Mount Harwood
Mount Harwood is the peak directly East of Mount San Antonio (Mt Baldy). At 9552ft and with many backcountry ski and climbing routes, it is a major peak in the San Gabriel Mountains. Those who spend the time to know the area north of Harwood will have a true appreciation for this great peak, which offers excellent mountaineering routes with no crowds and pure, clean solitude. This is the key to unlocking the true spirit of Mount Harwood, and San Gabriel Mountaineering.Mt Harwood was named for Aurelia Squire Harwood, a Claremont native and supporter of the Sierra Club. Nearby Thunder Mountain was at one time named Mount Harwood, until the Mt Baldy Ski resort changed the names over.
Getting There
From 210 freeway:Exit MOUNTAIN AVE. Head north. Once you've entered the mountains, Mountain Avenue connects with Mt Baldy Road. Make a right turn to head north. The most commonly used parking area is Manker Flats, just south of the Ski Lifts (and the end of the road).
From Manker Flats, take the trail/service road heading west, up to Baldy Notch. From the Notch, follow the ski slopes to your west, up to the Devil's Backbone Trail. After about 1.5 miles of hiking from the notch, you should be below and to the south of the summit of Harwood.
One can also access Harwood's beautiful northern side by heading up Lytle Creek Road to Stockton Flats. In winter, one would be wise to bring something with 4WD. A car with AWD and above-average ground clearance is advised in all other conditions/
Red Tape
National Forest Adventure Pass day passes are $5.00; Annual passes are $30.00. Fires in the Stockton Flat area allowed only in fire pits.Camping
The summit receives very strong winds year-round, and often all day long. Thus, camping or bivying on the peak can be a challenge to mountaineers unless they stay low in the trees.A favored camping spot is the nice sheltered saddle with Mt Baldy.
