Reminders from officials to stay safe when hiking after a missing man was rescued from a trail

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Officials are reminding hikers to stay safe this winter and holiday season. CAL FIRE says it tends to see an uptick in the number of calls for service from hikers as more people hit the trails.

"Here in our area...there's lots of trails," Captain Brain Steiger with CAL FIRE said. "And this time of the year, people like to be out hiking. So, we do see an [uptick], in people that have injuries or just get lost and disoriented”

This comes after a missing man was found on a trail in Palm Desert and three hikers died on Mount Baldy on Tuesday. Events that one local hiking group leader said are a reminder to all hikers to take necessary precautions for safety.

"Make sure that they're putting a note on their car so that they know that they're going to be on this hike this day, this time," Richard Peregrin, a hike leader for the Coachella Valley Hiking Club said. "And if they get lost on a trail, somebody can find them."

Peregrin said if anyone gets lost on a trail, the best thing to do is stay where they are. He said people tend to get even more lost when leaving their location.

As people hit the trails after the holidays, officials with CAL FIRE say it's important to be aware of your surroundings and have necessary supplies. Bringing extra water, food, clothing and emergency shelter.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from the mother of the missing hiker and officials on what you need to know.