Rescue Log: Missing ATV Riders, Hikers Stuck

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Overdue Hikers, Mt. Wilson Trail

The Team was called out at night to search for an overdue party of hikers on the Mt. Wilson Trail.  While team members prepared to head into the field additional information from the reporting party indicated the subjects planned to spend the night outdoors. The search was cancelled.

Missing Off-Roaders, Kern County

SMSR’s assistance was requested in the search for two missing ATV riders in rugged conditions in Kern County. Half a dozen Team members responded with two of the team’s four-wheel-drive vehicles. The subjects were found deceased.

Overdue Hikers, Chantry Flat

An evening call sent the team to Chantry Flat to search for overdue hikers who were out after dark. While the team was staging the subjects found their way to the trailhead safely.

Trapped Hikers in Zion National Park

Being a member of Sierra Madre Search and Rescue means being ready to respond to a call for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week… And even while on vacation. In separate incidents over the past few months, SMSR members have used their training and skills to help others while on “just for fun” trips outdoors.

Team member Karl Domangue and a friend were descending a canyon in Zion National Park, miles from the road, when they encountered a party of ten hikers unprepared for the technical demands of the terrain: five of them were trapped on a ledge midway down a 100-foot cliff. From the canyon floor, Karl ascended his rope to the trapped hikers and tied safety harnesses for them with his own spare webbing -- a technique every SMSR team member learns early in their training and practices frequently. Karl and his companion assisted the stranded hikers one by one down that cliff and then another further down-canyon, ensuring all ten made it home safely.

Missing Girl in Utah

Team member Taison Tran planned on a few relaxing days exploring the backcountry in the Kanab, Utah area, but found himself called upon to assist a girl who had become separated from her family, at night, in temperatures below freezing. Taison found her and helped her a mile and a half to safety.

SMSR provides a range of public programs on wilderness safety in addition to its search and rescue activities. The Team never charges for any of its services. For more information on the open house event, or details on arranging a wilderness safety demonstration for your school or group, visit www.smsr.org.