Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Hiking Southern California Mountains In The Winter Is No Joke. Here's What You Should Know
A view toward snow east of Sulphur Mountain Peak Monday.
(
Lance Harper
/
LAist
)
Ocean views. Waterfalls. Snow-capped peaks. World-famous trails. Southern California can be a wonderland for hikers. It can also be deadly.
Last January, the San Bernardino Search and Rescue (SAR) team conducted 10 search and rescue missions up in the San Bernardino mountains for hikers — six of the hikers were found injured and one person was dead. Three other hikers died on Mt. Baldy early last year.
The fate of one, Julian Sands, was watched worldwide. The award-winning actor and experienced hiker went missing on a solo hike in treacherous conditions that same month. After numerous attempts to locate Sands, it wasn't until months later that hikers spotted his body.
Despite this, places like Mt. Baldy continue to be a popular destination for avid hikers and mountaineers looking to trek the snowy mountains.
Support for LAist comes from
Eric Vetere, commander of the West Valley Search and Rescue, said one of the most common mistakes a hiker makes is not preparing for the worst case scenario. That means bringing extra supplies like food, water and insulated clothing in case hikers get stranded or are awaiting for help.
Photo by Peggy Archer via LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
()
Beautiful yet risky treks
The San Gorgonio mountain range, with its star Mt. Baldy, are some of the most popular areas to hike in Southern California because of their beauty — and a range of trails that are suitable for everyone from beginners to experts.
San Bernardino Search and Rescue (SAR) is very familiar with the area. The team says Devil's Backbone trail, Icehouse Canyon, Good Canyon, the San Antonio Mountain Range and Cucamonga Peak are the source of frequent rescue calls.
But Mt. Baldy tops the list of where hikers get into trouble. Since just 2020, 10 people have died on the mountain.
Support for LAist comes from
Vetere says hikers there often get lost, which becomes deadly in tough conditions. During winter, it gets dark earlier and the temperature and other conditions can quickly get far more treacherous than in daytime. Southern Californians unused to the cold may venture out unaware and unprepared.
To make sure you're not one of them, we’ve compiled a list of tips and advice from the San Bernardino’s SAR and the Sierra Club on how to hike safely during the winter.
Dress for conditions on the mountain
The climate on the mountain is much different than the city and that's because of the varying elevations. Make sure to check the National Weather Service for daytime highs and nighttime lows if, in case of an emergency, you are unable to make it back to the trailhead before sunset.
You can check weather conditions here for Mt Baldy.
Pack an emergency space blanket and wear layers that will keep you insulated. Make sure to dress in light-colored clothing — colors that will be easily spotted in the air by helicopters or search and rescue teams.
Avoid going right after a snow or rain storm. (Yes, we mean in the coming days when the National Weather Service is already warning: "We are expecting a major storm with dangerous, even life-threatening impacts!")
Support for LAist comes from
Bring the right gear
Hiking in the snow is a different challenge. Your feet need extra traction to prevent slips or falls.
Some hikers wear microspikes in flatter terrain — those are small, metal cleats about a quarter inch long that can be attached to any footwear.
Crampons are used for icy slopes and climbs — those are larger metal cleats about half an inch that also can be attached to any footwear. If you need crampons where you're hiking, you should not be a beginner.
Snowshoes are used for powdery or deep snow. Those are attached to the shoe and give you a “floating” sensation when walking on the snow.
Invest in an emergency distress beacon, a tool that alerts SAR teams you need help. Other ways to signal for help — bring a mirror to flash a signal in the sky, a two-way radio or an emergency whistle.
Also, make sure you bring extra food and water.
Support for LAist comes from
Stick with the group
Dan Richter with the Sierra Club's Angeles chapter says you should always go with a group of experienced hikers and the number one rule — never leave anyone behind.
Even very experienced hikers can get in serious trouble without support. In 2019, Tim Staples, a nine-year search and rescue team veteran, was on a mission to find a missing hiker when he was separated from his partner and fell to his death. If someone ahead is going too fast for you, tell them to slow down.
Communicate
Tell your loved ones, neighbors, friends, or anyone you speak with frequently where you are planning to hike, what your expected return time is and when to phone for help/emergency services.
Here’s the number to share with your loved ones to report a search and rescue incident for the San Bernardino SAR team: Public Dispatch (909) 829-731.
More Resources
Be prepared!
-
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
-
- Before you leave home, always tell a friend or family member where you plan on going and when you plan to return. Leave them with instructions on what to do if you don't return on time.
- In case of an unexpected problem or emergency, always have a back-up plan for escaping the area safely. Also provide this back-up plan with your friends or family before you leave.
- Although it's sometimes nice to be alone in the outdoors, it's always safest to go with at least one or two partners, especially if you're a novice or unfamiliar with the area.
- Have the appropriate level of knowledge and experience for the adventure you plan to have. If you are a novice, please rely on a professional guide or at least a highly knowledgable and experienced partner.
- As much as possible, study and become familiar with the area you plan on exploring. Gain a thorough understanding of the terrain and its potential hazards.
- Review the local weather forecast in the area you plan on going and take the appropriate clothing and equipment. During winter-like conditions in mountainous terrain, check the current avalanche report in the area.
- Be healthy, safe, and smart. Know your limits, don't over-extend them, and don't take unnecessary risks. It's advisable not to go hiking with an existing injury, as it could become unpredictably worse during activity.
- While in the backcountry with young children, always keep them within sight. If your dog is with you, be courteous and keep it leashed in areas that require it. Doing so will keep you, your dog, other people, and the wildlife more safe.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times. There are many objective hazards in the wilderness, and they aren't always obvious. Keep a keen eye out for deteriorating weather, dangerous trail conditions, avalanche risks, and wildlife.
The SAR also has a full list of essentials for hikers that you can check out here.
If you’re looking to get more information about the types of trails on the San Bernardino or San Gabriel mountains, you can check out Alltrails, a website and app that gives details of various trails across the U.S — hikers will often post more information in the comment section. Here’s some information on the Devil’s Backbone Trail
Looking to meet more experienced hikers? Join a hiking group such as SoCal Hikers on Facebook, Black Girls Trekkin, R/SoCalHiking on Reddit or even the local chapter of the Sierra Club hosts hiking events.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago. -
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist