Logistics
The Ceremony Locations
All pilgrims will meet at the Mt. Baldy Resort parking lot (6500 ft. elevation) and take the chair-lift up to 7800 ft. elevation (restaurant and bathrooms situated here).
Location 1: This is an easy 10 min. hike from the top of the chair-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: The main ceremony will be held here. This is a 30-45 minute hike from the top of the chair-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 top of the chair-lift and is only recommended for people with good fitness and hiking experience. (See trail maps.) The path will be marked with arrows along the way. The ceremony will begin at this location at 12:00 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
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
Arrival & Check-in
Check-in from 8:30am-9:30am at the Mt. Baldy Resort parking lot (look for World Peace Pilgrimage booth).
If you booked your chair-lift ticket online, pick up your ticket at the World Peace Pilgrimage booth. Otherwise, purchase lift tickets at the ticket kiosk in the parking lot. The chair-lift is necessary for all locations (unless you plan on hiking without using the chair-lift).
Pilgrims going to Location 3 should board the chair-lift as soon as possible to avoid congestion and to get a head start up the mountain.
NOTE 1: Chair-lift Guidelines and Info:
2 people per chair only
Chair-lift riders must be at least 40” tall and no more than 350 lbs.
Children under 12 years old must ride with an adult
No animals allowed on the chair lift
Handicap Accessible: BE ADVISED THE LIFT DOES NOT STOP UNLESS REQUESTED
Be conscious of loose items and clothing while riding the lift. They can get caught while loading and unloading.
One carry along item permitted
No bouncing, swinging, or horseplay during chair ride
No ice chests, strollers, firearms, fireworks, weapons, drugs or alcohol allowed on the lift
NOTE 2: There is the option of hiking from the parking lot to any of the Locations without the use of the chair-lift. This is only recommended for experienced hikers in excellent condition. (See trail maps.)
Estimated hiking times without chair-lift:
to Location 1: 1 hour
to Location 2: 1.5 hours
to Location 3: 3+ hours
NOTE 3: Cell phones generally do not work up here!
The Ascent
The chair-lift ride is approximately 17 minutes. It is a very beautiful and scenic ride!
The chair-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 restaurant at the top of the chair-lift (food, bathroom, gear arrangements, etc.)
Pilgrims going beyond Location 1 should not spend too long at the restaurant in order to arrive timely at their chosen destination.
The Descent
Check with Mt. Baldy Resort regarding the time of the last chair-lift down.
The ceremony at Location 1 will end at approximately 1:30 p.m.
The ceremony at Location 2 will end at approximately 2:00 p.m.
The ceremony at Location 3 will end at approximately 2:30 p.m.
If you have any questions at all, please contact us.