Mount Baldy via Bear Canyon Trail

The Mount Baldy via Bear Canyon trail is a 12.2-mile round trip from Mount Baldy Village to the summit of Mount Baldy, which stands as the highest point in the San Gabriel Mountains at 10,064 feet. Situated in Los Angeles County, it lies roughly 14 miles north of Upland and 48 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The trail can be used for hiking, trail running, and backpacking.Among the various routes available to reach Mount Baldy's summit, the Bear Canyon Trail stands out. It offers a demanding yet gratifying ascent characterized by steep terrain and breathtaking mountain vistas. Compared to some of the nearby trails, it tends to be less crowded, providing ample opportunities for solitude.The trail begins with a shaded climb through oak trees, cedar, pine, and fir and then quickly gains over 2,000 feet in elevation within the first three miles! As the ascent progresses, the landscape transitions to an exposed ridgeline adorned with sparse chaparral and pine vegetation. Eventually, after an elevation gain exceeding 5,000 feet, you'll reach the summit of Mount Baldy. Take a moment to rest and relish the panoramic views, but make sure you reserve ample energy for the steep descent back down.This route is best for those seeking a challenging hike with beautiful views and a significant elevation gain.WILDLIFEIn the vicinity of the Bear Canyon Trail, a diverse range of wildlife can be observed, including several bird species, deer, coyotes, bighorn sheep, black bears, mountain lions, lizards, snakes, and various types of insects, among others.PARKINGThere are parking areas available for trail access near Mount Baldy Village. However, these parking areas might have limited capacity, especially during weekends or peak hiking seasons.BACKPACKING AND CAMPINGThere aren't designated backcountry campsites along the Bear Canyon Trail. However, dispersed camping might be possible in some areas along the trail. Be sure to check the current regulations and restrictions regarding camping in the area as they can vary due to conservation efforts, fire hazards, or other concerns. Mount Baldy Visitor Center Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=41942.