Eight Lost Hikers Rescued From Popular Valley Hiking Trail

MECCA, CA - A Mecca hiking trail was the site of two hiker rescues involving a total of eight people who lost their way and had to be brought to safety, sheriff's deputies said Monday.

Both rescues took place within a matter of hours on the Ladder Canyon Trail.

Deputies were first called out around 5 p.m. to assist two Fontana women lost on the trail, said sheriff's Sgt. Daniel Porras. A California Highway Patrol helicopter was called in and rescued the hikers, who were evaluated by firefighters and released.

About two hours later, two men and four women, all from Running Springs, called 911 for assistance. A CHP helicopter was once again summoned to land near the trail and rescue the wayward hikers.

No injuries were reported in either incident.

Sheriff's deputies reminded hikers to always carry proper equipment for any outdoor excursions and plan ahead by sharing a travel plan with family and friends.

– By City News Service / Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone