Hiker airlifted from Palm Springs hiking trail

A hiker was rescued from the Skyline Trail in Palm Springs Saturday afternoon, police say.

Palm Springs police report the hiker was feeling dehydrated on the trail, also known as Cactus to Clouds Trail, and called 911 for help around 2:45 p.m.

The Palm Springs Mounted Search and Rescue responded, as well as the California Highway Patrol Aviation Unit-Helicopter (H-60) and the Palm Springs Fire Department. The helicopter located the hiker on the trail. The crew members of H-60 and the Palm Springs Mounted Search and Rescue safely hoisted the hiker into the helicopter and flew him to a landing zone at La Mirada and Sunny Dunes Road.

The hiker was evaluated by the Palm Springs Fire Department and released from the scene.

There have been at least three rescues from this Palm Springs hiking trail in the month of June.

Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue released the following statement: Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue handles dozens of calls like this one every year and would like to remind everyone that with lower temperatures, the risk of hiking in these treacherous mountains increases. They recommend that every hiker be well-hydrated and in good physical condition before beginning the hike and should have several liters of water each. They should always tell a friend where they are going, dress appropriately in bright colors (not green, brown or black) and carry a cell phone with a strong battery.