Hikers of a Long Beach man on California’s Mount Baldy in the San Gabriel Mountains on Sunday. Dominic Belletti, 60, left his home early Sunday morning to hike the mountain alone. His body was found in an area called Baldy Bowl, on the mountain’s south peak.
Preliminary reports say the cause of death was “an apparent unwitnessed fall.” According to the , trail conditions might have played a role.
The route, known as the Baldy Bowl – Ski Hut Trail, climbs 3,900 feet over 4.5 miles to the highest summit in the San Gabriel Mountains. The trail ascends the southwest side of the mountain and is the shortest route to the top that does not involve the use of a ski lift. It is described by experienced hikers as aggressive in good weather, and hiking the peak at this time of year usually requires the use of crampons and other specialty gear.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s department said no information about trails or Belletti’s equipment is currently available due to Monday’s holiday. The coroner’s office is investigating.