Report | Mt. Baldy via Baldy Bowl Trail | Mar 21, 2026

Contents

1. Current Conditions
2. Gear, Clothing, and Water
3. Time Stats
4. Trail Recap
5. Trail Guide

Current Conditions

As of March 21st, 2026, Mt. Baldy via the Baldy Bowl Trail from the Manker Flats trailhead is open after Forest Order No. 05-01-26-08 closed the area since February 27th, 2026. Very little snow and ice remain on significant portions of the trail and with temperatures expected to remain warm along with the return of regular foot traffic, the snow is not expected to last much longer.

The trail in general is perhaps a little rougher than usual due to the snow/water received between January and March. There is even a huge gouge right through the baldy bowl which hikers currently climb in and out of to get across the bowl. Other than this, the trail retains its usual level of difficulty.

Many squirrels, birds and lizards were sighted this day. Although Mt. Baldy can be home to snakes, deer, bighorn sheep, bears, and mountain lions, none of these were sighted.

Gear, Clothing, and Water

At this time, this hike does NOT require shoe-mounted traction control devices like microspikes or crampons. These devices may only be applicable to very small portions of the trail between the Ski Hut and Baldy Saddle and this applicability lessens with each passing day. Hikers should wear shoes/boots which provide sufficient traction and support for the trail to mitigate the risk of injury or death. Trekking poles are highly recommended, though not required.

Dressing correctly for the weather on Mt. Baldy can be challenging at times, so hikers should dress or pack clothing to handle different scenarios. Generally, hikers can expect:

• The Baldy Summit will be very windy and it tends to be much more chilly than even 100ft below the summit.
• The overall weather on the mountain can change in an instant. Even if the forecast has no chance of rain, you should plan on inclement weather being a very real possibility.
• The lower sections of the trail (like Manker Trailhead to the Ski Hut) may be some of the coldest and hottest sections of the trail, depending on the time of day which you start. Temperatures at the trailhead before daylight can be some of the coldest you'll experience. After sunrise, the area quickly warms up and temperatures can easily approach 100F.

For general hiking, most people should estimate water consumption roughly at 1L per 5 miles. Given the intensity of this hike, you may want to plan for more water consumption than usual. The creek which feeds into San Antonio Falls has water most of the year, especially in the spring. This water can be filtered to drink on the way up and again on the way down to minimize the weight of water on your back. Obviously you risk the availability of water yourself, so make sure you know what you are doing before making hasty decisions about drinking water.

Time Stats

Trail Recap

Trail Guide

Go read HikingGuy's guide here: Baldy Bowl Trail (Sku Hut Trail) to Mt Baldy. This is a great reference and absolutely worth reading.

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