22-Year-Old Female Hiker Rescued After Getting Lost On Mt. Baldy

MT. BALDY, CA — As nice weather sets in across Southern California, Inland Empire authorities are reminding hikers to take precautions when enjoying outdoor spaces after a woman got lost over the weekend on Mt. Baldy.

Kiara Cuaya, 22, of Fontana went for a hike Saturday on the famous mountain that straddles San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties but lost her way.

Fortunately, shortly before 5:30 p.m. that afternoon, Cuaya found a cell signal and called for help.

A San Bernardino County sheriff’s aviation crew tracked her location but could not make the rescue. Instead, volunteers from the West Valley Search and Rescue team responded overnight, hiked several hours into the wilderness, and found Cuaya uninjured, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Cuaya was escorted off the mountain and reunited with her family.

"The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department would like to take this opportunity to remind the public to be prepared when hiking," the agency said. "Take applicable supplies, ensure you know your intended path, hike with another person, and communicate your plans to someone in the event you need unexpected help."

With its peak at more than 10,000 feet in elevation, Mt. Baldy is known for lethal winter conditions but it can claim lives year-round.

During summer months, temperatures on the mountain can soar into the high 80s and low 90s, with overnight lows dropping by about 30 degrees. Wildlife on the mountain includes, among others, black bears, cougars and rattlesnakes.

Find more information here about Mt. Baldy's trails, camping and other activities.