Mount Harwood
Peak Name
Elevation
feet
Status
Region
Range
Nearby peaks
Location
Description
Mount Harwood is named for Ontario resident Aurelia Harwood, who was a mountaineer, conservationist, educator and first female President of the Sierra Club in 1927, and after whom our own Harwood Lodge is named. Harwood is a subtle peak in the shadow of Mount Baldy that is typically added on to a Baldy summit. It offers views to the north, the distant high desert; steep rugged canyons shouldering marvelous forested mountains (Baden-Powell, Ross, Iron, Pine, Dawson, Telegraph, Thunder, Cucamonga, Ontario, and more). It is possible to do this hike from the top of the Baldy Ski Lift, from the Ski Lift Parking Lot or from the Manker Flats parking area. This hike should not be attempted in winter conditions.
Route 1 is the easiest long way up, following the San Antonio Falls fire-road up to Baldy Notch and then up along the Devil’s Backbone. It is also possible to take the ski lift up to the Notch to save that climb time. Route 2 is the famous “Register Ridge” and it is the hardest way up to Baldy or Harwood. It is steep, unrelenting and somewhat loose most of the way and it is also quite beautiful. It is a great challenge for those who have already achieved excellent conditioning.
Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission
Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides
Driving route
Take the 210 freeway east to Baseline Road exit in the City of Claremont. Turn left (west) at the bottom of the off-ramp onto Baseline Road.
Almost immediately, take the first right (north) onto Padua Ave.
Go 1.8 miles north on Padua to the intersection with Mount Baldy Rd. Turn right (northeast).
Take this road northeast and then north about seven miles to Mt. Baldy Village.
Continue about four miles to the intersection with San Antonio Falls Road on the left (gated). Park here.
Hiking route
From the parking area (6160′), pass the gate and hike up the road to Baldy Notch at the top of the ski lift.
Turn left (northwest) and follow a road up a ridge to where it becomes a trail.
Follow this trail up the Devils Backbone to about 9200′ where the trail begins to pass Mount Harwood on the left (south) side.
Leave the trail here on the right and go cross-country up the slope to the summit.
Special conditions: Do not hike up the slope beneath the ski lift. This is not legal. The Devils Backbone trail can be dangerous in winter months.
Driving route
Take the 210 freeway east to Baseline Road exit in the City of Claremont. Turn left (west) at the bottom of the off-ramp onto Baseline Road.
Almost immediately, take the first right (north) onto Padua Ave.
Go 1.8 miles north on Padua to the intersection with Mount Baldy Rd. Turn right (northeast).
Take this road northeast and then north about seven miles to Mt. Baldy Village.
Continue about four miles to the intersection with San Antonio Falls Road on the left (gated). Park here.
Hiking route
From the parking area (6160′), pass the gate and hike up the road about ½ mile to where a trail goes up the left bank.
Hike up the trail about 0.1 mile just past the register box.
Start up a use trail that goes up the ridge to the point where it crosses the Devil’s Backbone trail.
From this point, head northwest about ¼ mile to the peak.
Route Notes
External Links
Nearby Peaks
External Links
Peakbagger.com
Nearest ranger station
NOAA Forecast
Google Earth
We welcome your comments, reviews, tips, photos and trip reports!
You must be logged in to upload images.
Sign up to post your trip reports, photos and comments, and to receive occasional updates about news and events
