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Contact: George Land, 760-367-5507 JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, Twentynine Palms, California – Joshua Tree Search and Rescue (JOSAR) responded to several incidents during the holiday season. On Sunday, Dec. 21st, a 21 year old visitor was separated from his hiking companions in the Quail Mountain area. While failing to make contact with his fellow hikers after a few hours, park rangers and volunteer search and rescue personnel were deployed. California Highway Patrol provided helicopter support during the search. The hiker was located in good condition the following day approximately five miles from the trail.
On the evening of Friday, Dec. 28th, a 60 year male from San Diego was reported missing and overdue by his camping partner. The subject was believed to be hiking to Contact Mine. Park search and rescue personnel and JOSAR participated in a ground search assisted by CHP aerial support. Search efforts continued through the night until Saturday morning when the subject emerged onto a park road near the Pine City trail-head. The man was uninjured and his good condition can be attributed to having appropriate clothing and supplies.
At the same time park rangers received a report of a female hiker that became separated from her hiking partner in the same general area. The subject found her way out to the access road to Pine City. There she was able to flag down a car which gave her a ride to her residence in Twentynine Palms. She was found at her residence when her hiking partner returned to the house to retrieve items to assist with the search.
When hiking in Joshua Tree National Park or anywhere else, it is important to wear appropriate clothing and carry the supplies and equipment necessary to survive outdoors if the need should arise. Always inform someone of your intended route and know your physical abilities and limitations.
- NPS -
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Last updated: January 31, 2017