12x12 "SLOW-POKE" TO THE SUMMIT MOUNT BALDY

GENERAL:
To celebrate my 12th. trip to the summit of Mount Baldy, I would like to lead 12 adventurous souls on a trip up to the top of the highest point in LA county. I would prefer hikers who have not done this before but feel that they can achieve it if the pace was slow enough and enough rest stops were taken. If you have hiked this before with me, then you know my pace and philosophy.

OUR ROUTE:
We will be taking the Manker flats route up from 6,000 ft, past the ski hut, and then onto the summit at over 10,000 ft. This portion is 7 miles.
The trip down will be by way of the backbone trail 4 miles to the ski lift where we will ride the chair-lift (cost = $10.00) back down to the parking lot, thus saving time, and most importantly, our knees. I expect the total trip to take about 8 hours.

WHAT TO BRING:
Plenty of water* and some snacks (*I will be carrying Gatorade in my pack to replenish our electrolites) sun-block, lip balm, cash for the ski-lift, etc. Please have some of these in a ziplock as we can transfer them to my pack if need be to help people out. A light jacket or long sleeve T-shirt might be nice for the summit. Again, put in a zip-lock so I can carry them for you if you would like. Hiking poles are a good idea, especially for going downhill on the back-bone trail. BE SURE TO EAT A GOOD BREAKFAST AS THIS AND WATER ARE YOUR BEST DEFENSE AGAINST ALTITUDE ISSUES!

DIRECTIONS TO THE TRAILHEAD:
Take the 10 or the 210 to Upland and exit Mountain Avenue heading North into the Angeles National Forest. Follow Mountain Avenue to the intersection with Shinn Road - veer left. Continue to Mt. Baldy Road, veer right onto Mt. Baldy Road and follow it for several miles to Manker Flats. Be careful of your speed after Baldy Village - some of the turns are hairpin. Make a U-turn at the sign for SAN ANTONIO FALLS ROAD (The trailhead and some outhouses are located here) and start looking for a parking place. You will need an adventure pass to park here. We will meet at the trailhead by the outhouses.

I WILL BE COMING FROM THE SOUTHBAY AND CAN CARPOOL IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PITCH IN FOR GAS. I HAVE AN ADVENTURE PASS. EMAIL ME DIRECT @ [masked]

AFTERWARD:
For those who would like to partake, we will be heading to the Roundtable in Upland afterward for some food and refreashments.