Ways you can stay safe on desert hiking trails this season

It's a beautiful day outside, and many people are exploring some desert hiking trails.

However, on Saturday, News Channel 3 reported that a hiker needed emergency assistance at the Homestead trail in Palm Desert. The hiker was airlifted and taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Cal Fire's latest update was that the hiker was in critical condition.

"I just kept thinking I didn't want to lose him," says Kaitlin Motz, who remembers the moments she and another person performed CPR on a man at the homestead hiking trail in Palm Desert. 

We first brought you this story on Saturday after receiving information that a man had been airlifted after passing out. "There was someone else who kept checking his wrist to check his heart rate to make sure that he did still have somewhat of a heart rate," says Motz. Motz says she didn't know the victim but spoke with his wife, who was with him. "I just let her know, I'm going to make sure you're not alone," says Motz. "I'm going to make sure someone's with you."

Cal Fire responded to the scene about a quarter mile up the trail. That's where the man was passed out under a gazebo.

"A couple of us had stepped out from under the gazebo and we were just waving our arms trying to make sure that they could spot us," says Motz.

Motz explained that she was in that spot because she, too, was tired and decided to turn around and head back down the trail.

News Channel 3 went to another hiker trail to see how people were preparing for their hiking activity.

hikers I spoke with tell me it's very important to read the signs posted here. Know your limits, take plenty of water, and stay on the trail. "Always check the weather," says Araseli Velez, who was hiking at Bump and Grind. "If the weather is hot, I would suggest going earlier in the morning."

Hikers we spoke with say they will take more precautions in the future. "Next time I bring a lot of water," says Rick Hulsey, a Bump and Grind hiker. "Make sure you wear a hat."

Motz says everyone should get CPR certified, but you never know when you may need it. 

 I really hope that he's okay. And I really hope that he was able to pull through.

In light of this incident, I went to the trails to see how people prepared for their journey in the valley. According to hikers who spoke to News Channel 3, checking your health before hiking is crucial. Make sure to drink plenty of water beforehand and bring water with you. Wear the appropriate shoes with tread and avoid thin runners. Hikers also shared their past mistakes and what to watch out for. "The last time I came to this hike, I arrived in the middle of the day, around 12 or 1 o'clock. It was around 117°F. I brought barely any water," says a valley hiker, Araseli Velez. Another hiker advises watching out for rattlesnakes and being aware of your surroundings. "Just be responsible," says Mike Theissen, who is visiting from St. Paul, Minnesota.

The weather was beautiful Sunday, but our first alert weather team expects 90s next week. The summer months are just around the corner!