Police: man falls 50-feet while hiking in Palm Springs
Rescue crews airlifted a man to safety on Thursday after he fell while hiking in the Indian Canyons in Palm Springs Thursday morning.
According to Sgt. William Hutchinson with the Palm Springs Police Department, the 69-year-old hiker’s wife called 911 at about 11 a.m. saying her husband fell about 50-feet while hiking on the Murray Canyon Trail near the 7 Sisters Waterfalls.
The Palm Springs Mounted Search and Rescue Unit, along with members from the Palm Springs Fire Department and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Rangers, were called into action to rescue the injured hiker.
The hikers were rescued at about 1:17 p.m. as a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection helicopter airlifted them to safety, Sgt. Hutchinson said in a release.
The injured hiker was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment. Officers said he only sustained minor injuries from falling.
The Indian Canyons is a 56-square mile area that includes more than 60 miles of trails. It’s a popular hiking destination and attracts thousands of visitors around the world every year, according to PSPD’s release.
These rescues also serve as an important reminder for those unfamiliar with our desert heat to always bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and let others know where you’re going and when you plan to return.
You should also carry a cell phone with you in the event you need to call for help.
