I used to hike a lot. There were months where my husband and I were off hiking, camping, exploring every weekend. Of course, this was all done before we had our boys. I really miss it.
We do family hikes more often than most families I know. We really try to get our boys out and about, it makes all of us feel great. But, there is a lot of preparation, responsibility and exhaustion that comes with hiking/camping with young kids.
So, I have longed to get out on the trail again, with just myself to worry about. A few weeks ago I decided that early June sounded like enough time for me to get in shape and hike the Bowl Trail to the top of Mount Baldy.
I sent out an e-mail to a few of my girlfriends (with young children themselves and whom enjoy a challenge) asking if anyone would be interested in joining me…I was met with an overwhelming response.
After a few weeks passed I realized that a pre-hike would be helpful not only to me but to everyone (we all need a fitness gauge). We decided on May 12th as our pre-hike, not everyone who is hiking with me in June could make it.
We hiked half of the trail we will soon complete. This brought us to the Sierra Club Ski Hut 2.5 miles up the trail. What a way to kick off Mother’s Day weekend.
The pre-hike was great. It felt so good to breathe in the thin fresh air. I have never hiked with just women before…it was an empowering new experience.
So, thank you mama friends for a great hike. I can’t wait to get to the top in a few weeks, the countdown is on…
Here are a few pictures from the trail.
One of my favorite trails. I was there today. Good luck with your June hike!
Thank you. It is a beautiful trail. Great views!! I am really looking forward to June and showing my friends the view at the top
Have you hiked the variant near the top that takes you into a bowl like area near the rim that follows the bowl as viewed from below?
I don’t think so…I have stayed to the trail (either the bowl trail or backbone trail) when going to top. It sounds interesting and I am sure beautiful. I would like to hear how you get there if you want to share.
I’ll add step by step directions with photos to my blog before June. Everyone should go there at least once–it’s an amazing little area!
Thank you. Those “off the beaten path” places always make a trip even more enjoyable.
I’ve been a little behind schedule but I just created a page with step by step instructions with lots of photos to hike the variant I told you about. At the bottom of the page is a link to a lot more photos of the terrain and views out from it. I haven’t had a chance to put together the whole Baldy Bowl Trail, but you already know that one and I’m sure you’ll have no problem locating this variant if you choose to try it. If you try it, let me know what you think. Enjoy your June hike! Here’s a link to the page:
http://hikingangelesforest.com/trail-segments/manker-flats-segments/baldy-bowl-upper-little-bowl-variant-s/
Thank you Kyle. I appreciate you letting me know about your post. I will check it out.
We actually did the bowl trail this morning. I didn’t see your comment until just now. So, I guess it is for the next time I hike Baldy. It was a beautiful morning, great hike!
You”re welcome. Sorry I didn’t get it done sooner, but it gives you an extra reason to hike it again. Great to hear you had a great hike! My family and I went to Mt. Baden-Powell today.
Tough but beautiful hike too! We could see it from the top of Baldy. I can’t wait to hike Mt. Baden-Powell with my boys…soon enough
When they are ready, have them try from Dawson Saddle first. It’s not as strenuous and the views are better throughout.
Awesome thanks!
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