The Last Summit | Hiker Disappears on Mt. Baldy

[@outdoordisasters]

Will ike to thank subscriber Lisa R for bringing Mt. Baldy to my attention. If any of you have any suggestions on stories, please feel free to email OD at [e-mail]. When researching Mt Baldy, I was shocked to see how many incidents happen on this mountain. You think SoCal LA Area and you think of great weather. But Mt. Baldy, like any mountain, can turn bad at the drop of a hat. And many hikers, experienced and novice, can fall victim to the challenges. Being so close to one of the most populated areas in the world, many people take a stab at Baldy and why it's the most dangerous mountain in California. And when I read this story on Sam, I have to say it really moved me. To see the passion this 78 year old had to hike a challenging mountain daily made me question what I'm doing as a younger man. I felt a connection to Sam, and when I read about his death, I definitely shed a tear, also felt happy for him that he died doing something he loves and didn't die in a long drawn out way like many of us will experience at some point in our life. RIP Sam. You're an inspiration even in your death. If you haven't yet, please subscribe by clicking here: kzbin.info/door/srtvSjgVg8QgRJzysB55xA

[@cynthiadriver9781]

Geez, I'm in the same boat !! I'm still looking for that one passion that would make me happy to die doing it !! However, I do love reading in bed and sleeping in bed and lovin' in bed..well I might be ok after all..🤷‍♀️

[@taraemcintyre]

Another fascinating and tragic Mt. Baldy story is that of beloved actor Julian Sands, who I believe is still lost somewhere on the mountain, disappearing last fall. He knew & loved the mountain too & would go to clear his head of Hollywood. He was only 65. Once we know how it turned out (which, really we already do, except the details), I bet you'd do just as beautiful a retelling as you have here with Sam. RIP 🏔️❤

[@wilm2109]

I actually had the pleasure to meet Sam a number of times on the Baldy Bowl trail a few years before his death. He never remembered our previous encounters, but I don't blame him, he must have met literal hundreds if not a thousand hikers going up and down that trail. He would introduce himself to me each time with his thick accent, his enthusiasm and kindness were infectious. We even took a selfie together. We weren't very familiar, but I still think about Sam every now and then. I remember his words, about his quest to climb Baldy 1000 times & how the mountains were his religion. It was only after he died that I came to know he was somewhat of a local celebrity who's journey made it to the news publications, even before his tragic fall.

[@outdoordisasters]

That's awesome. I saw the many selfies he took with many hikers. Such a positive guy. I would've loved to meet him. Sounds like you're still moved by your interactions with him. A testament to his life. Thank yo8u so much for sharing.

[@jeepliving1]

I imagine that in the future, hikers on Mt. Baldy will tell stories of getting lost or some other kind of emergency and being aided by some old Korean guy who just showed up out of nowhere, helped them down and then just walked off into the mist before they could even thank him.

[@Duckling08]

❤

[@AzovAzza]

What an absolutely beautiful human being! When the son stated that he would climb Baldy every Father’s Day, I literally got goosebumps all over and was close to tears. I hope Sam didn’t suffer. The universe absolutely had a plan for Sam to pass, on the mountain that coupled his soul. There is no more appropriate location. Thank you for another amazing video and story. Rest well, Sam! 🏔️💙

[@outdoordisasters]

You're not alone with the goosebumbs. That part still gets me, even though I've watched this video many times.

[@latigo3332]

Climbing every Father’s Day in honor of his father is such a beautiful tribute. Rest in peace Mr. Sam. The mountain is yours.

[@mtadams2009]

Sam is my kind of people and passed away doing what he loved. No nursing home for Sam. Many people don't understand the pull of the outdoors and the love of particular mountain or mountain range. I totally understand. RIP Sam

[@outdoordisasters]

Definitely. I see many comments of people who say "and that's why I don't do this because of this..." and it's kinda sad to me. I make these videos not only as compelling stories for people to watch and enjoy, but to raise awareness of the beauty of our planet and to be safe out there. There's so much beauty and adventure out there and it's a shame if you're afraid because of a few andectoal stories.

