Mount Baldy, where Julian Sands disappeared, is beautiful but treacherous

The 65-year-old actor was reported missing on January 13 after going hiking in the Baldy Bowl area of the San Gabriel Mountains

The Los Angeles skyline framed by the San Bernardino Mountains and Mount Baldy. Getty

A plaque at Mount Baldy in Los Angeles County, California, where British actor Julian Sands has gone missing. Photo: Public Domain

The Mount Baldy area is popular with hikers throughout the year. Photo: Public Domain

A wintry scene in the Mount Baldy area. The area was recently hit by winter storms. Photo: Jason Hickey

A vintage view of Mount Baldy, which lies about 80km north-east of Los Angeles. Photo: Public Domain

A summer scene in a vintage postcard, with Mount Baldy in the background. Photo: Public Domain

A snow-capped Mount Baldy. Photo: Doc Searles

A view near ski lifts on Mount Baldy. Photo: Ricard E Ellis

A winter scene on Mount Baldy. Photo: Public Domain

Mount Baldy partly obscured by low clouds. AFP

Sands, 65, known for his roles in films such as A Room with a View and Leaving Las Vegas, was reported missing on January 13, after he went hiking in the Baldy Bowl area. Getty

The search for British actor Julian Sands continues after he went missing on Mount Baldy in California last week.

Sands, 65, known for his roles in films such as A Room with a View and Leaving Las Vegas, was reported missing on January 13 after he went hiking in the Baldy Bowl area of the San Gabriel Mountains.

The National takes a look at the beautiful but treacherous area where the actor disappeared.

Where is Mount Baldy?

Mount Baldy is in the San Gabriel Mountains in southern California, close to the small city of Pomona.

It lies about 80km north-east of Los Angeles and looms above the metropolis.

Though its official name is Mount San Antonio, it received the nickname Mount Baldy due to the bald, or treeless, face of the Baldy Bowl, which is visible from Los Angeles.

Mount Baldy is a stunning sight, especially after a winter snowfall.

Why is it popular?

Mount Baldy is a favourite destination for many Angelenos as well as tourists from across the state.

The more than 3,000-metre summit attracts plenty of hikers, and the area is also home to a ski resort as well as a winter sports school.

The area also features San Antonio Falls, a waterfall best viewed during the spring run-off.

Why is it dangerous?

As Sands's disappearance attests, though beautiful, the area around Mount Baldy can be dangerous.

Even experienced hikers have trouble in the area in the winter due to snow and ice. Avalanches are not uncommon.

Several people have been injured this year alone and two have died.

Search and rescue teams have responded to 14 rescues at Mount Baldy and the surrounding area in the past month, officials said. Rescue efforts are often hampered by dangerous conditions.