I've hiked 3 of the 4 routes up Baldy, so just because the Bear Canyon Trail is down, doesn't mean you can't do the hike. I recommend going up the Devil's Backbone and down the Ski Hut Trail (very steep descent though.)

See more here and scroll to the appropriate section: http://hikinginsocal.blogspot.com/p/hikes.html

And here: Dan's Hiking Pages http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/baldy.html

"Come and Let Us Climb the Lord's Mountain!" -Isaiah 2:5
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