Mount San Antonio
Mountain Prominent San Gabriel peak and Southern California hiking destination
East of Los Angeles, Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy) tops 10,000 feet as LA County’s highest point; hikers, trail runners and a small ski area use its trails.
Mount San Antonio, commonly known as Mount Baldy, is the highest point in Los Angeles County with a summit elevation of 10,064 feet (3,068 metres).
Hikers and climbers use a network of trails that lead to the summit, and a small ski area operates on the eastern slopes during snowy winters. Routes range from steep day-hikes to more technical winter ascents, and the mountain is a popular local outdoor destination.
The peak sits within the San Gabriel Mountains and has long been used for recreation by nearby urban populations; it is managed within national forest lands and local recreation infrastructure developed around the community at the mountain’s base.
Located in the San Gabriel Mountains of southern California, the mountain rises within Los Angeles County and is accessed from mountain villages and trailheads on its flanks.
- Names and elevation: Often called Mount Baldy; the mountain's official name is Mount San Antonio and the summit elevation is 10,064 feet (3,068 metres).
- Skiing and seasonal conditions: A small ski area operates on the eastern slopes and winter snow frequently makes the summit inaccessible without mountaineering gear.
What to See #
- Summit: The summit at 10,064 feet (3,068 metres) is the high point of Los Angeles County and a commonly reached destination for day hikes and technical winter ascents.
How to Get to Mount San Antonio #
Mount San Antonio (commonly “Mount Baldy”) is reached by road from the Los Angeles basin via freeway and mountain roads to Mount Baldy Village. From downtown Los Angeles expect about a 35-50 mile (55-80 km) drive depending on route and traffic; common approaches use the I‑10 or I‑210 corridors and local roads up to Mount Baldy Road into the village.
Park and begin hikes from trailheads in Mount Baldy Village (the village and its trailheads are the usual access points). Check local road conditions and parking rules before driving into the mountain roads.
Tips for Visiting Mount San Antonio #
- Start very early (pre-dawn in summer) from the Mount Baldy Village trailheads to avoid hot afternoon conditions and the common midday thunderstorms in the San Gabriel Mountains.
- Use the Mount Baldy Village access (Mount Baldy Road) and, if you want to shorten the ascent, check whether the summer chairlift is operating-many hikers use it to gain elevation quickly and reduce exposure on busy days.
- Avoid weekend late-morning departures when parking in the village and at trailheads fills; weekdays or sunrise starts give a much quieter route and better summit views.
Best Time to Visit Mount San Antonio #
Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy) is best for hiking in summer (June-September); winter is for snow sports but requires appropriate equipment and caution.
Weather & Climate near Mount San Antonio #
Mount San Antonio's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) - Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -6°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (893 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (152 mm).
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. The driest month with just 8 mm.
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July
July is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).
