Three hikers were rescued Tuesday night after they got stranded on Mount Baldy during bad weather, according to San Bernardino County deputies.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department issued a statement on Wednesday morning that indicated Fontana Station deputies received the call about the stranded hikers around 9 p.m.
“One of the hikers managed to call his girlfriend, who subsequently contacted 911 to report the incident,” SBSD said.
The hikers, all 20-year-old men from Castaic, Santa Clarita and Valencia, were near the Devil’s Backbone when they took a wrong turn and lost the trail, deputies explained. Shortly after, they “lost their footing” and became stuck on the mountainside, unable to move.
They were found after a crew and helicopter from the Ontario Police Department were dispatched to the area, and officials then assessed the situation. Volunteers from SBSD’s West Valley Search and Rescue unit made their way towards the hikers in “dangerous conditions” through the night, attempting several times to reach them.
It wasn’t until the weather improved that ground personnel with SBSD’s Air Rescue units facilitated a hoist rescue for two of the three hikers; the third was rescued by ground personnel.
All three were transported to safety and evaluated by the fire department, who determined they sustained no injuries. They were released at the scene.
None of the three hikers were identified by name.
“The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reminds the public to bring appropriate supplies when hiking, avoid hiking during bad weather, carry a GPS device and stick to open trails,” SBSD advised.
More information on safety-related issues can be found here.
According to AllTrails, the spot where the hikers got stuck, Devil’s Backbone, is one of the most popular trails in the San Gabriel Mountains. The 13.8-mile “heavily trafficked” trail passes by San Antonio Falls and Baldy Notch before ending at Mount Baldy, which is also known as Mount San Antonio.
AllTrails did note that there is often snow and ice on the trail during the winter and into spring.
“Proper snow gear like crampons and ice axes, and the knowledge of how to use them, are highly recommended,” AllTrails says. “Without proper gear, hiking this trail in the winter can be very dangerous.”
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