Tragedy struck California's Mount Baldy on Monday as three hikers lost their lives, with treacherous 70mph winds preventing rescue helicopters from reaching them in time. The incident has led to an emergency closure of the area's trails and reignited warnings about the peak's deadly reputation.
Rescue Efforts Grounded by Ferocious Winds
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office responded to the Devil's Backbone Trail on Monday morning after receiving a distress call. A 19-year-old man had reportedly fallen approximately 500 feet on the remote mountainside. One of his companions managed to reach an area with mobile phone service and provided authorities with precise GPS coordinates of the incident.
Deputies launched an immediate aerial and ground search. Rescue helicopters soon spotted the injured teenager and two other individuals nearby. However, isolated gusts from the Santa Ana winds, reaching speeds of up to 70mph, made it impossible for the aircraft to land or safely conduct a hoist operation.
It was not until around 7:30pm that evening that a medic could finally be lowered from a Los Angeles County helicopter to the site. The medic confirmed the worst: all three hikers were deceased. The recovery of their bodies was further delayed into Tuesday as strong winds continued to ground aircraft. The causes of death remain unknown, and the identities of the two individuals found with the 19-year-old have not been released.
Emergency Closure for "Extremely Dangerous" Conditions
In response to the fatalities, officials announced an emergency closure of Mount Baldy trails effective from 10pm Tuesday until midnight on 31 December. The closure spans Mount Baldy Road and Glendora Ridge Road, extending across Iron, Pine and Timber Mountains in the Angeles National Forest.
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus stated that the temporary closure was necessary to prevent further emergencies. "The tragic loss of life on Mt Baldy and repeated rescue responses highlight how dangerous current conditions are, even for experienced hikers," Dicus said. "Weather and terrain remain extremely dangerous and unpredictable." Those who ignore the closure risk fines of up to $5,000 for individuals and potential imprisonment.
A Peak with a Deadly History
Mount Baldy, officially named Mount San Antonio, rises 10,064 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains. Its proximity to Los Angeles makes it a popular destination, but it is widely considered one of the deadliest peaks in the United States. The mountain's rugged terrain and temperatures that can be 40 degrees colder than the basin below catch many ill-prepared hikers off guard.
The area has seen over 100 rescues and 14 deaths in the last five years alone. Among the most high-profile fatalities was that of British actor Julian Sands. The 65-year-old went missing while hiking in icy conditions in January. An extensive six-month search involving helicopters and hundreds of volunteer hours proved unsuccessful. His remains were eventually discovered by hikers in late June in the treacherous Goode Canyon area. Authorities later ruled his cause of death as "undetermined."
The recent deaths serve as a stark reminder of the mountain's perils, especially during winter conditions. Sheriff Dicus and officials continue to urge extreme caution, stressing that even familiar trails demand respect, proper equipment, and constant vigilance.
