Early start is key for Baldy, year round. I usually get up there about an hour before sunrise when I hike to beat the crowds. I usually take an alternate route up to the top and don't see another person until I hit the backbone trail.
Last time I went up I almost got blown off the summit off Harwood and decided to take the backbone trail down to the notch. Once off the top the wind wasnt as bad, but it reinforced how much I dislike the section from the notch back down to Manker.
Going to break out the spiky bits of kit and give it a shot early this Saturday morning for giggles.
