Mt. Baldy road on Dec, 24, 2025 (File Photo – Mt. Baldy Fire Department).
A hiking trip in the San Bernardino Mountains turned tragic on December 29 after a 19-year-old male hiker fell approximately 500 feet near Devils Backbone, a hiking trail on Mount Baldy. Authorities were called to the scene around 11:30 am to assist in locating the injured hiker, who had fallen while hiking with two companions.
By News Desk
The hiker’s friend was able to reach an area with cellular service and provided GPS coordinates to help rescuers in their search. The Fontana Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team, along with deputies from the Fontana Sheriff’s Station, quickly responded. Ground crews began their ascent, while Sheriff’s Air Rescue initiated an aerial search to locate the hiker.
During the aerial search, the helicopter team found the injured 19-year-old, along with two other individuals nearby. However, severe winds hindered the rescue efforts, preventing the helicopter from safely completing the operation. The hiker’s condition was not immediately known.
As the day progressed, high winds continued to challenge the rescue operation. Around 7:30 p.m., an airship from Los Angeles County joined the effort. Unfortunately, due to the extreme weather conditions, the airship was again unable to safely conduct a hoist operation. A medic was lowered to the site and confirmed that all three individuals had died.
A recovery operation is now underway for the three victims, whose identities have not been released at this time. Authorities have stated that further details will be provided as the investigation continues.
The Fontana Sheriff’s Station is urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact their office at (909) 356-6767 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (909) 387-8313. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or submit tips on the We-Tip website.
Temporary Closure of Mt. Baldy Area
The Mt. Baldy area in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument has been temporarily closed from December 29, 2025, at 10:00 pm through December 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm. The closure was issued for public safety reasons.
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