A father and son hiking team were located in good health earlier today after a search that began this past weekend. The hikers were located in Tehipite Valley in eastern Fresno County at an elevation of 4100’. The location is in the Kings Canyon National Park.
The hikers were located last night around 6:30pm by air searchers. However, due to the terrain and lack of communication, rescuers could not get to the pair until early this morning. Other than some scratches and poison oak, both were in good physical condition.
Eagle One flew both hikers out of the search area and reunited them with family members at Wishon Dam.
The hikers were on a 6 day hike on the Rancheria Trail near Wishon Lake. While hiking in the Tehipite Valley, they lost the trail. The terrain was so difficult they realized they could not get out on their own. The hikers had no cell phone but had made plans with family members to call authorities if they were not heard from by a specific date and time. The hikers stayed in the area and waited for help.
The search began on Saturday evening when family members called the Sheriff’s Office to report the Southern California hikers overdue.
As many as 35 SAR personnel participated in the search including mountaineers, members of the jeep squadron, mounted posse, SAR canines, and the Air Support Unit. Personnel from Kings Canyon National Park also assisted.
The hikers assisted in the search by having a pre-plan with family members, and staying in one place once they realized they could not get out on their own.
TXT 24
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