Mount Harwood

To access the Mount Harwood area by vehicle, you must display a National Forest Adventure Pass or a National Park access pass. These passes are typically required for parking within the Angeles National Forest.

Mount Harwood is generally considered a challenging hike due to its elevation gain and rugged terrain, especially if combined with Mount Baldy. While experienced beginners with good fitness might manage, it's not typically recommended as a first mountain summit. Shorter, less strenuous routes in the Mount Baldy area might be more suitable for those new to mountain hiking.

Directly summiting Mount Harwood is quite strenuous. However, families might find more suitable options on the lower slopes or around Mount Baldy Village. For example, the scenic chairlift to Baldy Notch offers easier access to some trails with less elevation gain, providing a taste of the mountain environment without the full challenge of the summit.

Yes, dogs are generally permitted on trails within the Angeles National Forest, including those leading to Mount Harwood. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times. Be sure to bring plenty of water for your dog, especially on warm days, as the trails can be exposed and strenuous.

During winter months, Mount Harwood and its surrounding trails, particularly the Devil's Backbone, can be covered in snow and ice. This transforms the hike into a more technical endeavor, often requiring specialized gear such as microspikes, crampons, and an ice axe. Conditions can change rapidly, so checking current weather and trail reports is crucial for winter ascents.

The time it takes to hike to Mount Harwood's summit varies greatly depending on the starting point, route, and individual fitness. If combined with a Mount Baldy ascent via the Devil's Backbone Trail, a round trip can easily take 6-8 hours or more. Hikers should plan for a full day and start early.

The most prominent feature is the Devil's Backbone Trail, a narrow ridge-line path offering expansive views. Near the summit, you'll find an open scree field. Scientific equipment from an EarthScope Plate Boundary Observatory Station is also located near the summit, studying crust movement. The views of Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy) to the west are also spectacular.

While there are no amenities directly on Mount Harwood, the nearby Mount Baldy Village offers a few options. You can find a general store, a restaurant, and some lodging. Additionally, the Harwood Lodge, a historic retreat, is located at the base of Mount Baldy and commemorates Aurelia S. Harwood, for whom the peak is named.

The Angeles National Forest is home to various wildlife. Hikers might spot deer, squirrels, and a variety of birds. Less commonly, larger mammals like bears or mountain lions inhabit the area, though encounters are rare. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.

The Devil's Backbone Trail is renowned for its dramatic ridge-line hiking experience. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the desert to the north and the San Gabriel Mountains to the south. Despite some narrow sections with steep drop-offs, it's generally less precarious than it appears, providing a thrilling and memorable approach to Mount Harwood and Mount Baldy.

Yes, many hikers incorporate Mount Harwood into a larger loop or traverse. A popular option involves taking the scenic chairlift from Mount Baldy Village to Baldy Notch, hiking the Devil's Backbone Trail over Mount Harwood to Mount Baldy, and then descending via another route, such as the Ski Hut Trail, to complete a challenging circular experience.