Lost Hiker Rescued by CHP Helicopter Crew in Joshua Tree Park

A lost hiker was rescued in Joshua Tree National Park, authorities said Tuesday.

The 36-year-old man, from Pennsylvania, was hiking off a marked trail when darkness fell Monday evening, Riverside County Sheriff’s Sgt. Daniel Porras said.

The man was wearing a T-shirt and shorts and was unprepared for the sudden nighttime drop in temperature, Porras said.

His 911 cell phone call was taken by the California Highway Patrol at 5:10 p.m, Porras said. A CHP helicopter was dispatched to the area and landed near the hiker.

The helicopter crew then walked the hiker, who was not injured, back to his vehicle, Porras said.

Hikers in the national park should carry a cell phone, sufficient water and appropriate clothing, and should also plan to be off trails before sunset, the sergeant said.

--City News Service.

(Image via Shutterstock)