First off, i want to thank the following USFS volunteers that put this 'adopt-a-trail' pre-run together and letting us join in on the fun.
Steve Schumacher
Cathy Kaye
Dan Hyatt
Danny Comsa
Chris Fellinger
Jeff McRae
If you'd like more information on how you can get involved or to become a OHV Patrol Volunteer you can visit SBNFA website at
SBNFA OHV PATROL VOLUNTEER
Without the help from them we would have never been able to experience this closed section of trail in the San Bernardino Forest. I would also like to take a second to thank Waywegoes 4x4 Club out of Pasadena CA. This was their idea and without them we wouldn't have had the opportunity to go either. They should have a good time on the official run.
The purpose and plan of attack was to run up Lytle Creek and turn off to 3N06 up to the top of the Mt. Baldy Ski Resort to get familiar with the route for a run at a later date. We would travel up the trail and take a lunch break at the top and head back down to 3N33 and take that out back to the highway. Jeff McRae was nice enough to hand out a map of the area with the route(s) to each and every driver. This really made it nice for people that weren't GPS equipped.
First on the agenda once we hit the dirt was to air down the rigs. We wanted to enjoy the ride, while still wanting to keep our teeth.
After airing down we proceeded up trail through some beautiful sections of Pine Trees. Before too long we arrived at the gate for 3N06.
The gate was a monster, it made Lynne from Waywegoes look like a Barbie Doll.
Once our group had made it through the gate we made sure to lock the gate behind us for obvious reasons.
The trail didn't waste anytime ascending up the side of the mountain.
Scenic views started appearing at every corner.
The whole entire time you travel up the ridge your on the side of a drop off. Needless to say, paying attention is a must.
After about 45 minutes of straight climbing we reached the summit of Mt. Baldy Ski Resort. Most of the people were trying to figure out where we came from beings that the trails are closed to the public and we basically came out of no where. Yep, that's the Toyota out numbered by all Jeeps.
Yosh checking out the great view from the top.
The other easy way up.
After a lunch break and ringing the bell at the Ski Lodge we headed out to play on some of the mountain top trails. Some of the hills are pretty steep and loose. Made me wonder how they get up them during the snow season. Im thinking snowmobile and a artic cat would be the only way.
Another ski lift at the top of Thunder Peak.
A great view at over 8,500 feet.
Can you see the Cabin in this picture?
Click here to see more of it Mt. Baldy Ski Hut
After enjoying the view, we headed over to Devils Backbone. This is a section of the mountain that many hikers love to visit. You can see from the picture how the trail got it's name. You really want to take your time hiking through this area and make sure not to slip or else, it's a long ways down!
After seeing all there was up on top of Baldy, we headed back down 3N06 to 3N33. This was a very smooth fire road that was open to the public and very well maintained.
After making our way through 3N33 for about a hour we proceeded to air back up and head back home on the highway. We had a great time. Thanks again to Jeff McRae for letting us join in on this fun pre-run.