[@mtadams2009]

@@outdoordisasters I do a lot of big adventures alone or with my dog and I hear the same things. Those close to me don’t as they get it. Take care

[@MaryDoyle-xl2ri]

🙏🙏❤️

[@veetors]

I used to see him every time I was going up the Ski Hut Trail, we never spoke but rather acknowledged each other doing what what each love to do. I used to see the Korean girl who died up there as well, actually she wasn’t too friendly and that’s okay too. Good video about this man who definitely had a good run in life.

[@_nick_d]

I had the pleasure of meeting Sam several times on ice house canyon trail to Baldy Bowl. Guy was absolutely happy every single time. He was In amazing shape. Rest easy Sam 🙌🏼

[@IaMCdN1]

My dads 78, this one hit home. Father’s Day week. Spend all the time you can time with your dad. ❤

[@irenebritusa]

What a legend. Proof age doesn’t have to be a barrier to anything.

[@outdoordisasters]

Well said!

[@latigo3332]

Truth!

[@cynthiadriver9781]

My grandmama had a fridge magnet that said : Age is a matter of the mind, If you don't mind it doesn't matter✌️

[@Jordan.4x4]

Excellent as usual. 🎉🎉 Thanks for posting

[@rulinggodsidly2941]

I find Sam to be an inspiring man. He found what he loved and immersed himself in this to a truly astounding level. I wanna be like Sam.

[@sareenawyld]

I would listen to this voice tell any story✅️✅️✅️🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@alexandreluizalves]

Your voice and narration are absolutely insane! Great work!

[@behindthespotlight7983]

2014 I worked briefly with a part time helicopter pilot for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue division. That entire range: Baldy, Gergonio and Baden-Powell consistently draw the most bizarre, helpless people. One of his craziest stories was about a couple who had to be pulled off San Gergonio via airlift because they’d hiked up the 11,500 foot peak with zero water. Dying of thirst they decided to drink a bottle of shampoo & conditioner. That they happened to have with them. Needless to say they were both fetal-position sick, vomiting like crazy. As SAR tried to work in close enough to do a basket lift the woman kept flashing the chopper crew with a massive side view mirror that they’d pulled off a truck, somewhere along the way. The pilot said he could see the expression on their faces but nonetheless this idiot lady kept blinding them with a license plate size mirror. Our hero was one more attempt from calling an abort. The real kicker? A couple weeks later the “recovered” couple contacted their rescuers to say thank you. In the course of the conversation the male victim repeated several times “man it was so gross but thank God we had that Pert or we might not have made it.”

[@BlackSheep_216]

😂🤦😂🤦

[@hazelduerdoth4333]

Thank you for posting this story of a guy who was truly remarkable 👍👍

[@outdoordisasters]

He really was a remarkable.

[@Perch_Master_Nick]

I hike the San Gabriel mountains 3 times a year. I always monitor the forest on my weather app and I won't go if snow or bad weather conditions are in the forecast. Sam died doing what he loved most, I respect and admire him.

[@YCHuen-ed4sk]

Sam, you are respected and remembered. You are missed and in my mind every time I hike at Baldy.

[@happyhorizons9247]

Keep up the amazing content and presentations... Your channel is going to explode!!!

[@outdoordisasters]

Wow, thank you!

[@pcachay909]

Your vids are 🔥🔥🔥 , can't wait for the next one.

[@outdoordisasters]

You're fire as well!! Thank you very much!

[@BlackSheep_216]

Dude you should have a Netflix contract or something. Your videos are top notch.

[@outdoordisasters]

Thank you! You never know. Keep watching, supporting and sharing and we can get there. Your support and kind words have not gone unnoticed BlackSheep. Thank you friend.

[@ItalianAngel21175]

When I watch these videos, I try to take from them every point, and lesson I can! How many of us will actually die doing what we truly love doing and at a place we are most happy? There has to be comfort knowing Sam was right where he wanted to be! My deepest sympathy to Sam's family. 💔 I'm also vasly learning that no matter how good we are at anything, human error will always be there to remind us that we are not perfect! Thank you "Outdoor Disasters" 🙏🤗💖🌹💎

[@nelsonbrandt7847]

What an inspirational and amazing story about Sam. I love it that his son David hikes Baldi on Father’s Day to feel the connection with his late father.

