At a Glance
- Three hikers were found dead on Mount Baldy Monday night after a search was launched for a 19-year-old who fell about 500 feet.
- High winds stopped a helicopter hoist; a medic confirmed all three were deceased at 7:30 p.m.
- The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument closed Mount Baldy trails until Wednesday 11:59 p.m.; violations can carry fines up to $5,000 and up to six months in prison.
Why it matters: The incident underscores how quickly weather and terrain can turn a popular trail into a deadly hazard, and it reminds hikers to respect closures and prepare properly.
The Fatal Search
A search team began late Monday morning on the Devil’s Backbone trail after a 19-year-old hiker was reported to have fallen roughly 500 feet. A friend with cell service guided rescuers to the hiker’s location. During an aerial sweep, deputies found the injured hiker and two other people nearby, but strong winds prevented a helicopter hoist. At about 7:30 p.m., a medic was lowered and confirmed that all three were dead. Recovery efforts continued into Tuesday, though ages and duration of their stay were not yet released.
> Jenny Smith stated:
> “This is an extremely dangerous trail that is not carved out in a way that a regular hiker could hike and be safe. It is one of the most dangerous trails we have in our area. We definitely don’t want novice hikers going up and hurting themselves.”
Trail Safety and Closure
Mount Baldy’s summit rises above 10,000 feet, making its steep drop-off trails treacherous, especially in winter when snow and ice can form. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department issued a temporary closure of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, including the Mount Baldy area, effective until Wednesday 11:59 p.m. Violations can lead to fines up to $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization, plus up to six months in prison.
| Closure Until | Fine (Individual) | Fine (Organization) | Prison Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 11:59 p.m. | $5,000 | $10,000 | 6 months |
> Sheriff Shannon Dicus said:
> “The tragic loss of life on Mt. Baldy and repeated rescue responses highlight how dangerous current conditions are, even for experienced hikers. Weather and terrain conditions remain extremely dangerous and unpredictable, posing a significant risk to both the public and Search and Rescue personnel. The temporary closure of Mt. Baldy trails is necessary to prevent additional emergencies and protect lives. The public is urged to respect the closure and avoid the area until it is safe to reopen.”
Separate Rescue on Ontario Peak
Later Monday afternoon, rescuers responded to a report of two stranded hikers on the Ontario Peak Trail. The hikers, ages 18 and 31, had fallen about 100 feet down from the trail. Both were hoist-rescued by a helicopter crew. The department reminded the public to prepare adequately, carry supplies, avoid inclement weather, use GPS, and stick to open, designated trails.
Key Takeaways
- High winds can halt helicopter rescues, leading to tragic outcomes.
- Mount Baldy’s steep trails pose serious risks, especially in adverse weather.
- The area is closed until Wednesday; violations carry significant fines and jail time.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that even experienced hikers can be caught in dangerous conditions, and it emphasizes the importance of respecting trail closures and weather advisories.
