Mount Baldy Pipeline Outdoor Skatepark (San Antonio Dam)
The Mount Baldy Pipeline is a prime location that has been skated by some of the best skateboarders since the late ’70s and ‘80s. Mount Baldy has been highlighted and documented in countless magazines and skate videos such as Thrasher Magazine and Skate Slate.
Also known as the San Antonio Dam and Old Baldy, the Baldy Pipe is a fifteen-foot tall, 200-yard long pipe. It truly is one of the most legendary California skate spots.
Due to years of weathering and no maintenance, the bottom of the concrete is pretty rough, so it’s best to hit the pipe with some large, soft wheels. It’s also not a noob-friendly skate spot, so if you’ve never skated transition, practice before making the trek.
Word to the wise, locals skate here often. So if you’re planning to skate the pipeline it is best to be considerate and clean up and haul out any mess that you make before you leave.
Directions To Mount Baldy Pipe
Mt. Baldy Road, Claremont, CA 91711, United States
The pipe is not a public area, so we at Board Coast do not condone or endorse entering the site. Entering the field without a permit is considered trespassing.
Drive down N Mountain Ave from San Antonio Heights, up Mt. Baldy. Make a left turn onto Mt. Baldy Road and drive just over a mile to the construction site. There will be pipes and a shed on the left. The construction site will be the best place to park the car.
There is a trail to follow down the hill. It begins on the left side, where the fenced-off construction area is closest to the mountain. At the bottom of the entrance, the channel is just a short walk away.
If going to skate Old Baldy for a day, remember to bring a board, good friends, a camera, and maybe some snacks. It’s such a fun place to skate that you’ll want to stay awhile.
The Legend of the Mount Baldy Pipeline
In the world of skateboarding, not many landmarks hold as much mystique and allure as the legendary Mount Baldy Pipeline. This towering structure, which was originally designed to transport water from the San Gabriel River to the city of Los Angeles, has become a prime location for skateboarders.
Once alternative solutions were made for transporting water to Los Angeles, the Mount Baldy Pipeline was no longer required for that. Instead, the structure became a hub for skateboarders who wanted to conquer their next landmark.
Mount Baldy is no longer a waterway. It is a playground for skateboarders. It is a place for those who are looking to bomb the empty waterway, get some footage, and break some rules. Here at Boardcoast, we do not condone trespassing into the Mount Baldy Pipeline. We do however, want to educate on the magnitude of it’s effect on the skateboarding community.
Best Wheels For Riding The Mount Baldy Pipeline
Mount Baldy can still be pretty rough, so we advise those making the trek to bring brooms to sweep away any debris and rocks before riding.
That being said, good wheels will go a long way to help smooth the ride. The best wheels for skateboarding Baldy are going to be some large, soft wheels. The ideal specs will be wheels between 54mm and 60mm in diameter, the bigger, the better, and then some soft wheels will make a more enjoyable ride. Anything below a durometer of 99a, 99d, or 99du will make for the best softness in a wheel when riding the Mt. Baldy Pipeline.
Our favorite wheels to have on a board when riding Mt. Baldy is the following:
Ricta Clouds 78a Skateboard Wheels
Ricta Clouds will be some of the very best wheels for beginners or first-timers to Mt. Baldy. They’re perfect for skating over divots and cracks in concrete, which can be expected in this pipe.
- 78a Durometer makes cruising over cracks, rocks, and twigs a breeze.
- 56mm Diameter makes it a great everyday wheel.
- Great for a first setup or a veteran’s corner-store cruiser.
Product Features:
Wheel Size: 56mm
Riding Surface: Smooth
Wheel Type: Filmer/Cruiser
Spitfire Formula Four 97A Classics Skateboard Wheels – 56mm
The Spitfire Formula Four wheels are great, smooth wheels that are perfect for the street and skateparks alike. With 97 durometers, they’re going to be good enough to skate the Baldy pipe comfortably. But they will be much rougher than riding with soft wheels. If you’re in need of some hard wheels that will be good for Mount Baldy, then look no further.
Read more about the difference between soft and hard skateboard wheels.
Product Features:
Wheel Size: 56mm
Riding Surface: Smooth
Wheel Type: Street/Skatepark
Staying Safe on Mount Baldy Pipeline: Essential Skateboarding Precautions
While the allure of Mount Baldy Pipeline brings many skateboarders to test their limits and embrace the thrill of conquering the waterway, it’s important to remain safe. As with any extreme sport, taking precautions is crucial to ensure a fun and injury-free experience. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind when going to Mount Baldy Pipeline:
- Wear Protective Gear: Skateboarding involves risks, so wearing protective gear is a must. Make sure to wear a helmet to protect your head. Elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards will also help protect you from injuries.
- Know Your Limits: Mount Baldy Pipeline is a place that demands skill and expertise. Before attempting any tricks , be honest with yourself about your abilities. It’s better to take it safe and slow than to end up hurt in a spot like this.
- Scout the Terrain: Before riding Mount Baldy, take the time to observe the terrain and look for any potential hazards. Pay attention to cracks, debris, garbage, and uneven surfaces that could affect your ride. Familiarize yourself with the transitions, angles, and curves to anticipate challenges and plan your moves accordingly.
- Ride with a Buddy: Skateboarding can be more enjoyable and safer when you have a buddy or a group of friends with you. Look out for one another, provide support, and encourage responsible behavior. Having someone to spot you while attempting tricks can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
- Respect Other Skaters: Mount Baldy Pipeline often attracts a diverse crowd of skateboarders. Show respect to fellow riders by giving them space and patiently waiting for your turn. Avoid reckless maneuvers that could put yourself and others at risk, and always communicate your where you’re going to prevent collisions.
- Be Mindful of Weather Conditions: The weather can really impact the your experience skateboarding. Check the forecast before heading to Mount Baldy Pipeline and be aware of how factors such as rain, wind, or extreme heat may affect the terrain.
Remember, safety should always be a top priority when skateboarding on Mount Baldy Pipeline. By following these precautions and using common sense, you can enjoy the exhilaration and challenges this iconic landmark offers while reducing the risk of accidents or injuries. So, gear up, stay aware, and savor the thrill of riding Mount Baldy Pipeline safely and responsibly.
