hundred Peaks Section, 100 Peaks Lookout newsletter, May 1969</ref> |
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The mountain |
The mountain is almost always referred to as "Mount Baldy" by locals, to the point where many may not recognize the name "Mount San Antonio." When American settlers arrived and surveyed the land, "Baldy" – a reference to the bare fell-field of [[Baldy Bowl]] that dominates the south face visible from Los Angeles – became the predominant name, and it has stuck. Nonetheless, "Mount San Antonio" is still used by a number of institutions (e.g. [[Mount San Antonio College]]). |
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==Geography== |
==Geography== |
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[[File:Simple map of Mount San Antonio, California.jpg|thumb|left|Map of Mt. San Antonio and the region to the south and east.]] |
[[File:Simple map of Mount San Antonio, California.jpg|thumb|left|Map of Mt. San Antonio (main peak is labelled "Mt Baldy") and the region to the south and east.]] |
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Mt. San Antonio lies in the [[Angeles National Forest]]. Its summit is {{convert|10064|ft|m}}, and marks the boundary between [[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino County]] and [[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]].<ref> |
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The main peak marks the boundary between [[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino County]] and [[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]].<ref> |
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{{cite web |
{{cite web |
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| url = http://www.laalmanac.com/geography/ge20.htm |
| url = http://www.laalmanac.com/geography/ge20.htm |
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| title = Official Boundaries of the County of Los Angeles |
| title = Official Boundaries of the County of Los Angeles |
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| work = Los Angeles Almanac |
| work = Los Angeles Almanac |
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| access-date= 2008-08-30 }}</ref> A sub-peak, West Baldy, is {{convert|9996|ft|m}}.<ref name="NatMap2018" /><ref name="gnis" /><ref name="pb2">{{cite peakbagger |pid=27784 |name=West Baldy, California |access-date=2009-08-14}}</ref> |
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| accessdate= 2008-08-30 }}</ref> The mountain is in the [[Angeles National Forest]]. |
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[[File:San-antonio-creek 45275401342 o.jpg|thumb|San Antonio Creek on Mount San Antonio]] |
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The mountain's southern watershed drains into [[San Antonio Creek (San Bernardino County)|San Antonio Creek]], the north side into [[Lytle Creek (California)|Lytle Creek]] and the Fish Fork of the [[San Gabriel River (California)|San Gabriel River]]. San Antonio and Lytle Creeks are part of the [[Santa Ana River]] watershed. San Antonio Creek descends through a deep canyon which has several waterfalls, the last about {{convert|75|ft|m}} high.<ref name="gnis2">{{cite gnis |id=273436 |name=San Antonio Falls | |
The mountain's southern watershed drains into [[San Antonio Creek (San Bernardino County)|San Antonio Creek]], the north side into [[Lytle Creek (California)|Lytle Creek]] and the Fish Fork of the [[San Gabriel River (California)|San Gabriel River]]. San Antonio and Lytle Creeks are part of the [[Santa Ana River]] watershed. San Antonio Creek descends through a deep canyon which has several waterfalls, the last about {{convert|75|ft|m}} high.<ref name="gnis2">{{cite gnis |id=273436 |name=San Antonio Falls |access-date=2009-08-14}}</ref> |
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East of the summit is [[Mount Harwood]], which is in turn connected by a narrow ridge, "The Devil's Backbone," to a pass known as the Baldy Notch. At the Notch there is a [[Mount Baldy Ski Lifts|ski resort]], the closest one to Los Angeles. South of the resort, and connected to its ski lift by an asphalt road, lies [[Mount Baldy, California|Mt Baldy Village]]. |
East of the summit is [[Mount Harwood]], which is in turn connected by a narrow ridge, "The Devil's Backbone," to a pass known as the Baldy Notch. At the Notch there is a [[Mount Baldy Ski Lifts|ski resort]], the closest one to Los Angeles. South of the resort, and connected to its ski lift by an asphalt road, lies [[Mount Baldy, California|Mt Baldy Village]]. |
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There are no roads or maintained trails connecting the mountain to the less populated region to its north, but a use trail leads over Dawson and Pine |
There are no roads or maintained trails connecting the mountain to the less populated region to its north, but a use trail leads over Dawson Peak and [[Pine Mountain (San Bernardino County, California)|Pine Mountain]] to Wright Mountain and the [[Pacific Crest Trail]], overlooking the town of [[Wrightwood, California|Wrightwood]]. |
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===Climate=== |
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A weather station located around 7,700 feet was run during the 1960s; it recorded an average of 131 inches of snow per year.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliGCStP.pl?ca5901 | title=MT BALDY NOTCH, CALIFORNIA Period of Record General Climate Summary - Precipitation }}</ref> Snow peaks late in the season; in April 1967, 120 inches of snow fell. |
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{{Weather box |
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|location = Mt. Baldy |
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|single line = Yes |
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|Jan high F = 36 |
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|Feb high F = 35 |
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|Mar high F = 39 |
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|Apr high F = 44 |
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|May high F = 53 |
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|Jun high F = 63 |
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|Jul high F = 68 |
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|Aug high F = 67 |
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|Sep high F = 61 |
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|Oct high F = 52 |
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|Nov high F = 43 |
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|Dec high F = 36 |
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|Jan low F = 14 |
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|Feb low F = 13 |
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|Mar low F = 17 |
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|Apr low F = 20 |
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|May low F = 27 |
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|Jun low F = 35 |
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|Jul low F = 39 |
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|Aug low F = 38 |
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|Sep low F = 33 |
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|Oct low F = 24 |
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|Nov low F = 18 |
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|Dec low F = 13 |
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|year low F = |
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|Jan precipitation inch = 8.90 |
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|Feb precipitation inch = 10.14 |
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|Mar precipitation inch = 6.65 |
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|Apr precipitation inch = 4.33 |
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|May precipitation inch = 1.70 |
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|Jun precipitation inch = 0.35 |
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|Jul precipitation inch = 0.72 |
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|Aug precipitation inch = 0.32 |
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|Sep precipitation inch = 0.59 |
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|Oct precipitation inch = 2.17 |
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|Nov precipitation inch = 3.11 |
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|Dec precipitation inch = 5.89 |
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|year precipitation inch = |
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|precipitation colour = green |
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|Jan snow inch = 32.2 |
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|Feb snow inch = 43.5 |
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|Mar snow inch = 32.5 |
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|Apr snow inch = 16.8 |
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|May snow inch = 2.0 |
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|Jun snow inch = 0.0 |
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|Jul snow inch = 0.0 |
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|Aug snow inch = 0.0 |
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|Sep snow inch = 0.0 |
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|Oct snow inch = 1.0 |
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|Nov snow inch = 10.5 |
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|Dec snow inch = 25.4 |
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|year snow inch = |
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|source 1 =<ref>{{cite web |url=https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/USCA0737:1:US |publisher=weather channel |title=MOUNT BALDY, CALIFORNIA (91759) |access-date=10 October 2017}}</ref> |
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|date=10 October 2017 |
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}} |
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==Natural history== |
==Natural history== |
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[[File:San gabriel gneiss.jpg|thumb|[[Proterozoic]] San Gabriel [[Gneiss]] Boulder on Mount San Antonio]] |
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===Geology=== |
===Geology=== |
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Mount San Antonio lies in the front range of the [[San Gabriel Mountains]], one of the [[Transverse Ranges]] of Southern California, formed around the [[San Andreas Fault]] system. The Transverse Ranges were formed because of a dog-leg bend in the San Andreas, which is a [[transform fault]]. The bend makes it difficult for the two [[plate tectonics|plates]] to move smoothly past one another, and mountains were raised as a result. |
Mount San Antonio lies in the front range of the [[San Gabriel Mountains]], one of the [[Transverse Ranges]] of Southern California, formed around the [[San Andreas Fault]] system. The Transverse Ranges were formed because of a dog-leg bend in the San Andreas, which is a [[transform fault]]. The bend makes it difficult for the two [[plate tectonics|plates]] to move smoothly past one another, and mountains were raised as a result. |
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The prehistoric Hog Back landslide lies in the canyon of San Antonio Creek at 4000' elevation. When the slide occurred, it dammed the river, whose depth built up until the water was released catastrophically, forming a [[slot canyon]] which now holds some of the area's few good rock climbing routes (difficulty 5.11, sport). |
The [[prehistoric]] Hog Back landslide lies in the canyon of San Antonio Creek at 4000' elevation. When the slide occurred, it dammed the river, whose depth built up until the water was released catastrophically, forming a [[slot canyon]] which now holds some of the area's few good rock climbing routes (difficulty 5.11, sport). |
