Mt. Baldy Resort to reopen this weekend as Vista wildfire threat fades

The resort will reopen July 20 after narrowly avoiding damage from the Vista fire in the San Bernadino National Forest.

Mount Baldy Resort announced it would reopen chairlift rides on Saturday morning, July 20, as the threat of the nearby Vista Fire in San Bernadino National Forest continues to lessen.

The fire reached 83% containment as of Friday morning, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The resort was spared by the wildfire, which has claimed nearly 3,000 acres of land since it began on July 7.

Containment is the percentage of the fire’s border that officials believe flames won’t breach.

Guests will be able to take scenic rides, access the Top of the Notch restaurant and attend the Moonlight Hike in the evening, featuring a performance by Blue Hwy.

Several lands, roads and trails within the National Forest are not included in the reopening and will remain closed until further notice as nearly 400 personnel remain on scene to continue containment efforts.

“We want to thank firefighters and hot shot crews and pilots, who used water from this reservoir who helped to put out the fire,” Mt. Baldy Resort said in a video shot from the Devil’s Backbone Trailhead. “We also want to thank you, people who make Mt. Baldy part of their lives winter, spring, summer and fall.”