The Last Summit | Hiker Disappears on Mt. Baldy

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  • Опубліковано 28 лип 2024
  • Seuk Doo "Sam" Kim, 78, affectionately known as "The Spirt of Baldy" and "The Mayor of Baldy", summited the peak over 800 times. Mt. Baldy is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains, looming 10,064 feet above Los Angeles. If you hiked Baldy over the past few years, chances are you probably ran into Sam. At one point, he climbed Baldy every day for over 100 days in a row. He became a cult figure for those who frequented the trail, as he insisted on talking to passers-by, giving them some of his food, and posing for pictures. Many hikers have stories of Kim showing up in the middle of the night and sharing a meal or a story with them.
    In 2017, he was reported missing Sunday after he did not return from his latest solo trek up his beloved mountain.
    0:00 Introduction
    1:00 The San Gabriel Mountains/Mt Baldy
    2:25 The Sam Kim Story
    14:30 Conclusion/Survival Tips
    Much of the script for this video was a dramatic re-reading of this article:
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    #mtbaldy #juliansands
    DISCLAIMER: All materials in these videos fall within the guidelines of fair dealing. No copyright infringement intended. All rights belong to their respective owners. If you are, or represent, the copyright owner of materials used in this video, and have an issue with the use of said material, or have any questions, feedback, suggestions, etc, email OD at outdoordisasters360@gmail.com
    Music by Scott Buckley "Omega" Copyright © 2023 Outdoor Disasters. All rights reserved.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 84

  • @outdoordisasters
    @outdoordisasters  Рік тому +25

    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 outdoordisasters360@gmail.com.
    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: ua-cam.com/channels/srtvSjgVg8QgRJzysB55xA.html

    • @cynthiadriver9781
      @cynthiadriver9781 Рік тому +3

      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
      @taraemcintyre Рік тому +3

      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 🏔️❤

    • @isabellind1292
      @isabellind1292 Рік тому

      @@cynthiadriver9781 It might just work. Loved ones often say "Well, at least they died doing what they loved" when they don't really know they weren't thinking "I wished I'd stayed in bed".

    • @isabellind1292
      @isabellind1292 Рік тому

      @@taraemcintyre How sad. Well, he went missing in Jan/23 and his remains were just found (June/23) after SAR along w/his children, family, volunteers never gave up the search. I don't know if authorities have determined what happened.
      He sounded like a good man & gifted actor & had a love for the great outdoors. My condolences.🌹❤

  • @wilm2109
    @wilm2109 Рік тому +33

    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
      @outdoordisasters  Рік тому +6

      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
    @jeepliving1 Рік тому +32

    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.

  • @aaronallen943
    @aaronallen943 Рік тому +22

    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
      @outdoordisasters  Рік тому +1

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

  • @latigo3332
    @latigo3332 Рік тому +6

    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
    @mtadams2009 Рік тому +16

    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
      @outdoordisasters  Рік тому +5

      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
      @mtadams2009 Рік тому +2

      @@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
      @MaryDoyle-xl2ri 10 місяців тому

      🙏🙏❤️

  • @IaMCdN1
    @IaMCdN1 Рік тому +3

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

  • @_nick_d
    @_nick_d Рік тому +3

    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 🙌🏼

  • @Jordan.4x4
    @Jordan.4x4 Рік тому +5

    Excellent as usual. 🎉🎉
    Thanks for posting

  • @sareenawyld
    @sareenawyld Рік тому +3

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

  • @alexandreluizalves
    @alexandreluizalves Рік тому +4

    Your voice and narration are absolutely insane! Great work!

  • @hazelduerdoth4333
    @hazelduerdoth4333 Рік тому +6

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

  • @rulinggodsidly2941
    @rulinggodsidly2941 Рік тому +2

    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.

  • @irenebritusa
    @irenebritusa Рік тому +11

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

    • @outdoordisasters
      @outdoordisasters  Рік тому +1

      Well said!

    • @latigo3332
      @latigo3332 Рік тому +1

      Truth!

    • @cynthiadriver9781
      @cynthiadriver9781 Рік тому +1

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

  • @YCHuen-ed4sk
    @YCHuen-ed4sk 9 місяців тому

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

  • @isabellind1292
    @isabellind1292 Рік тому +2

    Thank you Outdoor Disasters. It's always very interesting to watch your stories. They're very engaging to watch and very respectful to the people whose stories you are telling.

