This is now totally my favorite hike.

It’s very rewarding at the summit and then there’s cold draft beer around mile 9 of 11!

Time 9 Hours (BUT that includes the party at the summit and the party at the Baldy bar where we drank like three pitchers.)

Distance 11.2 Miles

Elevation Gain 4000′

Max Elevation 10,064′

Trail Condition It’s like Fryman or Runyon really…



Difficulty Strenuous

Trailhead Manker Flat, Angeles National Forest, San Bernardino, California 91759 – It’s just north of this on the left. Park wherever. Make sure to have your Adventure Pass.

So I was late. I’m sorry. It was totally my fault. BUT Will and what was from hence forth known as Team A didn’t wait until 830 like we said.

ANYWAY! We took a lot of training gear on this trip. God. I saw all these people in workout clothes, some with no water and I had a 45lbs pack on. EFF ME! But so did Josh and Iris so at least I wasn’t alone.

At the last minute we decided that going up the Devil’s Backbone would suck so we did the classic loop instead. Like I said I was late so Will, Elise, Megan and Emmanuel became Team A and headed up first. Getting to the ski hut was fine and the rest of the way was super fun!

The summit was like the moon! That’s where Team B finally caught Team A. Then we all had a toast and a nap!

They headed down first and we went soon thereafter.

Again we all met up at the lodge and drank beers! This is now totally my favorite hike. It’s very rewarding at the summit and then there is cold draft beer around mile 9 of 11! Effing awesome.

-S