07/20/2026
Over the last three days, our Search and Rescue (SAR) teams have been working tirelessly on a grueling, multi-day search and rescue operation on the rugged slopes of Iron Mountain. Iron Mountain is infamous for its incredibly steep, unforgiving terrain and heavy brush, making our search efforts exceptionally challenging. Over this 3-day effort, SDMRT volunteers—working alongside LASD - Montrose Search and Rescue Team, Santa Clarita Valley Search & Rescue Team, Altadena Mountain Rescue Team, Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team, Malibu Search and Rescue Team (Malibu SAR) - LASD, Orange County Sheriff's Department, CA SAR, San Bernardino Mountain Search and Rescue Team, Ventura County East Valley Search and Rescue Team, Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit —covered miles of dense canyons, high-angle slopes, and drainage areas. We want to extend a massive thank you to all the dedicated SAR personnel, and air support teams, Los Angeles County Fire - Air Operations (Copter 11), National Guard (UH 60- Blackhawk), CHP - Air Operations (H-80), LASD Aero Bureau (Air 5) Civil Air Patrol (ATAC) who braved the elements and worked inserting, and hoisting our searchers and keeping the airspace safe. And a special shout out to CAL OES, LASD Emergency Operations Bureau and Red Cross Los Angeles for logistical support. Your commitment to bringing lost or injured hikers home safely never ceases to amaze us. As always, please remember to hike smart. The backcountry is beautiful but unforgiving. Always carry the 10 essentials, tell someone exactly where you are going, and stick to the trail.