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In modern times, notable floods have occurred in 1938 and 1969. The San Antonio Dam was completed in 1956, after a pause due to World War II, in an effort to prevent future floods as severe as the one in 1938, which damaged the low-elevation, highly populated areas below. The dam succeeded in significantly reducing the damage done by the 1969 flood. Hydroelectric plants along San Antonio Creek are tied to the electric grid. |
In modern times, notable floods have occurred [[Los Angeles flood of 1938|in 1938]] and 1969. The [[San Antonio Dam (San Bernardino County)|San Antonio Dam]] was completed in 1956, after a pause due to [[World War II]], in an effort to prevent future floods as severe as the one in 1938, which damaged the low-elevation, highly populated areas below. The dam succeeded in significantly reducing the damage done by the 1969 flood. Hydroelectric plants along [[San Antonio Creek (San Bernardino County)|San Antonio Creek]] are tied to the electric grid. |
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[[Image:Male cone of lodgepole pine.jpg|thumb|right|A cluster of pollen-bearing male cones of [[lodgepole pine]] on Mount San Antonio at around 8,500 ft]] |
[[Image:Male cone of lodgepole pine.jpg|thumb|right|A cluster of pollen-bearing male cones of [[lodgepole pine]] on Mount San Antonio at around 8,500 ft]] |
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===Plants=== |
===Plants=== |
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[[File:Mount San Antonio in California, USA as viewed from a FPV drone.webm|thumb|Aerial imagery of the terrain and vegetation of the slopes of Mount San Antonio.]] |
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The lower land area of the mountain consists of an ecological community known as yellow pine forest.<ref name="schoenherr">{{cite book|title=[[A Natural History of California]]|first=Allan A.|last=Schoenherr|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=0-520-06922-6|year=1992}}</ref> Tree species include [[Lodgepole Pine|lodgepole pine]], [[Jeffrey Pine|Jeffrey pine]] (also known as western yellow pine), [[white fir]], and some [[sugar pine]].<ref>{{cite book|first=Verna R.|last=Johnston|title=California Forests and Woodlands: A Natural History|page=158}}</ref> [[Limber pine]] occurs at the higher elevations.<ref>Robinson, ''Trails of the Angels'', p. 200</ref> These forests are fairly sparse, and are intermixed with chaparral and oak savannah. |
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The lower land area of the mountain consists of an ecological community known as yellow pine forest.<ref name="schoenherr">{{cite book|title=[[A Natural History of California]]|first=Allan A.|last=Schoenherr|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=0-520-06922-6|year=1992}}</ref> Tree species include [[Lodgepole Pine|lodgepole pine]], [[Jeffrey Pine|Jeffrey pine]] (also known as western yellow pine), [[white fir]], and some [[sugar pine]].<ref>{{cite book|first=Verna R.|last=Johnston|title=California Forests and Woodlands: A Natural History|page=158}}</ref> These forests are fairly sparse, and are intermixed with chaparral and oak savannah. |
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Higher up, the yellow pine forest community gives way to a pure lodgepole forest. Near 9000 ft (2750 m) these become increasingly [[krummholtz|krummholzed]], and beyond about 9500 ft (2900 m) lies an unforested subalpine zone. |
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Higher up, the yellow pine forest community gives way to a pure lodgepole forest. Near 9,000 ft (2,750 m) these become increasingly [[krummholtz|krummholzed]], and beyond about 9,500 ft (2,900 m) lies an unforested [[alpine zone]]. [[Cercocarpus|Mountain mahogany]] trees grow on the slopes above San Antonio Creek. |
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The dominant shrubs at the higher elevations are [[manzanita]] and [[Chrysolepis|bush chinquapin]] As the elevation increases, there is a higher ratio of chinquapin to manzanita. Other shrubs on the mountain include [[Ceanothus cordulatus|mountain whitethorn]], [[Eriogonum|buckwheat]], and [[Ribes montigenum|mountain gooseberry]]. |
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The dominant shrubs at the higher elevations are [[manzanita]] and [[Chrysolepis|bush chinquapin]]. As the elevation increases, there is a higher ratio of chinquapin to manzanita. Other shrubs on the mountain include [[Ceanothus cordulatus|mountain whitethorn]], [[Eriogonum|buckwheat]], and [[Ribes montigenum|mountain gooseberry]]. |
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Wildflower species include [[Galium]] parishii, [[Heuchera abramsii|San Gabriel alumroot]], [[Monardella cinerea|gray monardella]], [[Hulsea vestita|pumice alpinegold]], [[Cistanthe parryi|Parry's pussypaws]], [[Minuartia nuttallii|Nuttall's sandwort]], and [[caulanthus]]. There are also [[Carex rossii|Ross's sedge]] and [[Arabis|rockcress]]. [[Oreonana]] vestita, a type of mountainparsley, is adapted to talus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://biohere.com/natural_areas/california/Los_Angeles_County/mount_san_antonio.php|title=Mount San Antonio|work=BioHere|accessdate=12 December 2014}}</ref> |
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Wildflower species include [[Galium]] parishii, [[Heuchera abramsii|San Gabriel alumroot]], [[Monardella australis subsp. cinerea|gray monardella]], [[Hulsea vestita|pumice alpinegold]], [[Cistanthe parryi|Parry's pussypaws]], [[Minuartia nuttallii|Nuttall's sandwort]], and [[caulanthus]]. There are also [[Carex rossii|Ross's sedge]] and [[Arabis|rockcress]]. [[Oreonana]] vestita, a type of mountainparsley, is adapted to talus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://biohere.com/natural_areas/california/Los_Angeles_County/mount_san_antonio.php|title=Mount San Antonio|work=BioHere|access-date=12 December 2014}}</ref> |
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===Animals=== |
===Animals=== |
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[[Desert bighorn sheep]] (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) are found in the area, mostly above 7000', and they lamb in the area.<ref name="ReferenceA">Vaughan, Mammals of the San Gabriel Mountains of California, 1954</ref> Their population is less threatened than those of other subspecies in California. Unlike animals of this subspecies in the [[Mojave Desert]], those in the San Gabriel Mountains cannot be legally hunted and need not compete with aggressive feral burros for food or water.<ref>Schoenherr, ''A Natural History of California'', pp. 216, 515</ref> |
[[Desert bighorn sheep]] (''Ovis canadensis nelsoni'') are found in the area, mostly above 7000', and they lamb in the area.<ref name="ReferenceA">Vaughan, Mammals of the San Gabriel Mountains of California, 1954</ref> Their population is less threatened than those of other subspecies in California. Unlike animals of this subspecies in the [[Mojave Desert]], those in the San Gabriel Mountains cannot be legally hunted and need not compete with aggressive feral burros for food or water.<ref>Schoenherr, ''A Natural History of California'', pp. 216, 515</ref> |
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[[Image:Lodgepole Chipmunk (Neotamias speciosus).jpg|200px|thumb|right|A chipmunk |
[[Image:Lodgepole Chipmunk (Neotamias speciosus).jpg|200px|thumb|right|A [[lodgepole chipmunk]] (''Neotamias speciosus'')]] |
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[[Grizzly bears]], featured on the state flag, were once common in the Transverse Ranges, but were driven to extinction in California in the late 19th century, with one of the last animals in the San Gabriels being shot in 1894 by Walter L. Richardson. [[American black bear|Black bears]] did not naturally exist in the San Gabriel Mountains, but in 1933 eleven black bears from Yosemite Valley that had shown problematic behavior were moved to Southern California and released near Crystal Lake.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> All black bears in the San Gabriels are believed to be descended from this group. Black bears are relatively shy and are almost never known to harm humans. |
[[Grizzly bears]] (''Ursus arctos''), featured on the state flag, were once common in the Transverse Ranges, but were driven to extinction in California in the late 19th century, with one of the last animals in the San Gabriels being shot in 1894 by Walter L. Richardson. [[American black bear|Black bears]] (''Ursus americanus'') did not naturally exist in the San Gabriel Mountains, but in 1933 eleven black bears from [[Yosemite Valley]] that had shown problematic behavior were moved to Southern California and released near Crystal Lake.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> All black bears in the San Gabriels are believed to be descended from this group. Black bears are relatively shy and are almost never known to harm humans. |
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[[Rabbit]]s and [[coyote]]s are found near San Antonio Creek at low elevations, typically below 2000'. The most common species of rabbits are the [[black-tailed jackrabbit]] (''Lepus californicus'') and the [[desert cottontail]] (''Sylvilagus audubonii''),<ref>Vaughan, ''Mammals of the San Gabriel Mountains of California'', 1954</ref> the jackrabbit being distinguished by its huge ears. Western gray squirrels live in oak forests at low elevations, on both the south side and the desert side of the range.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> [[Merriam's chipmunk]] (''Neotamias merriami'') inhabits the San Gabriels in low-elevation areas containing manzanita, below the yellow pine forest community. |
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[[Rodent]]s found at higher elevations in the San Gabriels include [[Tamias speciosus|lodgepole chipmunks]] (''Neotamias speciosus''), all the way up to the tree line,<ref name="ReferenceA"/> and the [[California ground squirrel]] (''Otospermophilus beecheyi'') in the yellow pine forest on the south side of the range. They hibernate in winter. Rabbits may also occasionally be observed at high elevations.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> |
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The two species of chipmunk are difficult to distinguish visually, and firm identification may require examination of their pubic bones, but the |
The two species of [[chipmunk]] are difficult to distinguish visually, and firm identification may require examination of their pubic bones, but the lodgepole chipmunk has brighter white stripes.<ref>Kays and Wilson, ''Mammals of North America''</ref> It is easier to distinguish the [[western gray squirrel]] (gray, with a white belly and a big, bushy tail) from the [[California ground squirrel]], which is spotted and has a gray area on the back of its neck. |
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==Recreation== |
==Recreation== |
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===Trails=== |
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Hiking trails reach the summit from four sides of the mountain,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/baldy.html|title=Dan's Hiking Pages: Introducing Mt. Baldy|publisher=Simpsoncity.com|accessdate=12 December 2014}}</ref> and one route can be completed with assistance from the nearby ski lift.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtbaldy.com/mtbaldy/002/index.php|title=Scenic Chair Rides|publisher=Mtbaldy.com|accessdate=2010-10-04}}</ref> |
