Mount San Antonio via North Backbone Trail in Angeles National Forest, CA

Hike Mount San Antonio via North Backbone Trail Angeles National Forest, CA

Class 2 13.2 miles 5600 gain 6-8 hrs Out + Back May 22, 2018
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

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A few years ago, I did Mt. Baldy via the standard loop route, and a few days ago, I did a much longer loop that included Mt. Baldy. Today, I figured I’d go the back way, on the North Backbone Trail, bagging a few peaks along the way to create a traverse of Wright Mountain, Pine Mountain, Dawson Peak, and Mt. San Antonio (Mt. Baldy). It ended up being pretty difficult, because not only did the route require hitting three peaks, but it also meant going back over the same peaks.

Starting from the Guffy Campground, take the Pacific Crest Trail until you hit the saddle between Wright Mountain and Pine Mountain. I opted to bag Wright Mountain, but it’s forested and has no views, so likely not worth it if you’re just going for a scenic hike. Head down onto the North Backbone Trail itself, which is pretty well-defined and has a small section of Class 2 to gain Pine Mountain. Otherwise, it’s a rollercoaster of a route with steep sections all the way to and from Mt. Baldy.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Wright Mountain
8505 ft
305 rise
2
Peak 8555
8555 ft
n/a rise
3
Pine Mountain
9648 ft
848 rise
4
Dawson Peak
9575 ft
424 rise
5
Mount San Antonio
10064 ft
6224 rise

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Along the Pacific Crest Trail, heading to the saddle between Wright Mountain and Pine Mountain.
Along the Pacific Crest Trail, heading to the saddle between Wright Mountain and Pine Mountain.
Pine Mountain comes into view.
Pine Mountain comes into view.
Almost at the saddle between Wright and Pine. I took quick detour up Wright Mountain.
Almost at the saddle between Wright and Pine. I took quick detour up Wright Mountain.
Wright Mountain doesn't have a view. This is near the summit, which isn't obvious to find.
Wright Mountain doesn't have a view. This is near the summit, which isn't obvious to find.
Headed down to the saddle of Wright and Pine.
Headed down to the saddle of Wright and Pine.
Starting the scree-filled ridge up Pine Mountain.
Starting the scree-filled ridge up Pine Mountain.
Looking up at Pine Mountain.
Looking up at Pine Mountain.
Crumbly section along the ridge.
Crumbly section along the ridge.
Looking back along the way up to Pine Mountain, Wright Mountain on the right.
Looking back along the way up to Pine Mountain, Wright Mountain on the right.
Entering a steep and forested section.
Entering a steep and forested section.
Image 10 from gallery
Just below the summit of Pine Mountain, looking west-ish.
Just below the summit of Pine Mountain, looking west-ish.
Pine Mountain summit, looking south toward Mt. Baldy, Dawson Peak on the left.
Pine Mountain summit, looking south toward Mt. Baldy, Dawson Peak on the left.
Heading down Pine Mountain toward Dawson Peak.
Heading down Pine Mountain toward Dawson Peak.
Headed up Dawson Peak, looking back toward Pine Mountain.
Headed up Dawson Peak, looking back toward Pine Mountain.
Image 15 from gallery
Image 16 from gallery
A close-up of the ridgeline to come to get up Mt. Baldy.
A close-up of the ridgeline to come to get up Mt. Baldy.
Dawson Peak summit, slightly off the official trail.
Dawson Peak summit, slightly off the official trail.
Headed down Dawson Peak.
Headed down Dawson Peak.
Almost at the saddle between Dawson and Baldy.
Almost at the saddle between Dawson and Baldy.
Saddle before heading up Baldy.
Saddle before heading up Baldy.
Steep trail up Baldy.
Steep trail up Baldy.
Looking back toward Dawson Peak (right), and Pine Mountain (left).
Looking back toward Dawson Peak (right), and Pine Mountain (left).
Image 24 from gallery
Image 25 from gallery
Image 26 from gallery
Image 27 from gallery
Almost at the summit of Mt. Baldy.
Almost at the summit of Mt. Baldy.
Image 29 from gallery
I got here late enough in the day when there were no other people on the summit who came from the other routes, I guess.
I got here late enough in the day when there were no other people on the summit who came from the other routes, I guess.
Image 31 from gallery
On the way back, there was some crazy fog visible from near the summit of Dawson Peak.
On the way back, there was some crazy fog visible from near the summit of Dawson Peak.
Another shot of the crazy sunset from Pine Mountain on my way back.
Another shot of the crazy sunset from Pine Mountain on my way back.
Really beautiful view from near the trailhead, taken when I got back to my car.
Really beautiful view from near the trailhead, taken when I got back to my car.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!