Mt. Baldy Closure Extended

This recent closure is an extension of trail restrictions first put in place on December 29 after three hikers died in two separate incidents. The Angeles National Forest emphasizes that the area is currently experiencing "mountaineering terrain," not regular hiking conditions, due to severe ice and snow. The mountain, officially named Mount San Antonio, is the highest peak in Los Angeles County, reaching an elevation of 10,064 feet. Its accessibility, roughly an hour's drive from downtown Los Angeles, makes it a popular but potentially deceptive destination for millions of residents. Between 2016 and 2025, there have been 23 deaths and 345 search and rescue missions on Mt. Baldy. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department estimated it spent over $3 million on search and rescue operations on the mountain between 2017 and 2023. A particularly treacherous section is the Devil's Backbone, a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs that becomes extremely hazardous in icy conditions. Many rescues and fatalities involve hikers who are not using appropriate mountaineering gear, such as crampons and ice axes, which are essential for the steep, icy slopes. This is not the first time authorities have resorted to closures. After a September 2024 wildfire, the U.S. Forest Service closed all trails to the summit for over a year to allow for "natural recovery," a move that also sparked debate among hikers. In response to the recurring tragedies, officials are considering new safety measures. The U.S. Forest Service held a public hearing in January to discuss options like a permit system, similar to those used at other popular California trails like Mount Whitney and Half Dome.