Lost hikers rescued in Palm Springs

Two people had to be rescued while hiking in Palm Springs Tuesday night after becoming lost on the Lykken Trail.

The 22-year-old man from Desert Hot Springs and 23-year-old woman from Palm Desert called for help around 11:10 p.m. and told officers they had no water, according to a release from Lt. Mike Kovaleff with the Palm Springs Police Department.

Kovaleff said the Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue Unit and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Rangers located the man and woman and brought them to safety around 1:25 a.m.

The hikers were escorted down the trail and didn’t require medical attention, according to the release.

There have been a number of hiker rescues already this year in the Coachella Valley; most commonly occurring in Palm Springs. A woman visiting from Scotland died on June 29 after she and her husband could no longer hike the South Lykken Trail due to overheating and dehydration.

The Indian Canyons is a 56-square-mile area that includes more than 60 miles of trails. It’s a popular hiking destination that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world every year.

Police and Tribal Rangers who work in the canyons remind hikers 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.

Hikers should always tell a family member or friend the details of their hike and their estimated time of return as well.

The Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue is made up of volunteers and it’s always looking for enthusiastic men and women willing to serve the community. If you’re interested, more information can be found on the group’s Facebook page.

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