6 lost hikers rescued in Palm Springs

Lost hikers called the Palm Springs Police Department Tuesday afternoon when they couldn’t find their way back to the trailhead on the Victor Trail, south of the Indian Canyons Trading Post.

Officers said the Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue Unit and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Rangers began searching for the six wandering hikers around 3 p.m.

The hikers who called police also said their cell phone battery was running out.

A CHP aircraft located three of the hikers about one mile south of the Trading Post at 3:15 p.m. The pilot was able to direct ground crews to the trio and they escorted them back to an ambulance where they were given water and medical assessment, according to the release.

Three other members of the same hiking group were located on a different part of the trail by tribal rangers and personnel from the Palm Springs Fire Department.

Officials said none of the hikers were injured; they were just thirsty and tired. The group was reunited at the trailhead, officers said in the release.

Police want the public to be aware of the following:

The Indian Canyons is a 56-square mile area that includes more than 60 miles of trails. It is a popular hiking destination and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world every year. Law enforcement and Tribal Rangers who work in the Canyons encourage visitors to wear appropriate clothing for the conditions, pack plenty of water, have a fully charged cell phone, stay on trails and allow enough time to return to trailheads well before closing time. In addition hikers should tell a friend or family member details of the hike, including the name and location of the trail and estimated return time.