Welcome to the Mt Baldy Visitor Center, your gateway to the stunning natural beauty and rich history of Mount San Antonio, often affectionately referred to as Mount Baldy. Standing tall at 10,064 feet, this peak is the crown jewel of the San Gabriel Mountains and has been a focal point for explorers, settlers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
The history of Mount Baldy is as rugged and varied as its dramatic landscapes. Originally inhabited by the Tongva and Mojave peoples, the mountain was known to them as Yoát or Avii Kwatiinyam. The Spanish settlers, led by Antonio Maria Lugo—a prominent landowner—bestowed the name Mount San Antonio in the 1840s, in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua. However, as American settlers arrived, the barren, treeless peak visible from miles around earned it the moniker ‘Mount Baldy,’ a name that quickly became the common tongue.
The mountain and its surrounding areas have seen a variety of uses over the years. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was the site of logging and mining operations, as well as a popular retreat for those seeking respite from the urban sprawl of Los Angeles. The region’s potential for leisure and sport was realized with the opening of the Mount Baldy Ski Lifts in the 1950s, making it the closest ski resort to Los Angeles.
Notable figures have traversed these trails, including John Muir, the famous naturalist known for his role in the conservation of the Sierra Nevada and the founding of the Sierra Club. His writings reflect the awe and inspiration that these majestic peaks inspired.
Today, Mount Baldy continues to attract hikers, climbers, and skiers. The ‘Devil’s Backbone’ trail offers a thrilling adventure with panoramic views, while the Baldy Notch serves as a starting point for many of the mountain’s hiking and skiing adventures.
As you explore the visitor center, imagine the generations of people who have been drawn to this mountain’s unique landscape—each leaving their mark in the evolving story of Mount Baldy.
