Manker Flat to PCT Loop

This demanding 25.8-mile loop from Manker Flat climbs over Mount Baldy (10,064’), Dawson Peak (9,575’), and Pine Mountain (9,648’), then loops back via the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). With over 8,284 feet of elevation gain, this route is a true leg-burner, best suited for experienced hikers or backpackers looking for a rugged high-altitude adventure in the San Gabriel Mountains. Expect panoramic ridgelines, solitude beyond Baldy’s summit, and a remote wilderness experience not far from Los Angeles.
Route Description
Begin at Manker Flat and head up the fire road to the Ski Hut Trail. Follow the steep, exposed trail as it climbs to the summit of Mount Baldy (10,064’), rewarding you with sweeping views of the LA Basin, Mojave Desert, and surrounding peaks.

From Baldy’s summit, leave the crowds behind and descend the narrow, rugged ridge east toward Dawson Peak. This stretch is steep, loose, and lightly trafficked, offering a sense of true wilderness. Continue to Pine Mountain, often overlooked by most hikers, and take in the solitude and stunning scenery along the Pine-Dawson ridgeline.

From Pine, follow the North Backbone Trail until you reach a dirt road junction. Head south on the road until it connects with the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT offers a more forgiving grade as it winds through open ridgelines, eventually descending past Gobbler’s Knob. At the next dirt road junction, take Stockton Flats Road toward Baldy Notch, then descend the fire road back to Manker Flat to complete the loop.
Flora & Fauna
Lower elevations feature chaparral, oak woodland, and bigcone Douglas fir. As you ascend, you'll enter mixed conifer forests and eventually reach alpine terrain dominated by limber pine and lodgepole pine. Wildlife includes bighorn sheep, mule deer, western fence lizards, and the occasional rattlesnake. You might also spot red-tailed hawks or Clark’s nutcrackers near the high ridges.
Permits
No wilderness permits are required for day hikes or overnight trips in this area, but a California Campfire Permit is needed for stove use, and a Forest Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at Manker Flat.

Considerations

• This loop is strenuous and includes exposed ridgelines and loose scree—trekking poles are highly recommended.

• Snow and ice may persist on Baldy and the Backbone into early summer. Check trail conditions before you go.

• Water is limited in several sections of this route, prepare accordingly.

• Start early and watch the weather, as conditions can change rapidly at higher elevations.

• This route passes through a recent burn area—check with local forest officials for current trail conditions and any potential closures before heading out.