Hiker goes down on Pacific Crest Trail near Anza, requiring rescue

ANZA, Calif. (KESQ) - A hiker who was injured today while trekking the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail south of Anza was rescued by Riverside County sheriff's personnel following an air and ground search.

The "hiker down" call was received at 11:35 a.m. Thursday near Coyote Canyon Road, a few miles south of Highway 371, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said that the victim, whose identity was not disclosed, suffered unspecified injuries and was unable to go any farther on the landmark trail that courses through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the San Bernardino National Forest.

Firefighters initially mounted a rescue, but turned the operation over to the sheriff's air unit and deputies by 1 p.m., culminating in the victim's extrication.

The party was reportedly taken to a hospital for treatment, but no other details were available late Thursday afternoon.