Hikers shelter on mountain until rescue

Two hikers were rescued and brought back to safety after getting stranded near the top of Mount San Jacinto Saturday.

The Riverside County Sheriffs Department Cabazon Station said the two hikers, 25-year-old Vijay Chintalapudi and 27-year-old Rao Hiteshwar, both from La Jolla called 911 at 6:12 p.m. to say they had reached the top of the mountain.

They were able to descend back down because of stormy weather and the rough terrain.

The Sheriffs Department said the hikers found an emergency hut near the peak and sheltered inside until emergency personnel arrived.

The Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit responded along with the California State Parks, and Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team.

Rescuers hiked to the emergency hut and escorted the hikers back down the trail.

The pair suffered some minor bumps, scratches and minor dehydration, but did not require medical attention.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reminds hikers to carry proper equipment for any outdoor excursion including a well thought-out travel plan shared with friends and family, as well as familiarity with common hiking equipment, such as GPS, maps and compasses.

You can read more information on lifesaving tips at their website http://www.rmru.org.