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Hiking trails reach the summit from four sides of the mountain,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/baldy.html|title=Dan's Hiking Pages: Introducing Mt. Baldy|publisher=Simpsoncity.com|access-date=12 December 2014}}</ref> and one can access the Devil's Backbone trail by skipping the Mt. Baldy Notch trail with taking chair #1 at [[Mount Baldy Resorts]] during any season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtbaldyresort.com/scenic-chairlift-rides|title=Scenic Rides|publisher=Mount Baldy Resorts|access-date=September 2, 2023}}</ref> |
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The trails vary in difficulty, and there are plenty of options for novices as well as experienced hikers. |
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[[Image:A view from a chairlift, Mount Baldy, CA, ski area; cropped.jpg|thumb|right|A view from a chairlift.]] |
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'''Mt. Baldy Notch''' – (3.5 miles one way): The trail begins at Manker Flats, where the Baldy Notch Service Road can be taken to the notch. The trail provides scenic views at the notch, and other trails ahead. |
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For mountaineers, the winter and spring offer a snow climbing challenge. The "[[Baldy Bowl]]" south of the summit is often climbed with [[crampons]] and [[ice ax]], depending on snow conditions. The bowl can be treacherous for inexperienced climbers as some sections have slopes of 45° to 50°. Avalanches and rock fall are both hazards. There are also a number of summer routes to the summit involving cross-country travel or scrambling,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.summitpost.org/mount-san-antonio-mount-baldy/150444 |title=Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy)|publisher=Summitpost.org|accessdate=12 December 2014}}</ref> and it is possible to rappel down the canyon of San Antonio Creek.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://canyonbeta.com/2009/12/san-antonio-falls-mt-baldy/ |title=San Antonio Falls (Mt. Baldy)|publisher=Canyonbeta.com|accessdate=12 December 2014}}</ref> |
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'''Devil's Backbone''' – (3.2 miles one way from Notch: A service road at Mt. Baldy Notch leads to the Devil's Backbone trailhead and continues to the main peak. |
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For road cyclists the climb through Mt. Baldy Village to the base of the ski lifts is popular. It has been used as the finish of the penultimate stage of the 2011 and 2012 Amgen [[Tour of California]]. |
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'''Mt. Baldy Trail''' – (6.5 miles one way to Mt. Baldy Summit): This is the oldest and longest trail to the summit. Because it starts at Mt. Baldy Village, it has almost 6000' of elevation gain. |
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Since 1965, each Labor Day, the San Antonio Canyon Town Hall has sponsored a "Run to the Top" on Mt. Baldy in which a {{convert|8|mi|km|adj=on}} course over roads and trails ends at the {{convert|10064|ft|m|adj=on}} summit for a {{convert|4000|ft|m|adj=on}} elevation gain.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://run2top.com/ |title=Mount Baldy Run to the Top |publisher=Run2top.com|accessdate=12 December 2014}}</ref> |
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[[File:The-color-of-fall.jpg|thumb|Fall color on Mount San Antonio]] |
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'''Icehouse Canyon''' – (3.7 miles one way): The Icehouse Canyon trail begins in the parking lot at Icehouse and goes all the way up to Icehouse Saddle where a number of trails can be taken either to the Notch or to nearby peaks such as Ontario and Cucamonga. (5.5 miles). |
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'''Ski Hut Trail''' – This trail follows the east side of the San Antonio Creek canyon to a small backcountry ski hut owned by the Sierra Club. A use trail continues around the left side of the bowl and then to the summit. |
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Dogs are legal in Angeles National Forest, but must be on a leash. Hunting is allowed, but is regulated and requires a license.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/angeles/recreation/hunting|title=Angeles National Forest - Hunting|publisher=Fs.usda.gov|accessdate=12 December 2014}}</ref> |
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'''Three T’s''' – (5.3 miles one way): The trail starts and ends at the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead. It leads to views from the summits of Thunder, Timber and Telegraph Mountains.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5246253.pdf |title=Recreation at Mt. Baldy|access-date=18 March 2020}}</ref> |
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==History== |
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'''North Backbone Trail''' – (6.9 miles one way): The trail is a use trail that starts near Wrightwood but also near Wright Mountain. The trailhead is on a dirt road near Blue Ridge on CA-2. It summits 2 peaks: Dawson Peak and Pine Mountain. |
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[[Image:A view from a chairlift, Mount Baldy, CA, ski area; cropped.jpg|thumb|right|[[Mount Baldy Ski Lifts|Mt. Baldy ski area]]]] |
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===Winter mountaineering=== |
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For mountaineers, the winter and spring offer a snow climbing challenge. The "[[Baldy Bowl]]" south of the summit is often climbed with [[crampons]] and [[ice ax]], depending on snow conditions. The bowl can be treacherous for inexperienced climbers as some sections have slopes of 45° to 50°. Avalanches and rock fall are both hazards, and deaths or rescues from accidents along Devil's Backbone are a common occurrence.<ref name="Deaths">{{cite news |last1=Hurt |first1=Suzanne |title=Mt. Baldy deaths lead to questions about trail safety |url=https://www.dailybulletin.com/2017/03/17/mt-baldy-deaths-lead-to-questions-about-trail-safety/ |access-date=31 March 2020 |work=Daily Bulletin |date=17 March 2017}}</ref> There are also a number of summer routes to the summit involving cross-country travel or scrambling,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.summitpost.org/mount-san-antonio-mount-baldy/150444 |title=Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy)|publisher=Summitpost.org|access-date=12 December 2014}}</ref> and it is possible to rappel down the canyon of San Antonio Creek.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://canyonbeta.com/2009/12/san-antonio-falls-mt-baldy/ |title=San Antonio Falls (Mt. Baldy)|publisher=Canyonbeta.com|access-date=12 December 2014}}</ref> |
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===Sierra Club hut=== |
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[[File:Mt. Baldy Hut 1937-1938.jpg|thumb|left|Mt. Baldy Hut 1937–1938]] |
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The ski hut is operated by the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sierra Club Angeles Chapter |url=https://angeles.sierraclub.org/ |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=angeles.sierraclub.org}}</ref> and available for year-round use on weekends. It marks the approximate halfway point on the Ski Hut Trail, at an elevation of 8,200 ft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Drew |date=2017-06-06 |title=Hiking Mt. Baldy via the Ski Hut Trail (Baldy Bowl Trail) |url=https://trailtopeak.com/2017/06/05/mt-baldy-via-ski-hut-trail-baldy-bowl/ |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=Trail to Peak |language=en-US}}</ref> It has a fully-equipped kitchen, piped water, solar lighting, a wood-burning stove, dormitory loft beds for about sixteen visitors, and an outhouse with a view.<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Antonio Ski Hut |url=https://angeles.sierraclub.org/san_antonio_ski_hut |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=Sierra Club Angeles Chapter |language=en}}</ref> The hut is located at the base of [[Baldy Bowl]], recognized as a superb skiing area in the early 1930s. The Ski Mountaineers section of the Sierra Club,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sierra Club Angeles Chapter Ski Mountaineers Section |url=http://skimountaineerssectionlachaptersc.org/ |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=skimountaineerssectionlachaptersc.org}}</ref> formed in 1935, was granted permission by the U.S. Forest Service to construct a hut in this location.<ref>Brinton, Bob. 1945. Encyclimpedia Brintonica, ''Mugelnoos''. Oct 4 and Nov. 1.</ref> |
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The hut was built by volunteers, who carried all of the building materials up on their backs; it was completed in January 1936. The original hut burned to the ground on September 20, 1936, but was rebuilt, using burros to transport the building supplies,<ref>Mendenhall, Ruth Dyar. 2007. ''Woman on the Rocks – The Moutaineering Letters of Ruth Dyar Mendenhall.'' Bishop, CA: Spotted Dog Press, p. 23.</ref> with the replacement hut completed that winter. The rebuilt hut is preserved as much as possible in its original condition, except that the women’s dormitory has been converted to a tool and storage room, and the failing roof panels had to be replaced, again transported to the hut by human power.<ref>{{Citation |title=The Historic Ski Hut on Mount Baldy {{!}} KTLA 360 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJYwYWTz4dE |language=en |access-date=2022-08-11}}</ref> |
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===Camping=== |
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[[File:Manker.jpg|thumb|Manker Flats Campground on Mount San Antonio]] |
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Manker Flats Campground is available for the public to camp in on a first come-first served mechanism. It is located 3 miles northeast of Mt. Baldy Village on Mt. Baldy road, in an open pine forest. It boasts 21 campsites with features such as stoves, piped water, toilets and tables. However, there are no facilities for showers or sanitary disposal. Fees for camping overnight are $12 per night, and an additional $5 for extra vehicles.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5246253.pdf |title=Recreation at Mt. Baldy|access-date=12 March 2020}}</ref> |
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===Cycling=== |
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For road cyclists, the climb through Mt. Baldy Village to the base of the ski lifts is popular. It has been used as the finish of the penultimate stage of the [[2011 Tour of California|2011]], [[2012 Tour of California|2012]], [[2015 Tour of California|2015]] and [[2019 Tour of California|2019]] Amgen [[Tour of California]]. It was also featured in the [[2017 Tour of California]] as the fifth stage of the race. |
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===Running=== |
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Since 1965, each Labor Day, the San Antonio Canyon Town Hall has sponsored a "Run to the Top" on Mt. Baldy in which a {{convert|8|mi|km|adj=on}} course over roads and trails ends at the main peak for an approximately {{convert|4000|ft|m|adj=on}} elevation gain.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://run2top.com/ |title=Mount Baldy Run to the Top |publisher=Run2top.com|access-date=12 December 2014}}</ref> |
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===Hunting=== |
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Hunting is allowed, but is regulated and requires a license.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/angeles/recreation/hunting|title=Angeles National Forest – Hunting|publisher=Fs.usda.gov|access-date=12 December 2014}}</ref> |
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==History== |
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===Exploitation of resources=== |
===Exploitation of resources=== |
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[[File:Hunting party at summit of mt san antonio 1890.jpg|thumb|right|A group of hunters at the summit of Mt. Baldy, ca. 1890]] |
