Hikers rescued after spending night in Tahquitz Canyon

Two hikers have finally been rescued off our local mountains, after spending Thursday night with mountain rescuers in the Tahquitz Canyon area.

Officers responded at 5:06 p.m. Thursday evening, to a call from the two hikers, who told police they had been lost for several hours and were out of water. Members of the Palm Springs police Mounted Search and Rescue Team traveled to the location, about 1,000 feet above the water towers in the canyon, and located the unidentified man and woman, police said.

Exhausted and cramping, the hikers were unable to walk down to safety. A helicopter was called but was unable to safely airlift the victims because of high winds and darkness. Food, water and supplies were taken to the area and a Palm Springs Fire Department paramedic also responded.

Shortly after 7:00 Friday morning, with the assistance of CHP air support, the stranded hikers were successfully airlifted from the mountains to awaiting medical personnel. The female hiker was transported to Desert Hospital for medical treatment while the male hiker appeared to be in good health.