Mount Baldy hiking trails to stay closed until December 2025 due to fire damage

Popular hiking trails at Mount Baldy, including Baldy Bowl and Devil's Backbone, will remain closed until December 2025 due to damage from the Bridge Fire. The U.S. Forest Service cites safety concerns from unstable terrain and dead trees. Hikers are learning about the closures through posted signs, with some expressing disappointment over the extended closure. Violators face fines of up to $5,000 and six months in jail for ignoring the restrictions. Despite the trail closures, Mount Baldy Ski Resort will remain open, as it was not affected by the fire and received permission from the Forest Service to continue operations.