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The [[Tongva people|Tongva tribe]] call the mountain ''Yoát'' or ''Joat'', which means ''snow'', and the [[Mohave people|Mohave]] call it ''Avii Kwatiinyam''.<ref name="Munro"> |
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{{cite journal |
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| last1 = Munro| first1 = Pamela |
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| last2 = Brown| first2 = Nellie |
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| last3 = Crawford | first3 = Judith G. |
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| title = A Mojave dictionary |
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| journal = UCLA occasional papers in linguistics |
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| volume = 10 |
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| year = 1992 |
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| location = Los Angeles |
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| publisher = University of California, Los Angeles |
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| oclc = 28561333 }}</ref> |
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The name ''Mount San Antonio'' was probably bestowed by [[Antonio Maria Lugo]], owner of a rancho near present-day [[Compton, California|Compton]], ca. 1840, in honor of his patron saint [[Anthony of Padua]].<ref name="hps">Sierra Club Hundred Peaks Section, 100 Peaks Lookout newsletter, May 1969</ref> |
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[[File:Hunting party at summit of mt san antonio 1890.jpg|thumb|right|A group of hunters at the summit of Mt. Baldy, ca. 1890.]] |
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The first development in the area came in the [[United States Civil War|Civil War]] era, and was focused on exploitation of the area's resources both by independent homesteaders and for use by the populated lowland areas. Some of the first people to live permanently in the area were Mormon settlers in [[Lytle Creek, California|Lytle Creek Canyon]] (1851), orange farmer Madison Kincaid (1865) and fruit farmer and |
The first development in the area came in the [[United States Civil War|Civil War]] era, and was focused on exploitation of the area's resources both by independent homesteaders and for use by the populated lowland areas. Some of the first people to live permanently in the area were Mormon settlers in [[Lytle Creek, California|Lytle Creek Canyon]] (1851), orange farmer Madison Kincaid (1865) and fruit farmer and beekeeper A.A. Dexter (ca. 1875).<ref>National Association of Geology Teachers, ''Field Trip Guidebook to San Antonio Canyon, Mount San Antonio, Cajon Pass, and Wrightwood Areas, Southern California'' (hereinafter NAGT), pp. 3–37</ref> A sawmill was built in 1870 upstream from today's Mt. Baldy Village, but it either burned down or was destroyed in the flood of 1884.<ref>Osborne, A guide to Mt. Baldy and San Antonio Canyon (hereinafter Osborne), p. 3</ref> |
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Ever since 1882, the San Antonio Water Company has controlled the water rights in San Antonio Canyon, including its three hydroelectric plants. |
Ever since 1882, the San Antonio Water Company has controlled the water rights in San Antonio Canyon, including its three hydroelectric plants. |
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A tributary of San Antonio Creek flows through what is now known as Icehouse Canyon. Because the canyon is deep, its north-facing slope retains snow late into the spring, and in 1859 Victor Beaudry and [[Damien Marchessault]] built an icehouse there. The ice was brought down from the mountains to Los Angeles by mule and wagon and sold door to door, as well as being used at Beaudry and Marchessault's ice cream saloon, the only one in the city.<ref>John Robinson, ''Trails Of the Angels'', p. 230</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.explorehistoricalif.com/sept2011.html|title=Explore Historic California September 2011|publisher=Explorehistoricalif.com| |
A tributary of San Antonio Creek flows through what is now known as Icehouse Canyon. Because the canyon is deep, its north-facing slope retains snow late into the spring, and in 1859 Victor Beaudry and [[Damien Marchessault]] built an icehouse there. The ice was brought down from the mountains to Los Angeles by mule and wagon and sold door to door, as well as being used at Beaudry and Marchessault's ice cream saloon, the only one in the city.<ref>John Robinson, ''Trails Of the Angels'', p. 230</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.explorehistoricalif.com/sept2011.html|title=Explore Historic California September 2011|publisher=Explorehistoricalif.com|access-date=12 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924004951/http://www.explorehistoricalif.com/sept2011.html|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>John W. Robinson, ''Los Angeles in Civil War Days, 1860–1865'', p. 19</ref> ([[Damien Marchesseault|Marchesseault]] was later mayor of Los Angeles.) |
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[[Image:Fletcher h manker in fire chief uniform.png|120px|thumb|right|Fletcher Manker, in his uniform as fire chief of Upland.]] |
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Gold mining did not begin in the area until decades after the [[California Gold Rush]], with the earliest historical record being of the death of miner Jacob Skinner in 1879 in his mine at the Hog Back slide.<ref>National Association of Geology Teachers, ''Field Trip Guidebook to San Antonio Canyon, Mount San Antonio, Cajon Pass, and Wrightwood Areas, Southern California'', pp. 3–37</ref> Placer mining gave way to hydraulic mining in the 1880s and continued through the 90's. The Banks (Hocumac) Mine was built in 1893 near the Baldy Notch. It was supplied with water by a mile-long pipeline, remnants of which can still be seen, running all the way from San Antonio Creek.<ref>Osborne, pp. 5, 62</ref><ref>D.D. Trent |
Gold mining did not begin in the area until decades after the [[California Gold Rush]], with the earliest historical record being of the death of miner Jacob Skinner in 1879 in his mine at the Hog Back slide.<ref>National Association of Geology Teachers, ''Field Trip Guidebook to San Antonio Canyon, Mount San Antonio, Cajon Pass, and Wrightwood Areas, Southern California'', pp. 3–37</ref> Placer mining gave way to hydraulic mining in the 1880s and continued through the 90's. The Banks (Hocumac) Mine was built in 1893 near the Baldy Notch. It was supplied with water by a mile-long pipeline, remnants of which can still be seen, running all the way from San Antonio Creek.<ref>Osborne, pp. 5, 62</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=D.D. |last=Trent |title=Mount Baldy Mining Area |work=California Geology |date=August 1986 |page=179 |url=ftp://ftp.conservation.ca.gov/pub/dmg/pubs/cg/1986/39_08.pdf |access-date=February 8, 2019}}</ref> The remains of the Gold Ridge Diggings (a.k.a. Agamemnon mine) (1897-ca. 1904) are found near the headwaters of San Antonio Canyon, in the canyon below the Ski Hut.<ref>Trent</ref> The miners were kept supplied by sheep hunter turned merchant Fred Dell, who built Dell's Camp near the present Mt. Baldy Village, and by mule driver Fletcher Manker, who built a store at what is now known as Manker Flat. Gold mining began in Icehouse Canyon in 1892. The Hocumac and Gold Ridge mines were unsuccessful due to the uncertain water supply, the low amount of gold in the ore, and a water-pollution lawsuit filed by downslope farmers.<ref>Osborne, p. 62</ref> |
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===Resort era=== |
===Resort era=== |
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[[Image:Dell's Summit in on Mt. San Antonio, California, ca. 1910.jpg|thumb|right|Dell's Summit Inn, just below the top of the mountain, ca. 1910–1913.]] |
[[Image:Dell's Summit in on Mt. San Antonio, California, ca. 1910.jpg|thumb|right|Dell's Summit Inn, just below the top of the mountain, ca. 1910–1913.]] |
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The late 19th century saw increased interest in the area for its own qualities and for recreation rather than for its resources. In 1875 an army surveying party made the first recorded ascent to the mountain's summit, via Lytle Creek, and estimated the height of the peak.<ref>John W. Robinson, ''Trails of the Angels: 100 Hikes in the San Gabriels'', p. 201</ref> In 1880, W.H. Stoddard, brother-in-law of railroad baron [[Collis P. Huntington]], built a resort in what is now called Stoddard Canyon. Frank Keyes converted Dell's Camp from a mining support station into a rental resort. Early mountain guide |
The late 19th century saw increased interest in the area for its own qualities and for recreation rather than for its resources. In 1875 an army surveying party made the first recorded ascent to the mountain's summit, via Lytle Creek, and estimated the height of the peak.<ref>John W. Robinson, ''Trails of the Angels: 100 Hikes in the San Gabriels'', p. 201</ref> In 1880, W.H. Stoddard, brother-in-law of railroad baron [[Collis P. Huntington]], built a resort in what is now called Stoddard Canyon. Frank Keyes converted Dell's Camp from a mining support station into a rental resort. Early mountain guide William B. Dewey led parties of guests to the summit on a loop corresponding to the present-day Mt. Baldy Trail and Devil's Backbone Trail. Rental cabins were also built in Evey Canyon. Access to the upper canyon was impeded by the precarious nature of the trail going over the Hog Back slide, but by the turn of the century Dell's Camp nevertheless entertained as many as a hundred guests in a weekend. |
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Charles Baynham built a second camp nearby in 1907, and in the following year the canyon became accessible by automobile.<ref>Jerry Schad, ''Afoot and Afield Los Angeles County: A Comprehensive Hiking Guide''</ref> In 1910, Dewey built the Baldy Summit Inn, 80 feet below the mountaintop.<ref>Robinson, ''Trails of the Angels'', p. 201</ref> Despite the grand name, it consisted of only a set of tents and some storage buildings. It was damaged by a cooking fire in 1913 and never rebuilt.<ref name=" |
Charles Baynham built a second camp nearby in 1907,{{Contradict-inline|date=March 2020}} and in the following year the canyon became accessible by automobile.<ref>Jerry Schad, ''Afoot and Afield Los Angeles County: A Comprehensive Hiking Guide''</ref> In 1910, Dewey built the Baldy Summit Inn, 80 feet below the mountaintop.<ref>Robinson, ''Trails of the Angels'', p. 201</ref> Despite the grand name, it consisted of only a set of tents and some storage buildings. It was damaged by a cooking fire in 1913 and never rebuilt.<ref name="hps1969"/> By the early 1920s there were numerous trail camps and resorts such as the Icehouse Canyon Resort,<ref>opened 1919, Osborne, p. 68</ref> Bear Canyon Resort<ref>1921, on the site of the present-day Mr. Baldy Lodge, Osborne, p. 57</ref> Eleven Oaks,<ref>1921, located behind the present-day fire station. Osborne, pp. 5, 56</ref> Baynham Camp,<ref>near today's trout pools</ref> Alpine Woods,<ref>1930, below Icehouse Canyon; burned down in 1938</ref> Trail Inn,<ref>1927, a mile inside Icehouse Canyon</ref> Snow Crest,<ref>near Manker Flat, closed and for sale ca. 2012</ref> and Kelly's Camp.<ref>north of Ontario Peak, now an undeveloped camping area for backpackers</ref> |
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The shift from exploitation of natural resources to recreational use of San Antonio Canyon resulted in a series of bitter conflicts between the San Antonio Water Company and the camp owners. Pollution of the watershed and an 1899 brush fire led the company to buy Dell's Camp and close it, wrest legal control of the road away from Baynham, close off the canyon with locked gates, and station armed guards to keep out intruders. But after some time and various legal battles, the company decided to profit from recreation rather than discouraging it. It bought Baynham's Camp in 1907 but then hired Baynham to manage it, charging tolls on the road from 1908 to 1922. The camp was renamed Camp Baldy in 1910. |
