Hikers and residents in California are expressing frustration over the closure of popular trails on Mount Baldy following the aftermath of the Bridge Fire. The U.S. Forest Service implemented the closures to ensure public safety and support environmental recovery after the fire destroyed 20 homes and burned more than 50,000 acres. The restrictions are expected to remain in place until December 2025, sparking debate among locals and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Forest Service cited the need for natural recovery of damaged plants and soils and warned of increased risks of landslides and debris flows during winter storms. Despite these concerns, many residents and hikers argue that the closures are excessive and that safety concerns are overstated.
Cindy Debonis, a 63-year-old resident of Mt. Baldy Village, questioned the rationale behind the restrictions. “They keep saying it has something to do with the fire, but there’s nothing left to burn,” she said. “I want to walk. I’d like to go take a hike. This is where I live.”
Mount Baldy in Southern California.
Photo taken in Upland California. pic.twitter.com/B5yDzaG89t
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Some hikers have defied the closures, risking fines of up to $5,000. Isaiah Rosas of Moreno Valley, one of three climbers who recently hiked the Devil’s Backbone trail, reported no visible signs of fire damage. “The trail was fine,” he said, adding that other hikers were also present on the route.
Social media platforms have become a focal point for debate. Critics accuse defiant hikers of being “ignorant and selfish,” while others argue that the Forest Service’s actions constitute overreach.
The controversy has been further fueled by the Forest Service granting exceptions for certain businesses within the closed area. Mt. Baldy Resort, which was unaffected by the fire, continues to operate, with its restaurant and ski facilities preparing for the winter season. Robby Ellingson, the resort’s general manager, expressed gratitude for the variance but frustration over the broader closures. “We lost our entire fall,” Ellingson said. “We’re hoping the forest will reopen sooner when the snow melts.”
In defense of the restrictions, Forest Service spokeswoman Dana Dierkes emphasized that while trails like Devil’s Backbone and Ski Hut Trail were not directly damaged, they provide access to areas affected by the fire. She noted that barren hillsides pose significant risks of landslides during storms. “After seasonal weather has passed, we will reassess the status of potential hazards,” Dierkes stated.
Efforts are underway to mitigate the immediate dangers posed by winter storms. Crews have installed concrete barriers to protect homes, and sandbag distribution sites have been established for residents. However, these precautions have done little to alleviate the frustration surrounding the closures.
Even Glendora Ridge Road, a scenic route known for its valley views, remains closed, leaving locals feeling restricted. Residents have voiced concerns over the seemingly arbitrary nature of the restrictions, noting that even routine activities like walking a dog could result in steep fines.
As the situation unfolds, the divide between the need for safety measures and the desire for access to cherished outdoor spaces continues to grow. The Forest Service has pledged to reassess the closures as conditions improve, but for now, tensions remain high in the Mount Baldy community.
