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Mt. Baldy trail closures extended after 3 hikers found dead. Authorities warn of 'extreme' hazards
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department says the closures are in effect until 11:59 p.m. Jan. 7.
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Courtesy Chad Nelson
)
San Bernardino County has closed all hiking trails in and around Mount Baldy for at least a week after three people were found dead Monday evening.
Sheriff's officials said the closures are "being implemented to prevent further loss of life ... due to extreme environmental hazards and the current risk to hikers" on the popular destination.
“Our primary responsibility is the preservation of life,” Sheriff Shannon Dicus said in a message sent on social media New Year's Eve. “Closing these trails is a necessary step to mitigate ongoing risks. We urge the community to respect these boundaries.”
Violating the closure comes with steep penalties: Fines go up to $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization. You could also face six months in jail.
What we know about the fatalities
Authorities have identified one of the dead as Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova, 19, of Seal Beach. Crews were searching for him when they discovered the other bodies, as well. They'd received a call for help reporting Muench Casanova as having fallen 500 feet near Devil’s Backbone Trail. A helicopter crew was able to spot him and spotted the two others, but strong winds prevented the chopper from landing.
A second helicopter that arrived later also was unable to land for the same reason. Eventually, they were able to lower a medic down from a helicopter, who found three hikers dead.
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San Bernardino authorities said Wednesday they did not know the identities of the other two people discovered during the search for the injured teen and did not have missing person reports matching their descriptions.
Authorities have described the discovery of three dead people at one time as highly unusual. No causes of death have been released.
What's closed and for how long
Trails closed until Jan. 7 at 11:59 p.m.
(
Courtesy San Bernardino County Sheriff
)
The closure for the Mount Baldy area initially was in effect until midnight on New Year's Eve. Hours before that, authorities extended the closure until 11:59 p.m. Jan. 7.
The following trails will be closed:
- Forest System Trail No. 7W12 - Mount Baldy Trail
- Forest System Trail No. 7W02 - Mount Baldy Bowl Trail
- Forest System Trail No. 7W05 - Devil’s Backbone Trail
- Forest System Trail No. 7W06 - Three T’s Trail
- Forest System Trail No. 7W07 - Icehouse Canyon Trail
- Forest System Trail No. 7W07A - Chapman Trail
- Forest System Trail No. 7W08 - Ontario Peak Trail
Key hiking safety rules when trails are open
Always plan for the worst and hope for the best. Carrying a few extra items can save your life. At a minimum, always carry the "10 Essentials":
- Extra food and water (more than you think you'll need)
- Extra clothing (more than you think you'll need)
- Map and compass (know how to use them)
- Flashlight or headlamp (plus extra batteries)
- First-aid kit
- Fire-starting kit
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Signaling device (mirror or whistle)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Emergency shelter (emergency blanket or bivy sack)
MORE TIPS FOR WINTER HIKING
- Allow snow to settle. The National Weather Service recommends you wait at least 36 hours after a storm before hiking in the mountains.
- Microspikes are not the same as crampons. Don’t attempt mountaineering with them.
- Check the weather carefully, including the local avalanche report.
- Practice with your winter gear in advance and in controlled conditions. A major hike is not the time to test drive it.
- Carry a satellite phone and keep it on your person in case you lose your backpack.
- If you’re hiking in L.A. County, fill out a hiking plan worksheet and leave it with someone who can give it to authorities in case you need to be rescued.
- Proceed with extreme caution. Do not attempt hiking mountains in the winter without training and proper equipment.
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