The shift from exploitation of natural resources to recreational use of San Antonio Canyon resulted in a series of bitter conflicts between the San Antonio Water Company and the camp owners. Pollution of the watershed and an 1899 brush fire led the company to buy Dell's Camp and close it, wrest legal control of the road away from Baynham, close off the canyon with locked gates, and station armed guards to keep out intruders. But after some time and various legal battles, the company decided to profit from recreation rather than discouraging it. It bought Baynham's Camp in 1907{{Contradict-inline|date=March 2020}} but then hired Baynham to manage it, charging tolls on the road from 1908 to 1922. The camp was renamed [[Mount Baldy, California|Camp Baldy]] in 1910. |
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[[Image:Motorists at Camp Baldy, California, 1919.jpg|thumb|right|Motorists at Camp Baldy, 1919 |
[[Image:Motorists at Camp Baldy, California, 1919.jpg|thumb|right|Motorists at Camp Baldy, 1919]] |
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When the area became a national forest in 1908, the forest service began offering 99-year leases of plots of land in Icehouse Canyon for vacation cabins. By 1938 there were 105 cabins and additional cabins at a resort owned by the Chapman family. Leases were also sold, both by the government and by the water company, at Camp Baldy and Manker Flat. |
When the area became a national forest in 1908, the forest service began offering 99-year leases of plots of land in Icehouse Canyon for vacation cabins. By 1938 there were 105 cabins and additional cabins at a resort owned by the Chapman family. Leases were also sold, both by the government and by the water company, at Camp Baldy and Manker Flat. |
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Between 1922 and 1927 American [[physicist]] [[Albert A. Michelson]] performed a number of experiments involving bouncing a beam of light off a reflector at [[Lookout Mountain (Los Angeles County, California)|Lookout Mountain]], a prominence {{convert|3.2|mi|km}} southwest of the peak, from the observatory at [[Mount Wilson (California)|Mount Wilson]] some {{convert|22|mi|km}} away. |
Between 1922 and 1927 American [[physicist]] [[Albert A. Michelson]] performed a number of experiments involving bouncing a beam of light off a reflector at [[Lookout Mountain (Los Angeles County, California)|Lookout Mountain]], a prominence {{convert|3.2|mi|km}} southwest of the peak, from the observatory at [[Mount Wilson (California)|Mount Wilson]] some {{convert|22|mi|km}} away. |
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===Prohibition=== |
===Prohibition and Great Depression=== |
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During [[Prohibition in the United States|Prohibition]], the area became known as a place where one could get a drink away from the watchful eyes of the police.<ref>Kimberly J. Creighton, ''Mt. Baldy'', p. 55</ref> Former Yosemite concessionaire Foster Curry, his wife Ruth Curry, and Ruth's second husband, movie star [[Edmund Burns]], turned Camp Baldy into a playground for affluent residents of Los Angeles, with a swimming pool, casino, and a dance pavilion.<ref>NAGT, pp. 3–38</ref><ref>A few buildings remain, including the Buckhorn Lodge itself. The original casino burned down in 1936 and was replaced by the Wagon Wheel Casino a year later. The Wagon Wheel was across the street from the Buckhorn Lodge, with the dining room sticking out above the creek. A heated swimming pool adjoined the casino. The dance pavilion, picnic tables, and campsites were at the location of the present-day trout ponds. Osborne, pp. 13, 49</ref> |
During [[Prohibition in the United States|Prohibition]], the area became known as a place where one could get a drink away from the watchful eyes of the police.<ref>Kimberly J. Creighton, ''Mt. Baldy'', p. 55</ref> Former Yosemite concessionaire Foster Curry, his wife Ruth Curry, and Ruth's second husband, movie star [[Edmund Burns]], turned Camp Baldy into a playground for affluent residents of Los Angeles, with a swimming pool, casino, and a dance pavilion.<ref>NAGT, pp. 3–38</ref><ref>A few buildings remain, including the Buckhorn Lodge itself. The original casino burned down in 1936 and was replaced by the Wagon Wheel Casino a year later. The Wagon Wheel was across the street from the Buckhorn Lodge, with the dining room sticking out above the creek. A heated swimming pool adjoined the casino. The dance pavilion, picnic tables, and campsites were at the location of the present-day trout ponds. Osborne, pp. 13, 49</ref> |
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In 1935–1936 the [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] built a wide trail along the Devil's Backbone from Mt. Baldy Notch to the summit, a route which had previously been |
In 1935–1936 the [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] built a wide trail along the Devil's Backbone from Mt. Baldy Notch to the summit, a route which had previously been narrow and dangerous due to the precipitous drops on one, or in some areas both, sides.<ref>Schad, ''101 Hikes in Southern California'', p. 82</ref> |
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[[Aurelia Harwood]], the first female president of the [[Sierra Club]], was active in the area. [[Mount Harwood]], a subsidiary peak of Mount Baldy, is named for her. The [[Sierra Club]] built a lodge, also named after her, at Manker Flats in 1930. It is open to Sierra Club members. In 1935 the club added a mountain hut, known as the "ski hut," by the base of the Baldy Bowl near the headwaters of San Antonio Creek. The ski hut burned down that year but was immediately replaced and remains standing today. |
[[Aurelia Harwood]], the first female president of the [[Sierra Club]], was active in the area. [[Mount Harwood]], a subsidiary peak of Mount Baldy, is named for her. The [[Sierra Club]] built a lodge, also named after her, at Manker Flats in 1930. It is open to Sierra Club members. In 1935 the club added a mountain hut, known as the "ski hut," by the base of the Baldy Bowl near the headwaters of San Antonio Creek. The ski hut burned down that year but was immediately replaced and remains standing today. |
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===After the 1938 flood=== |
===After the 1938 flood=== |
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The flood of 1938 destroyed most of the |
The [[Los Angeles flood of 1938|flood of 1938]] destroyed most of the human-made structures in Camp Baldy and Icehouse Canyon. The casino was destroyed, but the hotel (today's Buckhorn Lodge) survived. No new building has been allowed in Icehouse Canyon, and the Icehouse Canyon resort was destroyed in 1988 by a suspicious fire.{{clarify|date=March 2020}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profmason.com/?p=168|title=Mt. Baldy History and Ice House Canyon « profmason.com|publisher=Profmason.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130928025626/http://profmason.com/?p=168|archive-date=2013-09-28|access-date=12 December 2014}}</ref> Camp Baldy was rebuilt and later became Mt. Baldy Village. |
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During a snow storm on March 2, 1949, two Marine Corps [[Grumman F6F Hellcat|Hellcat]] fighter planes were flying in formation in an instrument training exercise when they crashed into the west side of the summit's south ridge.<ref>{{cite web |title=US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos |url=http://www.joebaugher.com/navy_serials/thirdseries10.html |work=joebaugher.com |date=February 3, 2019 |access-date=2019-02-08}}</ref> Dozens of pieces of wreckage were scattered across the slope just below the present location of the Ski Hut Trail, and are not noticeable to casual observation from the trail only because they are overgrown with brush.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mount Baldy – Hellcats 7/21/06 |work=Joe Idoni: Photo Hiking Journal |url=https://joeidoni.smugmug.com/Aircraft-Crash-Sites/Mount-Baldy-Hellcats-72106/ |access-date=February 8, 2019 |via=[[SmugMug]]}}</ref> |
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Today, Mt. Baldy Village has its own fire department,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtbaldyfire.com/ |title=Mt Baldy Fire Department|publisher=Mtbaldyfire.com |accessdate=2012-12-30}}</ref> church,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtbaldyvillagechurch.com/ |title=Welcome to Mt Baldy Village Church|publisher=Mtbaldyvillagechurch.com |accessdate=2012-12-30}}</ref> visitor's center<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoY6BdkOyoCAGixyPg!/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=stelprdb5162094&navid=170000000000000&pnavid=&ss=110501&position=Not%2520Yet%2520Determined.Html&ttype=detail&pname=Angeles%2520National%2520Forest-%2520About%2520the%2520Forest |title=Angeles National Forest Mt. Baldy Visitor Center|publisher=Fs.usda.gov |accessdate=2012-12-30}}</ref> and school district. [[Mount Baldy School District|Mt. Baldy School]] (the abbreviation is the standard usage) has about 105 students.<ref name="mt_baldy_school">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtbaldy.k12.ca.us/index.php/about-us |title=Mt Baldy School |publisher=Mt Baldy School District |accessdate=2009-08-14}}</ref> The visitor center is tended by unpaid volunteer rangers. As of 2013, the [[United States Forest Service|Forest Service]] does not have any paid rangers on duty in the area.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} |
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The ski lift dates to 1952<ref name="hps1969"/> and was expanded and modernized in 1975.{{cn|date=December 2023}} As the surviving privately owned cabins in Icehouse Canyon, Baldy Village, and Manker Flats come to the end of their 99-year leases on their lots, the Forest Service, no longer wishing to be a landlord, was converting them to private ownership.{{when|date=December 2023}} A Zen Center was established at Manker Flats in 1971.{{cn|date=December 2023}} As of 2018, the only resorts and lodges serving the general public are the Mt. Baldy Lodge<ref>on the site of the former Bear Canyon Resort, Osborne, p. 57</ref> and Buckhorn Lodge in Mt. Baldy Village, and there is also a restaurant at the Baldy Notch ski area. The Snow Crest Lodge at Manker Flat is closed and being renovated. |
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Today, Mt. Baldy Village has its own fire department,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtbaldyfire.com/ |title=Mt Baldy Fire Department|publisher=Mtbaldyfire.com |access-date=2012-12-30}}</ref> church,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtbaldyvillagechurch.com/ |title=Welcome to Mt Baldy Village Church|publisher=Mtbaldyvillagechurch.com |access-date=2012-12-30}}</ref> visitor center<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoY6BdkOyoCAGixyPg!/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=stelprdb5162094&navid=170000000000000&pnavid=&ss=110501&position=Not%2520Yet%2520Determined.Html&ttype=detail&pname=Angeles%2520National%2520Forest-%2520About%2520the%2520Forest |title=Angeles National Forest Mt. Baldy Visitor Center|publisher=Fs.usda.gov |access-date=2012-12-30}}</ref> and school district. [[Mount Baldy School District|Mt. Baldy School]] (the abbreviation is the standard usage) has about 105 students.<ref name="mt_baldy_school">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtbaldy.k12.ca.us/index.php/about-us |title=Mt Baldy School |publisher=Mt Baldy School District |access-date=2009-08-14}}</ref> The visitor center is tended by unpaid volunteer rangers. As of 2013, the [[United States Forest Service|Forest Service]] does not have any paid rangers on duty in the area.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} |
