Notch One for Baldy

Snowshoe hiking on Mount Baldy in Los Angeles County

02.09.2017

In a great winter, Mount Baldy’s lower slopes become one of SoCal’s most accessible snow playgrounds—skiing and boarding up top, sledding and building snowpersons at the bottom. In between is a virtual highway for snowshoers—snowed-over Falls Road and Baldy Road, from Manker Flats to Baldy Notch. You climb steadily, never strenuously, snow-crunching through the pines for about 3.5 miles, gaining about 1,500 feet. Park as close as you can to the Mount Baldy Trailhead in Manker Canyon, skirt the locked gate at the bottom of Falls Road, and start up that road (it might be icy) until it’s time to strap on your platforms. In just over a half mile, you’ll come to a hairpin and a view of tripartite San Antonio Falls. Continue on the would-be Baldy Road (stay right when narrow Ski Hut Trail branches left), which is your way to the Notch. Unless there’s been a fresh fall, the snow will be well packed and the going generally easy.

Enjoy the mountain views, and behind you, Sunset Peak, the LA Basin, and glimpses of the Pacific—but stay alert for skiers and boarders. Your goal soon reveals itself: the Top of the Notch restaurant and lift station, 7,800 feet, where you can grab a craft beer and a burger, then simply ride the chairs back down.

Coming from the west on I-210 in Claremont, take exit 52, Baseline Rd. At the end of the ramp, turn left and make an immediate right on Padua Ave. Drive 1.8 miles north to Mount Baldy Rd. Turn right and continue 7 miles to Mount Baldy Village, where you can pick up a $5 National Forest Adventure Pass at the Mount Baldy Visitor Center. Proceed another 4.4 miles up Mount Baldy Rd. past Manker Flats Campground, and look for roadside parking near the Falls Rd. intersection. Parking’s tight on weekends; head up early. Dog-friendly on the trail, but not the ski lift. Coming from the east on I-210 in Claremont, take exit 54, Mountain Ave., and proceed 4 miles up Mountain to Mount Baldy Rd. Continue 4.6 miles to Mount Baldy Village. Then follow the directions above.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View

  2. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View