[@irenebritusa]

Morgan Freeman is moonlighting as a KZbinr I think. 😂

[@outdoordisasters]

Haha!

[@ItalianAngel21175]

I said the same thing! 😁 Absolutely sounds like Morgan Freeman, I have watched, and followed Morgan since The Electric Company! Some of you know what I'm referring to. No matter if it is or isn't, I love the channel....💖🌹🤗

[@outdoordisasters]

​@@ItalianAngel21175 I've read Freeman, some guy named Wayne Dyer I believe, Barak Obama, and a few others!

[@ItalianAngel21175]

@@outdoordisasters 😆 I actually had someone listen, and they said Barack Obama! I said listen who does that sound like to you, he said Barack. I had another say Denzel Washington , which by the way both watch this channel now. Personally I think it has added character to an already amazing channel....😃😁😍 Shine on you crazy diamond. 💎 💖🌹😘

[@outdoordisasters]

@@ItalianAngel21175 I'll definitely take that as compliments!

[@zztop4996]

Heartwarming story. (Actor Julian Sands died on Baldy in 2023.)

[@markbrown7103]

I lived in Ontario I used to lookout my front yard and look straight up north and see Mount Baldy and Cucamonga peak. It look like Cucamonga pink was taller but when you got up on top of Mount Baldy, you could look down and see the top of Cucamonga pic it just looks bigger taller. I lived in Ontario for 30 years, I was born in Upland. Now I am 70 years old and still in Southern California. I love it here.👍🏼👍🏼😁🎸

[@christyph3382]

My hike club and other clubs did a tribute hike in honor of Sam. Year he passed. It was a beautiful experience so, many hikers came to honor Sam. I meet Sam one summer day at Ski Hut with my Chihuahua. He was a nine person. He thought my Chihuahua was cute.

[@outdoordisasters]

That's so awesome! This story is one of my favorites I ever produced. Still think of Sam from time to time. His story was so amazing and still stays with me to this day. Seemed like such and amazing man. Thank you for sharing and RIP the great Sam Kim.

[@judizzstuff]

I keep wondering if the remains of julian sands who disappeared in a simular situation earlier this year will ever be found. 😢 it would seem the search stopped back in Feburary you would think by now there would be some trace of him on baldy .

[@welshwarrior5263]

Dedication at its fullest.

[@markbrown7103]

Sam was quite a guy. Like I said in my other comment, I lived in Ontario and looked up and seen Mount Baldy but just the same I never meant so I am I went to Baldy when I was a kid and we used to go to Rite would too. Sam seem like a very happy man. I’m sorry he passed away. He also seem like a very nice person. May he rest in peace. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Thanks for the video. Have a great day.👍🏼🥲👍🏼😁

[@outdoordisasters]

Thank you for this comment. This was one of my favorite stories to produce. Many times I teared up. He seemed like such an amazing man. So driven and a genuine love of the mountain. Teared up many times making this.

[@jonnyutah.308]

My whole life we had a cabin up near Cold Canyon campground but it burned down in the 90’s along with about a ten others. I grew up playing in these mountains and creeks. I don’t live in LA anymore but I’m so happy to see HW39 didn’t burn. Thanks for the video it makes me happy to see it survived🤙🏻

[@timberdaniels7317]

Once again a fantastic video and content my friend. I didn't realize Mt. Baldy was considered the most dangerous mountain in Socal my husband didn't either and he is from Southern California. What a story although sad. May his family find comfort and may he rest in peace 🙏. I look forward to your next video.

[@outdoordisasters]

I may be a little hyperbolic. But Baldy is notorious for incidents year around. And while probably a very safe mountain if you play it safe, because of the volume of hikers that climb Baldy, you have many more ordeals. Probably per capita, probably not as bad as other mountains in the state. But LA area is the one of the most populated areas in the world which means more climbers.

[@timberdaniels7317]

Yeah I can see how Baldy would get more Climbers year round. I'm not sure but didn't that guy named John Divine hike Baldy and they unfortunately haven't found him? Any way have a good week and I look forward to your next video my friend.

