Two hikers rescued from Palm Springs trail
Two visitors to Palm Springs were safe early Friday morning after veering off a mountain trail and getting lost near the Palm Springs Museum Trail.
The Palm Springs Mounted Search and Rescue unit was activated shortly before midnight after two lost hikers called the Palm Springs Police Department saying they were lost somewhere on the mountainside west of the O’Donnell Golf Course.
A Riverside County Sheriffs Department helicopter was also called in to help lift the hikers off the mountain.
Both hikers were unharmed and back on the valley floor around 3:30 a.m.
The Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue handles dozens of similar rescues every year, and reminds the public to take precautions as lower temperatures increase the risk of hiking in these treacherous mountains.
They recommend hikers be well-hydrated and in good physical condition, and bring several liters of water.
Hikers into our mountains 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.
