Mt Baldy trails reopen following hiker deaths and winter storms. Here's a warning to visitors

The hiking trails surrounding Mt. Baldy reopened to visitors on Wednesday after being closed last week due to unsafe winter storm conditions and three deaths.

The trails were closed on Dec. 29 during a series of powerful winter storms and after three hikers were found dead. Officials said the closures were “to prevent further loss of life ... due to extreme environmental hazards and the current risk to hikers.”

Keila Vizcarra, public affairs specialist at the Angeles National Forest, said that at this time, there is no cause to extend the closure.

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What we know about the hikers

A search-and-rescue crew last Monday found the body of missing hiker Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova, 19, of Seal Beach.

In their search for Casanova, they also discovered two more bodies identified as Juan Sarat Lopez, 37, and Bayron Pedro Ramos Garcia, 36, both Guatemalan nationals living in Los Angeles. Authorities believe the men fell from the Devil’s Backbone Trail.

What you need to know before visiting

Visitors should beware that even though the closures have been lifted, there's still a high safety risk in the area because of winter conditions.

The trails are not recommended for people with no mountain or winter weather hiking experience, or if you don’t have the right equipment for safe climbing.

Trail conditions can change very quickly, Vizcarra added. Before heading to the trails, visitors are encouraged to check for updates online and call the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument office at (626) 335-1251.