Logistics

The Ceremony Locations

(NOTE: Ceremonies will take place at Location 1 only in 2017)

Ceremonies will be held at different locations on the mountain at different elevations to accommodate all pilgrims. Each of these has different degrees of hiking difficulty. It is important to know your own limits. All pilgrims will meet in the parking lot at the foot of the ski-lift at 6500 ft. and take the ski-lift to the ski lodge (The Notch) at 7800 ft. elevation.

Location 1: This is an easy 10 min. hike from the top of the ski-lift to a shaded area and is recommended for pilgrims not capable of a longer hike. The ceremony will begin at this location at 11:00 a.m.

Location 2: This is a 30-45 minute hike from the ski lodge (at the top of the ski-lift) through a beautiful and partially shaded forest to an 8600 ft. elevation. (See trail map.) The ceremony will begin at this location at 11:30 a.m.

Location 3: This is situated at an elevation of 9500 ft. It is a strenuous hike and will take (depending on fitness) up to 2 - 2.5 hours from the ski lodge and is only recommended for people with good fitness and hiking experience. (See trail map.) The path will be marked with arrows along the way. The ceremony will begin at this location at 12:30 p.m.
(This hike is not recommended if you have any health concerns or do not exercise regularly. If in doubt, please check with a health care practitioner.)

Important items to bring

Water (at least 1.5L if you are hiking to Location 3).
Sunscreen and head covering. (Even if it is cloudy, you will still need sunscreen since UV radiation is greater at these altitudes.)
Suitable clothing for hiking and comfortable hiking shoes. (Prepare for both warm and cool weather.)
Snacks and picnic lunch
Money for ski-lift ($15 round-trip with RSVP; one-way tickets also available)
Mt. Baldy is now charging $5 for parking! Please be advised and try to carpool where possible.

Arrival & Check-in

Check-in from 8:30am-9:30am at the Mt. Baldy Ski Resort parking lot at the foot of the ski-lift.
Purchase ski-lift tickets at the kiosk in the parking lot. The ski-lift is necessary for all locations (unless you plan on hiking without using the ski lift).
Pilgrims going to Location 3 should board the ski-lift as soon as possible to avoid congestion and to get a head start up the mountain.

NOTE 1: There is the option of hiking from the parking lot to any of the Locations without the use of the ski-lifts. This is only recommended for experienced hikers in excellent condition. (See trail maps.)

Estimated hiking times without ski-lift:
to Location 1: 1 hour
to Location 2: 1.5 hours
to Location 3: 3+ hours

NOTE 2: Cell phones generally do not work up here!

The Ascent

The ski-lift will drop you off at the ski lodge (The Notch) and takes about 20 minutes. It is a very beautiful and scenic ride!
The ski-lift is a very safe ride. For pilgrims with any disability or special needs, the operator will stop the lift to assist you getting on and off.
Make any last minute arrangements at The Notch - food, bathroom, gear arrangements, etc.
Pilgrims going beyond Location 1 should not spend too long at The Notch in order to arrive timely at their chosen destination.