Some hikers are fed up with waiting and return to potentially dangerous trails

The message was attached to an orange 18-inch traffic cone.

“Danger. Flash flood zone. It said, “Do not enter.”

Maria Avila, a Pomona resident, saw the warning when she crossed a stream at Pasadena’s Eaton Canyon Natural Area County Park along with her brother and parents on Thursday afternoon.

What was once a trickle of water was now two feet of fast, almost-freezing water after the storms of these past weeks.

The trail leads to a waterfall. Hikers had to cross the stream of 20 feet wide on slippery boulders to continue their journey.

Fearful of losing their feet, some turned around. Avila’s parents and brother pulled up their pants and took off their socks and shoes before they plunged in.

Avila stated, “It’s not the best time right now, and I wasn’t going back, because it really is the most beautiful moment to enjoy the park, nature, and all of its beauty.” “We have already lost so much time due to the rain and I don’t want any more.

The Avilas made it to the waterfall eventually.

Nature lovers were enjoying a break from winter rains by venturing out onto trails dotted with newly sprouted greenery.

However, park rangers as well as outdoor experts warn of the dangers created by storms. These include water crossings such at Eaton Canyon and slippery paths up steep mountainsides.

Sometimes, even a path that appears easy at first can become more difficult as you push on to reach a summit or another scenic landmark.

Mike Leum, a volunteer search and rescue leader at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, said that streams have become swollen and there is natural seepage along the paths. But you can go outside and it’s sunny. That’s very appealing for city dwellers.

Veteran hiker Crystal Paula Gonzalez died after falling 500 feet on Sunday from the Baldy Bowl Trail. Gonzalez, an experienced outdoorperson, was nicknamed “Hiking Queen”, by CBS Los Angeles.

Mt. The U.S. Forest Service recommends that you avoid travelling alone to Baldy or the surrounding areas. They also suggest that you bring extra food and clothing, and they provide winter mountaineering training. Forest Service recommends.

Jarret Choi, a Los Angeles resident, fell on the Ice House Trail and died near Gonzalez’s death. It took officials two days to locate Choi’s body because of poor visibility and bad weather.

Mt. Baldy.

Leum helped the Montrose Search and Rescue Team to save a Boy Scout troop of five Scouts caught in a rising river near Big Tujunga Creek Sunday evening. All were unharmed.

Leum, the assistant director of reserves and search and rescue at the Sheriff’s Department, said that it was meant to be a one-day loop hike. He believes they believed it would be easy. Sometimes it is best to wait.

Madison Powers and Kelsey Lynn are stressing the importance of patience to the more than 1,000 members of LA Hike Club.

Lynn hiked the Echo Mountain Trail above Altadena, California in the Angeles National Forest on Jan. 5. She did so in between rain showers.

Echo Park resident, 34, was shocked to see large portions of the trail caved in. She hasn’t hiked since then due to safety concerns.

Powers, 35-year-old Hancock Park resident, said that it is a good idea to wait a few days for trails to dry off after rains. If you want to hike right after the rain stops, it is best to use a paved route.

Lynn and Powers, who founded the hiking club together with another friend, recommend routes like Runyon Canyon Park, Malibu, and Malibu’s Solstice Canyon Loop.

The Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority operates some trails, such as Sycamore Canyon or Turnball Canyon. They close these trails for 48 hours following heavy rain. On days when there are heavy rains like Tuesday, Eaton Canyon closes. However, the Angeles National Forest closed an area for off-road vehicles and Paseo Miramar, Pacific Palisades, remained open with very few advisories.

Alberto Salazar, his girlfriend Brittney Huerta, and their dog, Flo, made their way along Eaton Falls Trail, which runs from Eaton Canyon to the Angeles National Forest.

This rock-covered path became impassable after it was submerged by five inches of water two days prior.

Some of the boulders and trees around the small waterfall at the entrance to the national forests were protected by caution tape.

Paramount 20-year-old Salazar took this hike for the first time with his girlfriend.

They had to cross unstable log-and rock bridges to reach the waterfall, 1.5 miles away. Salazar nearly fell at one point while carrying his 30-pound goldendoodle.

They eventually reached the waterfall, which is 40 feet high.

Salazar stated, “For me, this is the essence of it all, to be out there in nature and enjoy that with my girl.” “Why wait? “It’s worth taking a small risk, I suppose.”