On a recent backcountry patrol as a San Gorgonio Wilderness Volunteer Ranger, I experienced conditions on the Vivian Creek Trail that forced us to turn around. This is uncommon. We encouraged others to carefully consider their equipment and skills, and follow suit. It turns out this was wiser than we knew, as 2 people died in similar conditions that weekend on nearby Mt. Baldy.

Our Southern California mountains are unique in many ways, but one insidious trait is the way they lull visitors into a false sense of safety. Just because you can quickly and easily be in the snow at altitude, doesn’t mean you don’t face the same risks as other remote mountain regions. In fact convenience and proximity could make our mountains more dangerous. I have heard many tales about, and witnessed first hand, poorly prepared hikers who put themselves at great risk.

It is very easy to underestimate the dangers and overestimate your abilities. Combine those mistakes with Mother Nature’s wildcards – say, an errant rock that causes a fall, or weather that rolls in 12 hours early – and things turn grave quickly. So please do the opposite. Overestimate the dangers, underestimate your abilities, and come well prepared. Our wilderness needs your engagement and support, and it is hard to do that when you are injured, or worse, dead. Below is a listing of more recent incidents I have found noteworthy, along with some insight:

Incidents

Deaths on Mt. Baldy – Lesson: Always bring crampons and an ice axe. Read the newspaper article.

Lost toes on San Gorgonio – Lesson: Be prepared to spend the night. Read the newspaper article.

Insight

Winter Day Hikes – It is so deceiving, as you pass the children happily playing in the snow, heading up the trail in your tee shirt. Soft snow freezes when temperatures drop, and things can get serious very quickly. So be prepared to spend the night. It will seem like an overkill, and usually will be, and that’s the way you want it. You don’t want to need those things, but will be very glad if you do.

Traction – Our SoCal mountains experience extreme temperature swings – warm and sunny during the day, below freezing in the night – which leads to ice. This means that slippery ice can often be present on the trail, even in the Spring and Fall. Combine ice with steep terrain, and a slip can be much more than you bargain for. That is why I now always bring crampons and an ice axe if there is ANY chance I will encounter ice on any high altitude trail. Another advantage is that I don’t have to put myself in a position where I am pushing my luck and can avoid having to turn back before reaching my goal. Plus it seems that whenever I am prepared, I don’t actually need it.