DATE/TIME: October 21, 2025 / 9:07 P.M.
INCIDENT: Search And Rescue
LOCATION: 2050 Devils Backbone Road, Mount Baldy
VICTIM: Three 20-year-old males from Castaic, Santa Clarita, and Valencia
SUMMARY:
On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at approximately 9:07 P.M., deputies from Fontana Station received a report about three stranded hikers on Devils Backbone, Mt. Baldy, amid inclement weather.
The hikers, all 20-year-old males from Castaic, Santa Clarita, and Valencia, were near Devil's Backbone when they took a wrong turn and lost the trail. They lost their footing, became stuck on the mountainside, and were unable to move.
One of the hikers managed to call his girlfriend, who subsequently contacted 911 to report the incident. With the assistance of a helicopter and crew from the Ontario Police Department, the stranded hikers were located, and the situation was assessed.
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. Throughout the night, the volunteers attempted several times to reach them. When the weather improved, Search and Rescue ground personnel coordinated with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Air Rescue units to facilitate a hoist rescue for two of the subjects while the third subject was rescued by ground personnel. All three hikers were ultimately located and transported to safety where they were evaluated by fire personnel. No injuries were reported and the three hikers were released at the scene.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department reminds the public to bring appropriate supplies when hiking, avoid hiking during bad weather, carry a global positioning satellite (GPS) device, and stick to open trails. For further safety-related information, please visit WILDERNESS SAFETY · West Valley Search and Rescue.
Refer: Deputy Mark Smoot / Detective Nicholas Hospodar
Station: Fontana Station
Phone No. (909) 356-6767
Case No. 032502765
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
