After parking on Bear Canyon Drive (avoid using the church's parking spots), walking past all the houses/cabins will lead to his sign within 10 minutes:
![Image](http://s10.postimg.org/mzunv5mjd/IMG_0710.jpg)
Reaching Bear Flats:
![Image](http://s10.postimg.org/tmhboc47t/IMG_0719.jpg)
The exposed switchbacks ascending from Bear Flats. This unscenic part was probably the dullest aspect of the hike, and the buckthorn creeping in on both sides was a bother at times:
![Image](http://s10.postimg.org/70c0blqhl/IMG_0731.jpg)
After the switchbacks, it's a nice and scenic trek going up:
![Image](http://s10.postimg.org/tnr9hr61l/IMG_0755.jpg)
![Image](http://s10.postimg.org/oiundvihl/IMG_0760.jpg)
![Image](http://s24.postimg.org/op4j1pk7p/IMG_0764.jpg)
![Image](http://s10.postimg.org/vje1swuvt/IMG_0767.jpg)
![Image](http://s10.postimg.org/xpcy15nq1/IMG_0783.jpg)
![Image](http://s10.postimg.org/ezkykeuzd/IMG_0785.jpg)
Upon reaching the "narrows," I was a little over an hour away from Baldy. Glad I brought my windproof jacket along:
![Image](http://s10.postimg.org/7848luqu1/IMG_0788.jpg)
![Image](http://s10.postimg.org/79e6f9snt/IMG_0801.jpg)
Finally made it. Winds were strong as ever:
![Image](http://s10.postimg.org/avjzrwz15/IMG_0814.jpg)
I don't remember what this signpost used to say, as I don't recall encountering it in the past:
![Image](http://s10.postimg.org/563r7lsux/IMG_0822.jpg)
Returned the way I came. As with all my prior hikes to Baldy, I had to ration my remaining water on the way back and was itching for a Jamba Juice for the entire 3.25-hour descent. All in all, a marvelous trip up my favorite mountain.