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On 13 January 2023, the English actor [[Julian Sands]], a dedicated mountaineer, went missing while hiking in Mount San Antonio.<ref name="Grdn">{{cite news |last1=Beckett |first1=Lois |title=Missing hiker reported in California revealed as British actor Julian Sands |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/18/julian-sands-actor-missing-california-hiking |access-date=19 January 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=19 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Julian Sands: British actor identified as hiker missing in southern California |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-64327393 |access-date=19 January 2023 |work=BBC News |date=19 January 2023}}</ref> His remains were found by hikers on 24 June 2023.<ref>{{cite news |title=Remains Located in the Mt. Baldy Wilderness Area on June 24, 2023 |url=https://twitter.com/sbcountysheriff/status/1673785929822097408 |access-date=28 January 2023 |work=Twitter |date=28 January 2023}}</ref> |
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<gallery heights="110px" mode="packed"> |
<gallery heights="110px" mode="packed"> |
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File:Mt.Baldy Looking NorthWestAtSummit.JPG|Looking |
File:Mt.Baldy Looking NorthWestAtSummit.JPG|Looking northwest at Baldy Summit from Devil's Backbone near Mt. Harwood |
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File:Mt.BaldyPeakLookingSouthWest.JPG|Looking |
File:Mt.BaldyPeakLookingSouthWest.JPG|Looking southwest from Mt. Baldy Summit |
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File:Mt.BaldyPanoramaLookingSouth.JPG|Panorama |
File:Mt.BaldyPanoramaLookingSouth.JPG|Panorama looking south toward Los Angeles just below the summit |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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* [[Mount Baldy Ski Lifts]] |
* [[Mount Baldy Ski Lifts]] |
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* [[San Gabriel Mountains National Monument]] |
* [[San Gabriel Mountains National Monument]] |
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* [[Mt. San Antonio College]] |
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[[File:Los Angeles county Beach Bike Trail Ballona Creek IMG 0124.jpg|thumb|Mt. Baldy visible from Los Angeles’ Ballona Creek on a clear day]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Commons category|Mount San Antonio}} |
{{Commons category-inline|Mount San Antonio}} |
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* [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=41942&actid=120 Mt. Baldy Visitor Center and Interpretive Site]. Angeles National Forest. |
* [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=41942&actid=120 Mt. Baldy Visitor Center and Interpretive Site]. Angeles National Forest. |
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* [http://www.summitpost.org/mount-san-antonio-mount-baldy/150444 Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy)]. SummitPost.org. |
* [http://www.summitpost.org/mount-san-antonio-mount-baldy/150444 Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy)]. SummitPost.org. |
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[[Category:Mountains of Southern California]] |
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[[Category:Climbs in cycle racing in the United States]] |
Latest revision as of 20:05, 7 December 2024
Mount San Antonio | |
---|---|
Highest point | |
Elevation | 10,064 ft (3,068 m) The National Map of the United States[1] |
Prominence | 6,224 ft (1,897 m) ↓ Cajon Pass[2] |
Isolation | 42.52 mi (68.43 km) → San Bernardino Peak |
Listing | |
Coordinates | 34°17′20″N 117°38′48″W / 34.2888927°N 117.6467218°W[4] |
Naming | |
Etymology | Saint Anthony of Padua |
Geography | |
Location | Los Angeles / San Bernardino counties, California U.S. |
Parent range | San Gabriel Mountains |
Topo map | USGS Mount San Antonio |
Geology | |
Mountain type | Granitic |
Climbing | |
Easiest route | Ski lift to Baldy Notch, Devil's Backbone Trail (hike) |
Mount San Antonio, commonly referred to as Mount Baldy or Old Baldy, is a 10,064 ft (3,068 m) summit in the San Gabriel Mountains on the border of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties of California.[4][5] Lying within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and Angeles National Forest, it is the highest point within the mountain range, the County of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Mount San Antonio's sometimes snow-capped peaks are visible on clear days and dominate the view of the Los Angeles Basin skyline. The peak and a subsidiary one to the west form a double summit of a steep-sided east–west ridge. The summit is accessible via a number of connecting ridges along hiking trails from the north, east, south, and southwest.
Name
[edit]The Tongva call the mountain Yoát or Joat, which means snow, and the Mohave call it Avii Kwatiinyam.[6] The name Mount San Antonio was probably bestowed by Antonio Maria Lugo, owner of a rancho near present-day Compton circa 1840, in honor of his patron saint, Anthony of Padua.[7]
The mountain is almost always referred to as "Mount Baldy" by locals, to the point where many may not recognize the name "Mount San Antonio." When American settlers arrived and surveyed the land, "Baldy" – a reference to the bare fell-field of Baldy Bowl that dominates the south face visible from Los Angeles – became the predominant name, and it has stuck. Nonetheless, "Mount San Antonio" is still used by a number of institutions (e.g. Mount San Antonio College).
Geography
[edit]Mt. San Antonio lies in the Angeles National Forest. Its summit is 10,064 feet (3,068 m), and marks the boundary between San Bernardino County and Los Angeles County.[8] A sub-peak, West Baldy, is 9,996 feet (3,047 m).[1][4][9]
The mountain's southern watershed drains into San Antonio Creek, the north side into Lytle Creek and the Fish Fork of the San Gabriel River. San Antonio and Lytle Creeks are part of the Santa Ana River watershed. San Antonio Creek descends through a deep canyon which has several waterfalls, the last about 75 feet (23 m) high.[10]
East of the summit is Mount Harwood, which is in turn connected by a narrow ridge, "The Devil's Backbone," to a pass known as the Baldy Notch. At the Notch there is a ski resort, the closest one to Los Angeles. South of the resort, and connected to its ski lift by an asphalt road, lies Mt Baldy Village.
There are no roads or maintained trails connecting the mountain to the less populated region to its north, but a use trail leads over Dawson Peak and Pine Mountain to Wright Mountain and the Pacific Crest Trail, overlooking the town of Wrightwood.
Climate
[edit]A weather station located around 7,700 feet was run during the 1960s; it recorded an average of 131 inches of snow per year.[11] Snow peaks late in the season; in April 1967, 120 inches of snow fell.
Climate data for Mt. Baldy | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 36 (2) |
35 (2) |
39 (4) |
44 (7) |
53 (12) |
63 (17) |
68 (20) |
67 (19) |
61 (16) |
52 (11) |
43 (6) |
36 (2) |
50 (10) |
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 14 (−10) |
13 (−11) |
17 (−8) |
20 (−7) |
27 (−3) |
35 (2) |
39 (4) |
38 (3) |
33 (1) |
24 (−4) |
18 (−8) |
13 (−11) |
24 (−4) |
Average precipitation inches (mm) | 8.90 (226) |
10.14 (258) |
6.65 (169) |
4.33 (110) |
1.70 (43) |
0.35 (8.9) |
0.72 (18) |
0.32 (8.1) |
0.59 (15) |
2.17 (55) |
3.11 (79) |
5.89 (150) |
44.87 (1,140) |
Average snowfall inches (cm) | 32.2 (82) |
43.5 (110) |
32.5 (83) |
16.8 (43) |
2.0 (5.1) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
1.0 (2.5) |
10.5 (27) |
25.4 (65) |
163.9 (417.6) |
Source: [12] |
Natural history
[edit]Geology
[edit]Mount San Antonio lies in the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains, one of the Transverse Ranges of Southern California, formed around the San Andreas Fault system. The Transverse Ranges were formed because of a dog-leg bend in the San Andreas, which is a transform fault. The bend makes it difficult for the two plates to move smoothly past one another, and mountains were raised as a result.
The prehistoric Hog Back landslide lies in the canyon of San Antonio Creek at 4000' elevation. When the slide occurred, it dammed the river, whose depth built up until the water was released catastrophically, forming a slot canyon which now holds some of the area's few good rock climbing routes (difficulty 5.11, sport).
In modern times, notable floods have occurred in 1938 and 1969. The San Antonio Dam was completed in 1956, after a pause due to World War II, in an effort to prevent future floods as severe as the one in 1938, which damaged the low-elevation, highly populated areas below. The dam succeeded in significantly reducing the damage done by the 1969 flood. Hydroelectric plants along San Antonio Creek are tied to the electric grid.
Plants
[edit]The lower land area of the mountain consists of an ecological community known as yellow pine forest.[13] Tree species include lodgepole pine, Jeffrey pine (also known as western yellow pine), white fir, and some sugar pine.[14] These forests are fairly sparse, and are intermixed with chaparral and oak savannah.
Higher up, the yellow pine forest community gives way to a pure lodgepole forest. Near 9,000 ft (2,750 m) these become increasingly krummholzed, and beyond about 9,500 ft (2,900 m) lies an unforested alpine zone. Mountain mahogany trees grow on the slopes above San Antonio Creek.
The dominant shrubs at the higher elevations are manzanita and bush chinquapin. As the elevation increases, there is a higher ratio of chinquapin to manzanita. Other shrubs on the mountain include mountain whitethorn, buckwheat, and mountain gooseberry.
Wildflower species include Galium parishii, San Gabriel alumroot, gray monardella, pumice alpinegold, Parry's pussypaws, Nuttall's sandwort, and caulanthus. There are also Ross's sedge and rockcress. Oreonana vestita, a type of mountainparsley, is adapted to talus.[15]
Animals
[edit]Desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) are found in the area, mostly above 7000', and they lamb in the area.[16] Their population is less threatened than those of other subspecies in California. Unlike animals of this subspecies in the Mojave Desert, those in the San Gabriel Mountains cannot be legally hunted and need not compete with aggressive feral burros for food or water.[17]
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos), featured on the state flag, were once common in the Transverse Ranges, but were driven to extinction in California in the late 19th century, with one of the last animals in the San Gabriels being shot in 1894 by Walter L. Richardson. Black bears (Ursus americanus) did not naturally exist in the San Gabriel Mountains, but in 1933 eleven black bears from Yosemite Valley that had shown problematic behavior were moved to Southern California and released near Crystal Lake.[16] All black bears in the San Gabriels are believed to be descended from this group. Black bears are relatively shy and are almost never known to harm humans.
Rabbits and coyotes are found near San Antonio Creek at low elevations, typically below 2000'. The most common species of rabbits are the black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) and the desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii),[18] the jackrabbit being distinguished by its huge ears. Western gray squirrels live in oak forests at low elevations, on both the south side and the desert side of the range.[16] Merriam's chipmunk (Neotamias merriami) inhabits the San Gabriels in low-elevation areas containing manzanita, below the yellow pine forest community.
