In the darkness of early Saturday morning, Sept. 8, Cabazon Station deputies responded to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway regarding a report of lost hikers.

On the morning before, two hikers, identified as Preston and Carol Crow of Wichita Falls, Texas, told friends they were going to spend the day hiking at Mt. San Jacinto State Park (Palm Springs Aerial Tramway) and would return that evening. When the couple failed to return, their friends became concerned and called 911.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit responded and located the hikers at the top of the Aerial Tramway, about a mile from the Long Valley Ranger Station. They reportedly became lost during their hike and decided to stay in one spot until help arrived.

The State Park Ranger assigned to the area was notified and was able to reach the hikers and safely escort them back to the Ranger Station. The hikers were uninjured and appeared to be in good spirits.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reminds hiking enthusiasts to carry proper equipment for any outdoor excursion. Proper preparedness includes a well-thought-out travel plan shared with friends and family, as well as familiarity with common hiking equipment, such as GPS, maps and compasses. RMRU offers several helpful, lifesaving tips at its website, www.rmru.org.