Full Notification

On July 17th, 2015 at about  3:35 PM, two hikers called 911 requesting assistance due to being dehydrated while hiking on the Skyline Trail, (AKA Cactus to Clouds).  The hikers were at about 4,239 feet elevation.  The Palm Springs Fire Department, Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Rangers and California Highway Patrol Aviation Unit-Helicopter (H60) responded .  The helicopter located the hikers on the trail.  A Palm Springs Fire Department Paramedic and a member of PSMPSR  were hoisted down onto the mountain and made contact with the two hikers.  Due to weather conditions, (blowing sand and wind) H60 had to leave and the hikers were not rescued off the mountain.  Emergency personnel remained on scene with the two hikers.  

 

Around 8:00 PM, two PSMPSR members and one Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Ranger began their hike up to the two hikers with food and water supplies.  Currently, the rescue operation is on hold due to the weather and emergency personnel are standing by with the two hikers until conditions improve.  The two hikers are not injured. 

 

 

Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue handles dozens of calls like this one every year and would like to remind everyone that with lower temperatures, the risk of hiking in these treacherous mountains increases.  They recommend that every hiker be well-hydrated and in good physical condition before beginning the hike and should have several liters of water each.  They 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.

 

Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue is comprised of volunteers and is always looking for enthusiastic men and women willing to serve the community in a different and exciting way. Members of this dedicated organization are required to pass an extensive background investigation and be in good physical condition. Once accepted as a trainee, you will be required to undergo an 18-month training period where your first aid, rope, helicopter, and other skills will be honed. Additional information can be obtained via the Palm Springs Police Department web site and/or the Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue Facebook page.

 

The Indian Canyons is a 56-square mile area that includes more than 60 miles of trails. It is a popular hiking destination and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world every year. Law Enforcement and Tribal Rangers who work in the Canyons encourage visitors to wear appropriate clothing for the conditions, pack plenty of water, have a fully charged cell phone, stay on trails and allow enough time to return to trail-heads well before closing time.  In addition hikers should tell a friend or family member details of the hike, including the name and location of the trail and estimated return time.