Rodents found at higher elevations in the San Gabriels include lodgepole chipmunks (Neotamias speciosus), all the way up to the tree line,[16] and the California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi) in the yellow pine forest on the south side of the range. They hibernate in winter. Rabbits may also occasionally be observed at high elevations.[16]
The two species of chipmunk are difficult to distinguish visually, and firm identification may require examination of their pubic bones, but the lodgepole chipmunk has brighter white stripes.[19] It is easier to distinguish the western gray squirrel (gray, with a white belly and a big, bushy tail) from the California ground squirrel, which is spotted and has a gray area on the back of its neck.
Recreation
[edit]Trails
[edit]Hiking trails reach the summit from four sides of the mountain,[20] and one can access the Devil's Backbone trail by skipping the Mt. Baldy Notch trail with taking chair #1 at Mount Baldy Resorts during any season.[21]
The trails vary in difficulty, and there are plenty of options for novices as well as experienced hikers.
Mt. Baldy Notch – (3.5 miles one way): The trail begins at Manker Flats, where the Baldy Notch Service Road can be taken to the notch. The trail provides scenic views at the notch, and other trails ahead.
Devil's Backbone – (3.2 miles one way from Notch: A service road at Mt. Baldy Notch leads to the Devil's Backbone trailhead and continues to the main peak.
Mt. Baldy Trail – (6.5 miles one way to Mt. Baldy Summit): This is the oldest and longest trail to the summit. Because it starts at Mt. Baldy Village, it has almost 6000' of elevation gain.
Icehouse Canyon – (3.7 miles one way): The Icehouse Canyon trail begins in the parking lot at Icehouse and goes all the way up to Icehouse Saddle where a number of trails can be taken either to the Notch or to nearby peaks such as Ontario and Cucamonga. (5.5 miles).
Ski Hut Trail – This trail follows the east side of the San Antonio Creek canyon to a small backcountry ski hut owned by the Sierra Club. A use trail continues around the left side of the bowl and then to the summit.
Three T’s – (5.3 miles one way): The trail starts and ends at the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead. It leads to views from the summits of Thunder, Timber and Telegraph Mountains.[22]
North Backbone Trail – (6.9 miles one way): The trail is a use trail that starts near Wrightwood but also near Wright Mountain. The trailhead is on a dirt road near Blue Ridge on CA-2. It summits 2 peaks: Dawson Peak and Pine Mountain.
Winter mountaineering
[edit]For mountaineers, the winter and spring offer a snow climbing challenge. The "Baldy Bowl" south of the summit is often climbed with crampons and ice ax, depending on snow conditions. The bowl can be treacherous for inexperienced climbers as some sections have slopes of 45° to 50°. Avalanches and rock fall are both hazards, and deaths or rescues from accidents along Devil's Backbone are a common occurrence.[23] There are also a number of summer routes to the summit involving cross-country travel or scrambling,[24] and it is possible to rappel down the canyon of San Antonio Creek.[25]
Sierra Club hut
[edit]The ski hut is operated by the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter[26] and available for year-round use on weekends. It marks the approximate halfway point on the Ski Hut Trail, at an elevation of 8,200 ft.[27] It has a fully-equipped kitchen, piped water, solar lighting, a wood-burning stove, dormitory loft beds for about sixteen visitors, and an outhouse with a view.[28] The hut is located at the base of Baldy Bowl, recognized as a superb skiing area in the early 1930s. The Ski Mountaineers section of the Sierra Club,[29] formed in 1935, was granted permission by the U.S. Forest Service to construct a hut in this location.[30]
The hut was built by volunteers, who carried all of the building materials up on their backs; it was completed in January 1936. The original hut burned to the ground on September 20, 1936, but was rebuilt, using burros to transport the building supplies,[31] with the replacement hut completed that winter. The rebuilt hut is preserved as much as possible in its original condition, except that the women’s dormitory has been converted to a tool and storage room, and the failing roof panels had to be replaced, again transported to the hut by human power.[32]
Camping
[edit]Manker Flats Campground is available for the public to camp in on a first come-first served mechanism. It is located 3 miles northeast of Mt. Baldy Village on Mt. Baldy road, in an open pine forest. It boasts 21 campsites with features such as stoves, piped water, toilets and tables. However, there are no facilities for showers or sanitary disposal. Fees for camping overnight are $12 per night, and an additional $5 for extra vehicles.[33]
Cycling
[edit]For road cyclists, the climb through Mt. Baldy Village to the base of the ski lifts is popular. It has been used as the finish of the penultimate stage of the 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019 Amgen Tour of California. It was also featured in the 2017 Tour of California as the fifth stage of the race.
Running
[edit]Since 1965, each Labor Day, the San Antonio Canyon Town Hall has sponsored a "Run to the Top" on Mt. Baldy in which a 8-mile (13 km) course over roads and trails ends at the main peak for an approximately 4,000-foot (1,200 m) elevation gain.[34]
Hunting
[edit]Hunting is allowed, but is regulated and requires a license.[35]
History
[edit]Exploitation of resources
[edit]The first development in the area came in the Civil War era, and was focused on exploitation of the area's resources both by independent homesteaders and for use by the populated lowland areas. Some of the first people to live permanently in the area were Mormon settlers in Lytle Creek Canyon (1851), orange farmer Madison Kincaid (1865) and fruit farmer and beekeeper A.A. Dexter (ca. 1875).[36] A sawmill was built in 1870 upstream from today's Mt. Baldy Village, but it either burned down or was destroyed in the flood of 1884.[37]
Ever since 1882, the San Antonio Water Company has controlled the water rights in San Antonio Canyon, including its three hydroelectric plants.
A tributary of San Antonio Creek flows through what is now known as Icehouse Canyon. Because the canyon is deep, its north-facing slope retains snow late into the spring, and in 1859 Victor Beaudry and Damien Marchessault built an icehouse there. The ice was brought down from the mountains to Los Angeles by mule and wagon and sold door to door, as well as being used at Beaudry and Marchessault's ice cream saloon, the only one in the city.[38][39][40] (Marchesseault was later mayor of Los Angeles.)
Gold mining did not begin in the area until decades after the California Gold Rush, with the earliest historical record being of the death of miner Jacob Skinner in 1879 in his mine at the Hog Back slide.[41] Placer mining gave way to hydraulic mining in the 1880s and continued through the 90's. The Banks (Hocumac) Mine was built in 1893 near the Baldy Notch. It was supplied with water by a mile-long pipeline, remnants of which can still be seen, running all the way from San Antonio Creek.[42][43] The remains of the Gold Ridge Diggings (a.k.a. Agamemnon mine) (1897-ca. 1904) are found near the headwaters of San Antonio Canyon, in the canyon below the Ski Hut.[44] The miners were kept supplied by sheep hunter turned merchant Fred Dell, who built Dell's Camp near the present Mt. Baldy Village, and by mule driver Fletcher Manker, who built a store at what is now known as Manker Flat. Gold mining began in Icehouse Canyon in 1892. The Hocumac and Gold Ridge mines were unsuccessful due to the uncertain water supply, the low amount of gold in the ore, and a water-pollution lawsuit filed by downslope farmers.[45]
Resort era
[edit]The late 19th century saw increased interest in the area for its own qualities and for recreation rather than for its resources. In 1875 an army surveying party made the first recorded ascent to the mountain's summit, via Lytle Creek, and estimated the height of the peak.[46] In 1880, W.H. Stoddard, brother-in-law of railroad baron Collis P. Huntington, built a resort in what is now called Stoddard Canyon. Frank Keyes converted Dell's Camp from a mining support station into a rental resort. Early mountain guide William B. Dewey led parties of guests to the summit on a loop corresponding to the present-day Mt. Baldy Trail and Devil's Backbone Trail. Rental cabins were also built in Evey Canyon. Access to the upper canyon was impeded by the precarious nature of the trail going over the Hog Back slide, but by the turn of the century Dell's Camp nevertheless entertained as many as a hundred guests in a weekend.
Charles Baynham built a second camp nearby in 1907,[contradictory] and in the following year the canyon became accessible by automobile.[47] In 1910, Dewey built the Baldy Summit Inn, 80 feet below the mountaintop.[48] Despite the grand name, it consisted of only a set of tents and some storage buildings. It was damaged by a cooking fire in 1913 and never rebuilt.[7] By the early 1920s there were numerous trail camps and resorts such as the Icehouse Canyon Resort,[49] Bear Canyon Resort[50] Eleven Oaks,[51] Baynham Camp,[52] Alpine Woods,[53] Trail Inn,[54] Snow Crest,[55] and Kelly's Camp.[56]
The shift from exploitation of natural resources to recreational use of San Antonio Canyon resulted in a series of bitter conflicts between the San Antonio Water Company and the camp owners. Pollution of the watershed and an 1899 brush fire led the company to buy Dell's Camp and close it, wrest legal control of the road away from Baynham, close off the canyon with locked gates, and station armed guards to keep out intruders. But after some time and various legal battles, the company decided to profit from recreation rather than discouraging it. It bought Baynham's Camp in 1907[contradictory] but then hired Baynham to manage it, charging tolls on the road from 1908 to 1922. The camp was renamed Camp Baldy in 1910.
When the area became a national forest in 1908, the forest service began offering 99-year leases of plots of land in Icehouse Canyon for vacation cabins. By 1938 there were 105 cabins and additional cabins at a resort owned by the Chapman family. Leases were also sold, both by the government and by the water company, at Camp Baldy and Manker Flat.
Between 1922 and 1927 American physicist Albert A. Michelson performed a number of experiments involving bouncing a beam of light off a reflector at Lookout Mountain, a prominence 3.2 miles (5.1 km) southwest of the peak, from the observatory at Mount Wilson some 22 miles (35 km) away.