  • @markbrown7103
    @markbrown7103 8 місяців тому +1

    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.👍🏼👍🏼😁🎸

  • @ItalianAngel21175
    @ItalianAngel21175 Рік тому +2

    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" 🙏🤗💖🌹💎

  • @irenebritusa
    @irenebritusa Рік тому +16

    Morgan Freeman is moonlighting as a UA-camr I think. 😂

    • @outdoordisasters
      @outdoordisasters  Рік тому +1

      Haha!

    • @ItalianAngel21175
      @ItalianAngel21175 Рік тому +3

      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
      @outdoordisasters  Рік тому +2

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

    • @ItalianAngel21175
      @ItalianAngel21175 Рік тому

      @@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
      @outdoordisasters  Рік тому +2

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

  • @happyhorizons9247
    @happyhorizons9247 Рік тому +2

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

  • @veetors
    @veetors 9 місяців тому +2

    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.

  • @pcachay909
    @pcachay909 Рік тому +3

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

  • @markbrown7103
    @markbrown7103 8 місяців тому +1

    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
      @outdoordisasters  8 місяців тому

      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.

  • @timothyclark-sl4il
    @timothyclark-sl4il Рік тому +4

    Sam was an expert at avoiding mountain sharks.

  • @welshwarrior5263
    @welshwarrior5263 Рік тому

    Dedication at its fullest.

  • @PotooBurd
    @PotooBurd 11 місяців тому +1

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

    • @outdoordisasters
      @outdoordisasters  11 місяців тому

      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.

  • @rand0mGT
    @rand0mGT 11 місяців тому +1

    Rest in peace Sam Kim 🙏

  • @zztop4996
    @zztop4996 4 місяці тому

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

  • @KaptainKopter
    @KaptainKopter Рік тому +1

    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 UA-camr

  • @iclite3656
    @iclite3656 Рік тому +2

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

  • @djohnson9083
    @djohnson9083 Рік тому +1

    Nice one.

  • @sune3000
    @sune3000 Рік тому +2

    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
      @outdoordisasters  Рік тому

      Interesting. Everything I read said the Ski Hut Trail.

    • @calij586
      @calij586 Рік тому +1

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

    • @sune3000
      @sune3000 Рік тому

      @@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.

  • @judizzstuff
    @judizzstuff Рік тому +3

    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 .

  • @timberdaniels7317
    @timberdaniels7317 Рік тому +3

    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
      @outdoordisasters  Рік тому +2

      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
      @timberdaniels7317 Рік тому +1

      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
      @outdoordisasters  Рік тому +1

      @@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
      @timberdaniels7317 Рік тому

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

    • @cbbees1468
      @cbbees1468 Рік тому

      ​@@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.

  • @alexandralee4849
    @alexandralee4849 Рік тому +1

    RIP Mr. Sam💫

  • @ChosenOne6666
    @ChosenOne6666 Рік тому +4

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

  • @Duckling08
    @Duckling08 Рік тому +1

    RIP Sam ❤

  • @wasabiflavoredcocaine
    @wasabiflavoredcocaine 11 місяців тому +2

    I wish I could have had a Bud Ice with him

  • @bestboy138
    @bestboy138 Рік тому +5

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

    • @outdoordisasters
      @outdoordisasters  Рік тому +2

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

    • @latigo3332
      @latigo3332 Рік тому +1

      😂

  • @povang
    @povang Рік тому +1

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

  • @JoySpotters
    @JoySpotters 2 місяці тому

    I love the stories but I’m so distracted by the background music. 😔

  • @Kyleran_Krows
    @Kyleran_Krows Місяць тому

    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)

  • @WTFSexyHeadphones
    @WTFSexyHeadphones 6 місяців тому

    Aww, sweet Sam, a guy like him would make me wanna see about climbing part of a mountain maybe...so long as he held my band. What a wonderful guy.

  • @waynemoseley691
    @waynemoseley691 11 місяців тому

    👏👏😉

  • @kathduncan9618
    @kathduncan9618 Рік тому +1

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

  • @susana5505
    @susana5505 Рік тому +2

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