Hikers stranded in ‘freezing’ conditions overnight after one falls, CA rescuers say

Two hikers were rescued after being stranded when one fell, California officials said.

A 22-year-old and a 33-year-old were hiking on Mount Baldy when one of the men fell down the side of the mountain on March 2, according to a news release by the Fontana Sheriff’s Department.

The other hiker went to rescue the one who fell but wasn’t able to, leaving them both stranded, rescuers said.

They were able to call 911, and the rescue mission began, officials said.

Volunteers hiked through the night toward the men in “freezing” temperatures, and despite the icy conditions, they were able to reach the hikers, officials said.

After weather permitted, the men, who were in serious condition due to the weather and fall, were hoisted and flown to a trauma center, officials said.

Mount Baldy is in the San Gabriel Mountains and reaches its highest point at about 10,000 feet.

Fontana is about a 50-mile drive east of Los Angeles.

This story was originally published March 4, 2025 at 6:12 PM with the headline "Hikers stranded in ‘freezing’ conditions overnight after one falls, CA rescuers say."