Three Lives Lost on Mt. Baldy: A Community's Search Turns to Grief
Three experienced hikers died on Mt. Baldy after a sudden storm overwhelmed search teams, reviving debate over stricter winter-access rules.
A Routine Call Turns Tragic
San Bernardino County, CA—What began as a standard search-and-rescue operation on Mt. Baldy ended in heartbreak Sunday afternoon when crews discovered the bodies of three hikers near the 10,064-foot summit. Authorities identified the victims as experienced outdoorsmen who had set out Friday morning amid clear skies that quickly gave way to 60-mph winds and near-zero visibility.
‘We Never Thought It Would End Like This’
Deputy Maria Alvarez, spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, fought back tears as she briefed reporters at the base of the mountain.
“These were not reckless novices. They had GPS, crampons, and years of winter experience. Mother Baldy just decided to show her teeth.”
The Timeline That Haunts Rescuers
- Friday 8:12 a.m.—The trio, last seen at the Manker Flats trailhead, checks in via satellite messenger.
- Friday 4:47 p.m.—A blizzard warning is issued; the hikers fail to send their scheduled evening ping.
- Saturday 6:00 a.m.—Family members report them overdue; 26 volunteers and two helicopters launch the search.
- Sunday 2:38 p.m.—A rescue dog named Kona alerts on a snow-covered crevasse; all three are found unresponsive.
The Mountain That Keeps Taking
Mt. Baldy, the colloquial name for Mt. San Antonio, has now claimed 12 lives in the past five years. Local guidebook author Elena Vance, no relation to this correspondent, says the mountain’s reputation is deceptively benign.
“It’s only 90 minutes from downtown L.A., so people treat it like a city park. But the elevation gain is equivalent to climbing from base camp to Everest’s Camp I in a single day.”
What Happens Next
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors will meet Tuesday to consider a seasonal permit system for winter ascents, a move long resisted by the hiking community. Meanwhile, the families of the deceased have asked that donations be sent to the volunteer search-and-rescue team that spent 36 grueling hours trying to bring their loved ones home alive.
As the sun set behind the snow-laden pines Monday evening, a lone bouquet of lilies rested at the trailhead, weighted down by a rock to keep the mountain’s unforgiving wind from carrying it away.