Three Hikers Rescued From Mt. San Jacinto
PALM SPRINGS -Three hikers have been lifted off towering Mount San Jacinto near Palm Springs after becoming lost.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department says an extensive aerial search located the hikers at the 10,300-foot level Monday and they were hoisted up and flown to safety.
All had early stages of frostbite and hypothermia, but declined further medical treatment.
The three 18-year-old men had departed the upper station of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway on Saturday for a four-day hike to the town of Idyllwild.
The Sheriff’s Department says the trio lost the trail in heavy ice and snow and then used a cell phone to call a family member for help.
Authorities say severe winter conditions this time of year require proper preparation for high-altitude excursions.
