Mt. Baldy Closed Through March
Due to heavy snow and ice, hiking on Southern California's Mt. Baldy is closed through March 20. Recent winter storms led U.S. Forest Service officials to extend a months-long closure, so backpackers should adjust their plans accordingly.
This extended closure is the second time this winter that officials have blocked access to the popular peak. An earlier closure was put in place from January 1 to January 7, 2026, following the deaths of three hikers in late December 2025. The area, officially named Mount San Antonio, is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains at 10,064 feet. In winter, officials say the terrain transforms from a simple hike into a dangerous mountaineering challenge with rapidly changing weather, high winds, and treacherous ice. Recent incidents highlight the extreme danger. On December 29, 2025, three men were found dead after one fell an estimated 500 feet near the Devil's Backbone trail. High winds severely hampered rescue efforts, preventing helicopters from landing to aid the hikers. These tragedies are part of a grim trend. Between 2016 and 2025, there have been 23 fatalities on Mt. Baldy. The mountain has been the site of over 100 rescue operations since 2020. In 2023, actor Julian Sands went missing while hiking in the area in January; his remains were discovered by hikers five months later. The current closure affects several popular routes, including the Mt. Baldy Trail, Baldy Bowl Trail, and the notoriously narrow Devil's Backbone Trail. While the hiking trails are closed, the Mt. Baldy Resort and Mt. Baldy Road remain open to the public. San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus has publicly called for more involvement from the U.S. Forest Service to ensure visitor safety on the mountain. Violating the current closure order can result in a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or imprisonment for up to six months.
