For my friend J's birthday (late June 2010), I agreed to hike Mt. Baldy's Bear Flat Trail (5800' gain over 12.8 miles), which was my last major hike before day-hiking Mt. Whitney. J (who completed the 3 Saints-- Baldy, Jacinto, & Gorgonio as well as PCT) says this Baldy trail is by far the toughest of the three.
I live on the eastern-most part of LA but this is REALLY east-- near Claremont off of the 210. DON'T be like me & drive precariously towards the trailhead on an empty tank. There are no gas stations in the vicinity.
Although we're seasoned hikers, we had a late start. Make sure your Adventure Pass is handy-- this is Angeles Crest territory. I heard people park at the church-- do so at your own risk. I parked in front of the visitor center (it doesn't look like a parking space) & went inside for an outdated but still useful map. There are teepees behind the visitor center (& restrooms!).
This is the least traveled of the Baldy trails which means-- 1) the trail is overgrown (you'll want a machete), 2) this is strenuous, & 3) few people sightings (we only encountered an ultra-marathoner & backpacker).
After the disappointment from multiple false summits, we finally made it to 10,064 ft! I suffered from allergies, sun sensitivity, and altitude sickness (I'm prone to it above 8000') so I advise you to pack your first aid kit, trekking poles, & tons of water, & be prepared for anything!
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