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Rising 10,064 feet above sea level, Mt. Baldy is instantly recognizable as the backdrop to the Los Angeles skyline. That proximity is a draw for both experienced hikers and those who are ill-prepared for the terrain and weather, which can be up to 40 degrees cooler than the basin below.

Hikers consider Devil's Backbone to be challenging under the best conditions, as its sheer drop-offs leave little margin for error. But during the winter, snow, ice and wind transform the popular trail into a treacherous mountaineering route that requires gear like crampons and an ice axe to travel safely.

There have been more than 100 rescues on Mt. Baldy since 2020, and 14 deaths, including that of actor Julian Sands, who went missing on the mountain in January 2023. His remains were found nearly six months later.