Mecca: Group of lost hikers makes it to safety

A group of hikers who lost their way in the Painted Canyon hiking area was rescued after being spotted by a CHP plane, officials reported.

Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call regarding the lost hikers just before 3:30 p.m. on Sunday Dec. 2. The lost group consisted of four adults and three children.

According to investigators the group began their trek at 11:30 a.m. and soon became lost.

“The hikers made it to a high ridge where they used their cellular phone to call for help,” Sgt. Frederick said.

After being spotted by a CHP fixed wing plane, members from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s Search and Rescue group began making their way to help the lost group. The lost hikers were on their way out as rescuers reached them.

“The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department encourages leisure hikers to carry sufficient food, water, clothing, a signal device and a cellular phone with them while hiking,” Sgt. Fredericks added.

Stephanie D. Schulte is a writer/photographer with SWRNN.  She can be reached at stephanie.schulte@swrnn.com.