SoCal National Forests and Mountain Resorts Recovering After Massive Fires

After the massive fires that swept through SoCal’s mountain areas in recent weeks, the area’s national forests and mountain resorts are regrouping as winter approaches.

While some resorts are still closed for fall activities, they will be open for the 2024/25 winter sports season. However, many wilderness areas in Angeles National Forest and San Bernardino National Forest are under closure orders following the fires.

Angeles National Forest Closures

The Angeles National Forest has issued a Bridge Fire Area Closure Order from September 21, 2024, through December 31, 2025. This closure order covers only National Forest System roads, trails, and other facilities impacted by the Bridge Fire within the Angeles National Forest.

The closure includes several popular trails, including Baldy Bowl Trail, Devil’s Backbone Trail, and Mount Baldy Trail.

Here’s a map of the closure area:

San Bernardino National Forest Closures

Large portions of San Bernardino National Forest are also under closure orders due to the Vista and Line fires.

Here is the map of the Line Fire Closure, which extends through November 30:

And a map of the Vista Fire Closure, which is effective through October 21, 2024.

SoCal Mountain Resort Update

Here’s the status of the resorts as of September 27, 2024:

Mount Baldy Resort – Open for scenic lift rides and hiking within the resort. Note that much of the surrounding areas are close under the abovementioned order.

Snow Summit—The bike park is open on weekends only (Saturday, Sept. 28, through Sunday, Oct. 6). 23/24), but riders must stay on resort trails. Cross-country trails are closed.

Snow Valley and Bear Mountain – Closed until the winter season starts in November.

Mountain High—It will be closed until the winter season starts. The resort planned to open a new network of mountain biking trails in late summer/fall, but the fires have postponed that.