Mt. Baldy Threatening Lives, Ahead Of Winter

MT. BALDY, CA — It was a beautiful day for a hike on Mt. Baldy, but as is common on the towering peak, Mother Nature had other plans. For three 20-year-old hikers, daytime turned into a very dark, chilly, windy Oct. 21 night on the mountain.

The trio of young men was near Devil's Backbone when they took a wrong turn, lost the trail, and lost their footing. They became stuck on the mountainside and could not move.

Fortunately, one of the hikers managed to reach his girlfriend via cellphone (a miraculous feat in the remote wilderness). The woman then dialed 911 to report the emergency. It was just after 9 p.m., and getting colder and windier by the minute on the mountain. It was also pitch-black due to a New Moon that had 0% illumination.

With assistance from a helicopter and crew from the Ontario Police Department, the stranded hikers were finally spotted.

"Overnight, in dangerous conditions, volunteers from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's West Valley Search and Rescue unit made their way toward the stranded hikers," according to the sheriff's department.

Throughout the night, the volunteers tried several times to reach the hikers, but conditions on the mountain were dangerous. Mt. Baldy is notorious for its life-threatening weather, including blizzard-like winds and dense fog during the fall months.

When the weather finally calmed, search-and-rescue ground personnel coordinated with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Air Rescue to hoist two of the stranded hikers. A ground crew rescued the third man.

All three hikers were transported to safety and were evaluated by fire personnel. No injuries were reported. The three were released at the scene. Their identities were not disclosed, but the sheriff's department said they were from Castaic, Santa Clarita and Valencia.

Dozens of rescues are conducted each year on Mt. Baldy. Sadly, some operations are unsuccessful, and death is not uncommon on the peak.

Though treacherous winter weather has yet to begin on Mt. Baldy, the sheriff's department shared a message last week that applies year-round. The agency reminded the public to bring appropriate supplies when hiking, avoid hiking during bad weather, carry a GPS device, and stick to open trails.

For further safety-related information, visit WILDERNESS SAFETY · West Valley Search and Rescue.