Lost Hikers Found Safe

A Temecula mother and her son who got lost while hiking were found safe today.

Valerie Rickards, 47, and her son, Jordan Rickards, 23, started hiking from Mount Palomar around 1 p.m. Sunday, according to sheriff’s Sgt. John Wade.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department got a call at 9:21 p.m. from Dripping Springs Campground at 38000 Highway 79 reporting the hikers missing.

Low visibility and bad weather stopped a helicopter from joining the search, so rescue workers called the hikers on their cell phone and told them to camp for the night.

Deputies and the Riverside County Fire Department continued the search at daybreak and found the hikers at 8:46 a.m. on Catca Truck Trail.

Rescue workers brought the hikers to the campground where they reunited with their family. The hikers were unharmed, according to the sergeant. “Both hikers denied suffering any injuries and appeared to be in good spirits,” he wrote in a report.

Hiking enthusiasts should carry proper equipment for any outdoor excursion, Wade wrote. “Proper preparedness includes a well thought-out plan shared with friends and family, as well as familiarity with common hiking equipment, such as GPS, maps and compasses."

More tips on how to hike safely are available from the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit by clicking here.