Hike starts at the gate north west from Manker Camp Groung 1/4 mile from Snowcrest Lodge. Start up on paved road directly to the west. Paved road will continue for 1/2 mile to San Antonio watefalls. Road then turns back to the east and become dirt road. Continue on the road for other 1/4 mile to the trail head. The dirt road has a long straigt stretch for about 300 yards. When you reach the point where the pool and Snowcrest Lodge are visible on your right below, keep your eye on the left side of the road. The trail is about other 150 yards on your left and it is often missed by hikers, because it is narrow and most people enjoy to look to the right on the opossite side of valley (toward Big Butch Wash). When on the trail, follow the first switchback to the registration stand. It is always good idea to write your name, date and time, your intended hike and return route and some details about yourself, so in case of emergency, the search teams can read your note and get better idea where to look for you. About 60 yards after the registration stand, you will be able to see the Ski Hut way up below the Baldy Bowl, about half way up to the top. Follow the trail for little less then 2 miles to the Hut. After the Hut, cross the creek and follow the trail to Rock Garden, 1/4 mile from the Hut. AFter the Rock Garden the trail passes through a pine forest following a numerous switchbacks to the ridge. Once on the ridge start following the trail up. Stop and turn around to memorize that way back. This is number one area where hikers get last. Remeber, on the way down, you need to turn left on the bottom of the ridge. Many people follow wrong trail to the right (looking down) to the Good Canyon and end miles of the trail and their vehicle. So look back and remember you bearings. The ridge will eventually flatten and you will see the summit of San Antonio (Old Baldy) directly to north. Now open your beer and enjoy the view.
Fastest way down is directly to the East, following the Notch/Mt Harwood/Devils Backbone trail.
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