[@outdoordisasters]

@@timberdaniels7317 I read about a ton of incidents on that mountain. May get to another one later. Next Monday will be the next upload! Thank you for your support!

[@timberdaniels7317]

@Outdoor Disasters sounds good, looking forward to next Monday's upload. You're welcome, this has become my favorite channel ☺️

[@cbbees1468]

​@@outdoordisastersHaving hiked San Gorgonio, San Jacinto, and Mt. Baldy, Mt. Baldy is the lowest elevation of those 3 but the most dangerous in snow and ice conditions.

[@PotooBurd]

This is so informative!!! Fantastic video; I love this kind of content!🌻🌼🐝

[@outdoordisasters]

Glad you enjoyed it! This video on Sam was one my favorite and more emotional videos I've done. Sad that it's one of the lesser viewed ones. His story is amazing and so inspirational.

[@timothyclark-sl4il]

Sam was an expert at avoiding mountain sharks.

[@KaptainKopter]

Another great story from outdoor disasters but one of their saddest! Sam died doing what he loved doing on the mountain he loved the most! Even though it is somewhat fitting it’s still very sad! As I watched I kept thinking that he would be found alive but as the days passed reality started setting in that we lost him! Great story as we have come to expect from this KZbinr

[@outdoordisasters]

🙏🙏🙏

[@ChosenOne6666]

He had a gas station in a rough part of the city of Los Angeles

[@dtaylor10chuckufarle]

May God Bless and keep this good man. +

[@sune3000]

I’ve climbed Baldy a few dozen times and I remember hearing about Sam’s disappearance back in ‘17. BTW, I think the Register Ridge use trail is actually the most direct route. 4k feet in 3.6 miles.

[@outdoordisasters]

Interesting. Everything I read said the Ski Hut Trail.

[@calij586]

I believe Ski Hut Trail is most direct and most steep. At least all the times I have hiked it

[@sune3000]

@@calij586 register ridge is 6.3 out/back to the summit while ski hut is 8 out/back to the summit. These data is via all trails. I’ve done both, and via the bowl in the winter. Register ridge is significantly steeper.

[@MsAcreage]

Great video!

[@povang]

He died exactly where he wanted to die; he loved that mountain.

[@djohnson9083]

Nice one.

[@kathduncan9618]

What a perfect way to die. Bless this man and his family and friends.

[@alexandralee4849]

RIP Mr. Sam💫

[@rand0mGT]

Rest in peace Sam Kim 🙏

[@ralphalvarez5465]

I used to the Mount Baldy area and it is very deceptive. There have been numerous deaths and disappearances on the Devil's Backbone. It usually happens during the wintertime. Either snow or rain. That place is absolutely beautiful but it can be a cruel place for those that are unprepared. That place gets into your soul.

[@iclite3656]

Devil's backbone😳. Reminds of the saying "Don't Tread on Me" for sure.

[@marjcrawford2216]

Excellent narration, i hear Obama. Great chanel glad i found it! L

[@Duckling08]

RIP Sam ❤

[@bestboy138]

dang, my pawpaws only 58 and he can barely summit the stairs just to get to the crapper.

[@outdoordisasters]

I can always expect to get a laugh from your comments Michael! Thank you fo your funny comments! Keep em coming!

[@latigo3332]

😂

[@heikedrakakis8988]

Legends never die!

[@outdoordisasters]

Absolutely!

[@waynemoseley691]

👏👏😉

[@funnyshortsusa9915]

5:14 what did he say?…

[@Kyleran_Krows]

Disappointed to find out this wasn't about the "real" Baldy Mountain over in New Mexico which I climbed to the top of back in 1972 when I was in the Boy Scouts. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldy_Mountain_(Colfax_County,_New_Mexico)

[@benlaw4647]

Santa fe baldy..great climb !

[@AxtionMag]

It is about The Real Baldy… 💯

[@aarrodri]

😭😭😭😭

[@susana5505]

Very sad. Don't 4 get the "thumbs up". OK

[@outdoordisasters]

Please! Thank you!