~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~PLANECRASHINMT. BALDYAREA BACKGROUND: On March 21, 1949 two Grumman F6F-5N Hellcat fighter aircraft, BuNo’s 94202&94182 crashed into Mt. Baldy during a snowstorm. The two aircraft were on a flight to practice instrument flying. The fighters were USMC Reserve, based at El Toro Marine Base, California. The aircraft crashed between the 9500 ft. and 9000 ft. levels of the 10,064 ft. peak. The center section of the same aircraft was located about 100-feet north and there were numerous other pieces of fuselage, wings, radios and engine scattered about in the surrounding area. Over the years snow has pushed the aircraft remains down the mountain, also parts have been salvaged from both planes for restoration work on surviving WWII fighters. STATS: Difficulty: 7⁄8 Distance: 9.5 Miles Gain: Approx. 3800 ft. Time: 5⁄7 hours ESSENTIALS: Water Comfy Shoes Sunscreen Snacks Camera Hat(Optional) Camera OURROUTE: Our hike began at the gated road to the Manker Flats. We followed the Ski Hut Trail through the Jeffery and lodge pole pines to the Sierra Ski Hut, which is at approximately 8200 feet. We cross a small stream and headed for the steepest portion of our climb to Mt. Baldy’s southeast ridge. From the ridge we headed north at approximately 9100 feet for the final stretch to the summit. Further up the trail we hiked among some of the most amazing and most bizarre looking trees in the entire San Gabriel Range, not to mention the oldest. Once at the summit we will broke for and rest. From the summit, we had an incredible 360 degree view of Southern California as far north as the Tehachapi’s to Catalina, as well as Mt. San Jacinto and Mt. San Gorgonio! After our break, we headed down the same route and ventured down to the crash site located in Goode Canyon. This part of the hike dropped us down about 300 feet over about a ½ mile. This was my fifth Mt. Baldy summit, a hike that was supposed to be a one and done, so much for that. My sole purpose of this particular hike was to see the plane crash. Unfortunately there wasn’t much left, much of it had already been removed by others so using the imagination of what happened was virtually impossible. DISCLAIMER: Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepare. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles(more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a fireman can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up. #HIKING#RELICS#PLANECRASH
