Advisory
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIF. — Following a temporary closure due to severe weather and recovery operations, previously closed trails in the Mount Baldy area have reopened. However, the Sheriff’s Department emphasizes reopening does not mean conditions are safe. Winter hazards remain present, and hikers should expect snow-covered trails, icy sections, limited visibility, and the potential for sudden storms.
Trail access may be restored, but the risks of winter hiking remain very real, and the Sheriff’s Department urges anyone considering a hike on Mount Baldy to carefully assess conditions, carry appropriate gear, and understand their personal limits. Recent tragedies highlight how quickly a recreational hike can turn into a rescue or recovery mission. Between 2016 and 2025, 23 fatalities occurred on Mount Baldy. Most of these incidents involved non-residents and were concentrated in the Devil’s Backbone and Icehouse Canyon areas. Mt. Everest had 64 fatalities in the same period, according to Outside Magazine and chronicler Alan Arnette.
WINTER HIKING SAFETY REMINDERS
Mount Baldy, which rises above 10,000 feet, is known for rapidly changing weather, steep exposed trails, snow, ice, and high winds. Even well-prepared and experienced hikers can quickly find themselves in life-threatening situations. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department strongly encourages all hikers to take the following precautions:
• Check weather forecasts and trail conditions immediately before your trip.
• Be prepared for winter terrain, including snow and ice. Traction devices and proper footwear are critical.
• Avoid narrow, exposed trails during icy or windy conditions.
• Hike within your experience level and turn back if conditions worsen.
• Carry navigation tools, extra food and water, and emergency communication devices.
• Let someone know your hiking plans, including your route and expected return time.
The Sheriff’s Department strongly advises the public to exercise sound judgment and prioritize personal safety over the completion of any summit or trail. Search and rescue operations in winter conditions place both hikers and first responders at significant risk and the Sheriff has become increasingly concerned, offering the following statement:
“As the Sheriff, I am mandated to conduct search and rescue operations in San Bernardino County. Our search and rescue members are some of the most well trained in the nation, skilled and proud to do this job. The frequency of rescues our department is involved in annually, and the lack of concern for what’s happening on Mt. Baldy by those who are responsible for maintaining visitor’s safety needs to be addressed. For the last several years, our department has been trying to have the U.S Forest Service more involved in keeping people safe while they recreate on Mt Baldy. Over a year and a half ago, I met with the U.S. Forest Service and our representative from Congress that covers this area, and I continue to meet with them to address this safety concern. It is my hope that with the new leadership who recently took over the area, this will be a priority for them, and they take visitor safety seriously for those who use public lands and the allied agencies who support them. Enthusiasts must do their part as well: be prepared, know the weather conditions, and the limitations of our own skill set. Have fun and please be safe. If, heaven forbid, you have a serious problem, we will be there to help.”
For additional statistics, please see the chart below.
Trails at Mt. Baldy are Open and the Sheriff's Department Urges Extreme Caution for Winter Hiking
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2026
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
Public Affairs Division
(909) 387-3700
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT URGES EXTREME CAUTION FOR WINTER HIKING
AT MOUNT BALDY AS TRAILS REOPEN
AT MOUNT BALDY AS TRAILS REOPEN
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIF. — Following a temporary closure due to severe weather and recovery operations, previously closed trails in the Mount Baldy area have reopened. However, the Sheriff’s Department emphasizes reopening does not mean conditions are safe. Winter hazards remain present, and hikers should expect snow-covered trails, icy sections, limited visibility, and the potential for sudden storms.
Trail access may be restored, but the risks of winter hiking remain very real, and the Sheriff’s Department urges anyone considering a hike on Mount Baldy to carefully assess conditions, carry appropriate gear, and understand their personal limits. Recent tragedies highlight how quickly a recreational hike can turn into a rescue or recovery mission. Between 2016 and 2025, 23 fatalities occurred on Mount Baldy. Most of these incidents involved non-residents and were concentrated in the Devil’s Backbone and Icehouse Canyon areas. Mt. Everest had 64 fatalities in the same period, according to Outside Magazine and chronicler Alan Arnette.
WINTER HIKING SAFETY REMINDERS
Mount Baldy, which rises above 10,000 feet, is known for rapidly changing weather, steep exposed trails, snow, ice, and high winds. Even well-prepared and experienced hikers can quickly find themselves in life-threatening situations. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department strongly encourages all hikers to take the following precautions:
• Check weather forecasts and trail conditions immediately before your trip.
• Be prepared for winter terrain, including snow and ice. Traction devices and proper footwear are critical.
• Avoid narrow, exposed trails during icy or windy conditions.
• Hike within your experience level and turn back if conditions worsen.
• Carry navigation tools, extra food and water, and emergency communication devices.
• Let someone know your hiking plans, including your route and expected return time.
The Sheriff’s Department strongly advises the public to exercise sound judgment and prioritize personal safety over the completion of any summit or trail. Search and rescue operations in winter conditions place both hikers and first responders at significant risk and the Sheriff has become increasingly concerned, offering the following statement:
“As the Sheriff, I am mandated to conduct search and rescue operations in San Bernardino County. Our search and rescue members are some of the most well trained in the nation, skilled and proud to do this job. The frequency of rescues our department is involved in annually, and the lack of concern for what’s happening on Mt. Baldy by those who are responsible for maintaining visitor’s safety needs to be addressed. For the last several years, our department has been trying to have the U.S Forest Service more involved in keeping people safe while they recreate on Mt Baldy. Over a year and a half ago, I met with the U.S. Forest Service and our representative from Congress that covers this area, and I continue to meet with them to address this safety concern. It is my hope that with the new leadership who recently took over the area, this will be a priority for them, and they take visitor safety seriously for those who use public lands and the allied agencies who support them. Enthusiasts must do their part as well: be prepared, know the weather conditions, and the limitations of our own skill set. Have fun and please be safe. If, heaven forbid, you have a serious problem, we will be there to help.”
For additional statistics, please see the chart below.
| Year | SAR Calls | Air Rescue | Ground Rescue | Deaths |
| 2016 | 36 | 30 | 15 | 3 |
| 2017 | 44 | 23 | 16 | 3 |
| 2018 | 35 | 21 | 18 | 1 |
| 2019 | 50 | 9 | 13 | 2 |
| 2020 | 25 | 15 | 9 | 0 |
| 2021 | 27 | 16 | 16 | 4 |
| 2022 | 36 | 25 | 16 | 2 |
| 2023 | 31 | 19 | 13 | 3 |
| 2024 | 27 | 20 | 8 | 2 |
| 2025 | 34 | 30 | 5 | 3 |
| Totals | 345 | 208 | 129 | 23 |
Address/Location
SBSD - Headquarters
655 E 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700