California hikers are up in arms following the “unfair” closure of a number of popular trails on Mount Baldy.
The U.S. Forest Service closed trails in the wake of the Bridge Fire that devastated the local area, burning 20 homes and more than 50,000 acres of surrounding hillsides.
The closure is expected to last until December 2025 to ensure public safety and promote the natural recovery of fragile plants and soils that have been damaged.
However, local residents and business owners have criticized the measure as unnecessary, claiming safety concerns are unfounded.
Cindy Debonis, 63, a longtime resident of Mt. Baldy Village, said the impressive summit is walkable and safe.
“They keep saying it has something to do with the fire, but there is nothing left to burn,” he argued. ‘I think it is not fair, far from it, for the companies and the locals. I want to walk. I would like to go on a hike. This is where I live.’
Meanwhile, three climbers, who risked a $5,000 fine by defying the closure, told the Los Angeles Times They saw no signs of fire damage on their trip along the Devil’s Backbone Trail, known for its spectacular ridges and steep drops.
“No, nothing at all, the road was fine,” said Isaías Rosas of Moreno Valley. “There were a lot of people going up and down with us.”
Hikers and local businesses are up in arms over the closure of the Mount Baldy trails, even though the summit area suffered no major damage from a recent wildfire. Pictured: Mount Baldy looms over downtown Los Angeles.
Pictured: The road to Mount Baldy that was closed due to the destruction of the Bridge Fire.
Cindy Debonis, 63, a longtime resident of Mt. Baldy Village, criticized the inflexibility of the closure: “They keep saying it has something to do with the fire, but there’s nothing left to burn.”
The disconnect between the supposedly visible impact of the fire and the radical closure has sparked heated debate.
Social media has become a battleground, with critics labeling defiant hikers as “ignorant and selfish,” while others accuse the Forest Service of overreaching.
Adding to the controversy is the Forest Service’s decision to grant exemptions for recreational businesses within the closed area.
Mt. Baldy Resort, a family-run ski area that escaped the fire, is still operating.
Their restaurant, ‘Top of the Notch’, remains open and their ski slopes will resume when the snow arrives.
The complex’s general manager, Robby Ellingson, pushed for adjustments to the closure limits, but was instead granted a variance to keep his business running.
Although grateful, Ellingson expressed frustration with the blanket restrictions. He said he hopes the forest will reopen sooner when the snow melts.
“We lost our entire fall,” he said. “We have kept our mouths shut about this, about our displeasure about this.”
The Forest Service defended its decision, citing significant post-fire risks.
Mount Baldy Village devastated by bridge fire (pictured)
Pictured: The ruins of a burned structure are seen the day after the Bridge Fire exploded from 2,995 acres to 46,727 acres in a single day in September 2024.
Mt. Baldy Resort General Manager Robby Ellingson expressed frustration with the blanket restrictions.
In an email to the LA Times, spokesperson Dana Dierkes acknowledged that popular trails like Devil’s Backbone and Ski Hut Trail were not directly affected by the fire, but explained that they provide access to damaged areas.
The fire left the slopes barren, increasing the likelihood of landslides and debris flows during winter storms, he said.
“Once the seasonal weather has passed, we will reassess the status of potential hazards and see if certain areas could reopen,” Dierkes said.
Residents were bracing for the inevitable winter storms, which threaten landslides on fire-scarred slopes.
Crews worked diligently to install concrete barriers in front of homes, while others set up a sandbag distribution site.
Despite these efforts to mitigate the immediate danger, a sense of frustration has persisted among locals regarding the sweeping trail closures.
Even the scenic Glendora Ridge Road, a paved route that offers stunning views of the valley, remains off-limits.
After a wildfire in September that destroyed 20 homes and burned more than 50,000 acres near Mt. Baldy Village, the U.S. Forest Service closed all trails to the summit until December 2025 to prioritize public safety and security. natural recovery of damaged plants and soil.
Hikers head to top hiking trails at Mount Baldy Ski Resort, despite closures and risk of a $5,000 fine
Pictured: Hikers climb a trail leading to Mount Baldy Ski Resort on December 14, 2024.
Pictured: Mt. Baldy Lodge, located in Mt. Baldy Village
This seemingly arbitrary restriction has left residents feeling unfairly limited.
On a clear day with no visible signs of imminent danger, a simple morning walk with the dog could result in a hefty $5,000 fine, a situation many residents consider unreasonable and excessive.