71-year-old hiker spends night in mountains after friend reports her missing, CA cops say
A 71-year-old hiker was rescued after spending a night in the mountains, California deputies say.
The Trona woman went for a hike in the Big Maria Mountains near Blythe on Tuesday, March 11, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said in a March 12 news release.
The “experienced outdoorswoman” shared her planned route with a friend before leaving on her hike, deputies said.
When the friend hadn’t heard from the hiker in about five hours, she grew concerned and contacted the sheriff’s office shortly before 9 p.m., according to deputies.
“As nightfall approached, the hiker found herself low on water and still several hours from her vehicle,” deputies said.
Using a drone, deputies searched the area but could not find the missing hiker, per the release.
Unable to fly a helicopter “due to weather conditions,” deputies said they contacted the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit for help.
Volunteer rescuers found the hiker the next day just before 8 a.m., deputies said.
The hiker, who was in “good condition” and did not need medical care, left the area in her own car, according to deputies.
She told deputies her preparedness aided in her night in the mountains.
“She conserved water, did not hike after dark, and carried appropriate clothing and gear for an overnight stay,” deputies said, adding that the “incident highlights the importance of proper preparation when hiking in remote areas.”
Deputies urged outdoors visitors to inform others of their planned route and expected return time; carry enough water for the entirety of the hike; wear and pack the proper clothing based on weather conditions; and be ready for “unexpected situations,” such as overnight stays.
Blythe is about a 220-mile drive southeast from Los Angeles.
This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 2:58 PM with the headline "71-year-old hiker spends night in mountains after friend reports her missing, CA cops say."
