Police find missing hiker inside Joshua Tree National Park
A Los-Angeles area man has been found after being reported missing inside the Joshua Tree National Park.
Park officials said 40-year-old Ali Sandoval was reported by family members that he had not returned from his hike Saturday night. His vehicle was found at the trailhead for Mastodon Peak and Lost Palms Oasis by family members.
A search for Sandoval started around 7 a.m. Sunday morning with the Joshua Tree National Park search and rescue, California Highway Patrol and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Officials said Sandoval was found around 1:30 p.m. by a CHP helicopter. The helicopter crew described the discovery as a “tired looking man” on the ground waving.
Police found Sandoval about a mile north of the Mastodon Trail. He was then flown to a nearby vehicle where he walked under his own power. He has since been taken to a Coachella Valley hospital for observation and evaluation.
Park officials advise hikers to always let someone know where they plan to hike and what time they plane to return. And always carry more water than you think you will need.