Prohibition and Great Depression
[edit]During Prohibition, the area became known as a place where one could get a drink away from the watchful eyes of the police.[57] Former Yosemite concessionaire Foster Curry, his wife Ruth Curry, and Ruth's second husband, movie star Edmund Burns, turned Camp Baldy into a playground for affluent residents of Los Angeles, with a swimming pool, casino, and a dance pavilion.[58][59]
In 1935–1936 the Civilian Conservation Corps built a wide trail along the Devil's Backbone from Mt. Baldy Notch to the summit, a route which had previously been narrow and dangerous due to the precipitous drops on one, or in some areas both, sides.[60]
Aurelia Harwood, the first female president of the Sierra Club, was active in the area. Mount Harwood, a subsidiary peak of Mount Baldy, is named for her. The Sierra Club built a lodge, also named after her, at Manker Flats in 1930. It is open to Sierra Club members. In 1935 the club added a mountain hut, known as the "ski hut," by the base of the Baldy Bowl near the headwaters of San Antonio Creek. The ski hut burned down that year but was immediately replaced and remains standing today.
After the 1938 flood
[edit]The flood of 1938 destroyed most of the human-made structures in Camp Baldy and Icehouse Canyon. The casino was destroyed, but the hotel (today's Buckhorn Lodge) survived. No new building has been allowed in Icehouse Canyon, and the Icehouse Canyon resort was destroyed in 1988 by a suspicious fire.[clarification needed][61] Camp Baldy was rebuilt and later became Mt. Baldy Village.
During a snow storm on March 2, 1949, two Marine Corps Hellcat fighter planes were flying in formation in an instrument training exercise when they crashed into the west side of the summit's south ridge.[62] Dozens of pieces of wreckage were scattered across the slope just below the present location of the Ski Hut Trail, and are not noticeable to casual observation from the trail only because they are overgrown with brush.[63]
The ski lift dates to 1952[7] and was expanded and modernized in 1975.[citation needed] As the surviving privately owned cabins in Icehouse Canyon, Baldy Village, and Manker Flats come to the end of their 99-year leases on their lots, the Forest Service, no longer wishing to be a landlord, was converting them to private ownership.[when?] A Zen Center was established at Manker Flats in 1971.[citation needed] As of 2018, the only resorts and lodges serving the general public are the Mt. Baldy Lodge[64] and Buckhorn Lodge in Mt. Baldy Village, and there is also a restaurant at the Baldy Notch ski area. The Snow Crest Lodge at Manker Flat is closed and being renovated.
Today, Mt. Baldy Village has its own fire department,[65] church,[66] visitor center[67] and school district. Mt. Baldy School (the abbreviation is the standard usage) has about 105 students.[68] The visitor center is tended by unpaid volunteer rangers. As of 2013, the Forest Service does not have any paid rangers on duty in the area.[citation needed]
On 13 January 2023, the English actor Julian Sands, a dedicated mountaineer, went missing while hiking in Mount San Antonio.[69][70] His remains were found by hikers on 24 June 2023.[71]
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Looking northwest at Baldy Summit from Devil's Backbone near Mt. Harwood
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Looking southwest from Mt. Baldy Summit
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Panorama looking south toward Los Angeles just below the summit
See also
[edit]- List of highest points in California by county
- List of Ultras of the United States
- Mt. Baldy Joint School District
- Mount Baldy Ski Lifts
- San Gabriel Mountains National Monument
- Mt. San Antonio College
References
[edit]- ^ a b United States Geological Survey (2018-10-22). "The National Map – Advanced Viewer" (Map). The National Map. Retrieved 2020-07-09.
- ^ "Mount San Antonio". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
- ^ "Hundred Peaks Section List". Angeles Chapter, Sierra Club. Retrieved 2016-08-10.
- ^ a b c "Mount San Antonio". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2019-09-16.
- ^ "Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy)". SummitPost.org. Retrieved 2017-01-10.
- ^ Munro, Pamela; Brown, Nellie; Crawford, Judith G. (1992). "A Mojave dictionary". UCLA Occasional Papers in Linguistics. 10. Los Angeles: University of California, Los Angeles. OCLC 28561333.
- ^ a b c Sierra Club Hundred Peaks Section, 100 Peaks Lookout newsletter, May 1969
- ^ "Official Boundaries of the County of Los Angeles". Los Angeles Almanac. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
- ^ "West Baldy, California". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2009-08-14.
- ^ "San Antonio Falls". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2009-08-14.
- ^ "MT BALDY NOTCH, CALIFORNIA Period of Record General Climate Summary - Precipitation".
- ^ "MOUNT BALDY, CALIFORNIA (91759)". weather channel. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
- ^ Schoenherr, Allan A. (1992). A Natural History of California. University of California Press. ISBN 0-520-06922-6.
- ^ Johnston, Verna R. California Forests and Woodlands: A Natural History. p. 158.
- ^ "Mount San Antonio". BioHere. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
- ^ a b c d e Vaughan, Mammals of the San Gabriel Mountains of California, 1954
- ^ Schoenherr, A Natural History of California, pp. 216, 515
- ^ Vaughan, Mammals of the San Gabriel Mountains of California, 1954
- ^ Kays and Wilson, Mammals of North America
- ^ "Dan's Hiking Pages: Introducing Mt. Baldy". Simpsoncity.com. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
- ^ "Scenic Rides". Mount Baldy Resorts. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- ^ "Recreation at Mt. Baldy" (PDF). Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- ^ Hurt, Suzanne (17 March 2017). "Mt. Baldy deaths lead to questions about trail safety". Daily Bulletin. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
- ^ "Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy)". Summitpost.org. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
- ^ "San Antonio Falls (Mt. Baldy)". Canyonbeta.com. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
- ^ "Sierra Club Angeles Chapter". angeles.sierraclub.org. Retrieved 2022-08-11.
- ^ Robinson, Drew (2017-06-06). "Hiking Mt. Baldy via the Ski Hut Trail (Baldy Bowl Trail)". Trail to Peak. Retrieved 2022-08-11.
- ^ "San Antonio Ski Hut". Sierra Club Angeles Chapter. Retrieved 2022-08-11.
- ^ "Sierra Club Angeles Chapter Ski Mountaineers Section". skimountaineerssectionlachaptersc.org. Retrieved 2022-08-11.
- ^ Brinton, Bob. 1945. Encyclimpedia Brintonica, Mugelnoos. Oct 4 and Nov. 1.
- ^ Mendenhall, Ruth Dyar. 2007. Woman on the Rocks – The Moutaineering Letters of Ruth Dyar Mendenhall. Bishop, CA: Spotted Dog Press, p. 23.
- ^ The Historic Ski Hut on Mount Baldy | KTLA 360, retrieved 2022-08-11
- ^ "Recreation at Mt. Baldy" (PDF). Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- ^ "Mount Baldy Run to the Top". Run2top.com. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
- ^ "Angeles National Forest – Hunting". Fs.usda.gov. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
- ^ National Association of Geology Teachers, Field Trip Guidebook to San Antonio Canyon, Mount San Antonio, Cajon Pass, and Wrightwood Areas, Southern California (hereinafter NAGT), pp. 3–37
- ^ Osborne, A guide to Mt. Baldy and San Antonio Canyon (hereinafter Osborne), p. 3
- ^ John Robinson, Trails Of the Angels, p. 230
- ^ "Explore Historic California September 2011". Explorehistoricalif.com. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
- ^ John W. Robinson, Los Angeles in Civil War Days, 1860–1865, p. 19
- ^ National Association of Geology Teachers, Field Trip Guidebook to San Antonio Canyon, Mount San Antonio, Cajon Pass, and Wrightwood Areas, Southern California, pp. 3–37
- ^ Osborne, pp. 5, 62
- ^ Trent, D.D. (August 1986). "Mount Baldy Mining Area" (PDF). California Geology. p. 179. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
- ^ Trent
- ^ Osborne, p. 62
- ^ John W. Robinson, Trails of the Angels: 100 Hikes in the San Gabriels, p. 201
- ^ Jerry Schad, Afoot and Afield Los Angeles County: A Comprehensive Hiking Guide
- ^ Robinson, Trails of the Angels, p. 201
- ^ opened 1919, Osborne, p. 68
- ^ 1921, on the site of the present-day Mr. Baldy Lodge, Osborne, p. 57
- ^ 1921, located behind the present-day fire station. Osborne, pp. 5, 56
- ^ near today's trout pools
- ^ 1930, below Icehouse Canyon; burned down in 1938
- ^ 1927, a mile inside Icehouse Canyon
- ^ near Manker Flat, closed and for sale ca. 2012
- ^ north of Ontario Peak, now an undeveloped camping area for backpackers
- ^ Kimberly J. Creighton, Mt. Baldy, p. 55
- ^ NAGT, pp. 3–38
- ^ A few buildings remain, including the Buckhorn Lodge itself. The original casino burned down in 1936 and was replaced by the Wagon Wheel Casino a year later. The Wagon Wheel was across the street from the Buckhorn Lodge, with the dining room sticking out above the creek. A heated swimming pool adjoined the casino. The dance pavilion, picnic tables, and campsites were at the location of the present-day trout ponds. Osborne, pp. 13, 49
- ^ Schad, 101 Hikes in Southern California, p. 82
- ^ "Mt. Baldy History and Ice House Canyon « profmason.com". Profmason.com. Archived from the original on 2013-09-28. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
- ^ "US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos". joebaugher.com. February 3, 2019. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
- ^ "Mount Baldy – Hellcats 7/21/06". Joe Idoni: Photo Hiking Journal. Retrieved February 8, 2019 – via SmugMug.
- ^ on the site of the former Bear Canyon Resort, Osborne, p. 57
- ^ "Mt Baldy Fire Department". Mtbaldyfire.com. Retrieved 2012-12-30.
- ^ "Welcome to Mt Baldy Village Church". Mtbaldyvillagechurch.com. Retrieved 2012-12-30.
- ^ "Angeles National Forest Mt. Baldy Visitor Center". Fs.usda.gov. Retrieved 2012-12-30.
- ^ "Mt Baldy School". Mt Baldy School District. Retrieved 2009-08-14.
- ^ Beckett, Lois (19 January 2023). "Missing hiker reported in California revealed as British actor Julian Sands". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
- ^ "Julian Sands: British actor identified as hiker missing in southern California". BBC News. 19 January 2023. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
- ^ "Remains Located in the Mt. Baldy Wilderness Area on June 24, 2023". Twitter. 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
External links
[edit]Media related to Mount San Antonio at Wikimedia Commons
- Mt. Baldy Visitor Center and Interpretive Site. Angeles National Forest.
- Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy). SummitPost.org.
- Destruction at Camp Baldy after the 1938 flood. Flickr