Hiker rescued from mountains above Palm Springs

A hiker was reportedly safe and being treated for non-life threatening injuries Monday evening after injuring his ankle and being unable to continue walking while in a remote area of the Indian Canyons near Palm Springs.

The Palm Springs Police Department, the Riverside County Sheriffs Department and members of the Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue unit were called to help search for the man, who wished to remain anonymous.

Agua Caliente Tribal Rangers contacted authorities after the hiker failed to return from the mountain Monday by 7:00 p.m.

A sheriffs department helicopter crew located the man within minutes after finding a small camp fire he’d been using to stay warm.

A helicopter crew lowered a Palm Springs Search and Rescue Member down to the man.

The hiker was then hoisted out of the area and taken to a command post where medics treated him for non-life threatening injuries.

Authorities say the man had been in a remote area of the canyons that would have taken personnel at least four hours to reach him by foot.

In a statement, the Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue said it handles dozens of calls like this one every year. It reminds hikers to be aware of the lower temperatures, and the increased risk of hiking in these treacherous mountains.

Recommendations include, “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.”