Mount Baldy Ski Lodge via Baldy Bowl Trailhead – Autophagy vs. Normal Fueling

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Hiker standing beneath a ski lift tower near Mount Baldy Ski Lodge, framed by rocky slopes and pine trees on a bright summer day, during an autophagy vs. normal fueling test hike

Trail Stats

6.2 mi, 1,605 ft gain, 2:10, fasted, no LMNT

🪜 Stairs Equivalent

~161 flights ~2,740 steps StairMaster Time: ~45 min @ Level 6 ~30 min @ Level 10 ~20 min @ Level 12 Motivational: | “That’s like climbing Baldy Lodge stairs 5x — no electrolytes, pure grit.”

Hike Summary & Reflections

Starting at the Baldy Bowl Trailhead, this route follows a well-maintained paved road toward the Baldy Ski Lodge (Notch). The climb is steady but not overly steep, making it ideal for ankle recovery and mid-week conditioning. Surrounded by pine forest and mountain air, the route provides consistent elevation gain without technical terrain.

The turnaround at ~7,800 ft offers a great mid-elevation training boost without the taxing grind of a summit day.

Water only; no mid-hike fueling required for the short duration. Curious how fueling changes the outcome of this route?

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See Baldy via Register Ridge for a steeper option.

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Wild Moments on the Trail

Mild breeze and mountain views paired with near-empty trail sections made this feel like a personal training track in the sky.

Saw couples enjoying the lift up to the lodge.

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Why This Hike Mattered

This hike served as a controlled recovery and conditioning day — light on technical challenge but high on aerobic benefit.

It allowed for continued elevation exposure and ankle testing without the cumulative fatigue of a full summit.

And with each rep, the foundation of Sierra readiness grows stronger.

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Trail Gear & Fuel

Pack & Hydration

Apparel

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