Welcome to the scenic Mt Baldy Drive, a gateway to the majestic San Gabriel Mountains and a place rich in history and natural beauty. Mt Baldy, officially known as Mount San Antonio, is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains, towering at 10,064 feet. Its name, Mt Baldy, comes from the bare, treeless appearance of its summit, a stark contrast to the lush forests that surround it.
The area around Mt Baldy has been a site of human activity for centuries, starting with the Indigenous Tongva people, who called the mountain ‘Yoát’ or ‘Joat,’ meaning snow. They lived in harmony with the land, utilizing its resources for sustenance. With the arrival of European settlers, the mountain was named Mount San Antonio by Antonio Maria Lugo, a ranch owner in the mid-19th century, in honor of his patron saint, Anthony of Padua.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Mt Baldy area underwent significant change. Initially, it was a site of resource extraction, but by the early 1900s, it began to pivot toward recreation. The San Antonio Water Company, after a series of legal battles over land use, took control of the area and recognized the potential for tourism. This led to the establishment of Camp Baynham in 1906, which later became Camp Baldy and eventually Mt Baldy Village.
The 1938 Los Angeles flood marked a significant event in the area’s history, destroying many structures in Camp Baldy, but the resilient community rebuilt, leading to the charming village you see today. The Mt Baldy Ski Lifts were introduced post-World War II, further cementing the area’s reputation as a recreational paradise.
Mt Baldy has also been visited by notable figures throughout its history. It remains a favored spot for hikers, skiers, and nature enthusiasts, offering breathtaking vistas and a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby metropolitan Los Angeles.
As you travel along Mt Baldy Drive, you’ll be tracing the footsteps of history, from the ancient paths of the Tongva to the bustling recreational hub it is today. Enjoy the journey and the stories this majestic mountain has to tell.
