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Crime & Safety

Rescued Hikers Saved by Cell Phone

Two hikers were found in the National Forest near Temecula after they called a friend by cell phone, who in turn called the Riverside County Sherifff's Department.

A Murrieta man and his friend, who clearly were not prepared to get lost in the forest overnight, were rescued Sunday night around 9:40 p.m., Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reported.

The two adult male hikers, from Murrieta and Irvine, began their hike at the Dripping Springs Campground trailhead near Temecula and headed into the National Forest area. According to the sheriffs, Both hikers had gone up the hill ill-prepared for the darkness and claimed the trail became harder to follow due to poor markings. They couldn't find their way down and notified a friend who called the Sheriff's department for assistance.

Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, as well as members from the U.S. Department of Forestry and Cal Fire, attempted to contact the hikers via a cellular phone.

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Sheriff's Rescue helicopter located the hikers on a plateau near the Palomar Observatory at about 9:40 p.m. The hikers were air-lifted off the plateau. Both hikers denied suffering any injuries and appeared to be in good spirits, sheriff’s said in a news release.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department would like to remind hiking enthusiasts to carry proper equipment for any outdoor excursion. Proper preparedness includes 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. Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit offers several helpful, lifesaving tips at their website.

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