Hikers Safe After Rescue From Trail Near Whitewater

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By City News Service

Three of six hikers were airlifted to safety after running out of water and getting sick during an overnight hike on the Pacific Crest Trail near Whitewater, sheriff’s officials said Monday.

The group set out Saturday morning from the Black Mountain and Truck trails near Idyllwild, with a plan to hike and camp on the Pacific Crest Trail to Snow Creek, sheriff’s Sgt. John Reinbolz said.

The group called for help at 2:42 p.m. Sunday from the 4,000-foot level to report that half of them had run out of water and become ill and dehydrated, and couldn’t make the descent to Snow Creek, the sergeant said.

A Riverside County sheriff’s helicopter crew located the hikers -- all from Banning.

Benji Schicke, 45, Mick Spencer, 27, and Kile Stewart, 23, all from Banning, were airlifted to safety and were said to be in good condition. They did not require hospitalization.