Lost Hikers Found in Angeles Crest

On July 1, five family members were hiking in the Switzer Falls area in Angeles National Forest. Around 4:30 p.m. four of the members decided to walk the approximate two miles back to the parking lot. By 9 p.m., when they had not arrived, the remaining family member, a son, called 911.

Montrose Search and Rescue responded to the emergency call and began searching for the missing people.

“There were two adults, 40- to 45 years old, a 17-year-old boy and 20-year-old girl,” Janet Henderson, captain of Montrose Search and Rescue, said.

The four were found at 3 a.m. near the Tom Sloan Trail in Bear Canyon about five miles from their intended parking lot destination.

“They had gone the wrong way and went into Bear Canyon,” Henderson said. “One of the [campers] had a cell phone and also called 911.”

Henderson said the lost hikers described the surrounding area so Search and Rescue knew approximately where they were. “The good thing is they stayed in the area,” Henderson said. She added that made it easier for rescuers to find them.

The campers were not injured.

“They were tired, it had been a hot day and they were dehydrated. They were wearing sandals, not prepared for the long hike,” she said.

The lost hikers were reunited with the waiting family member at Switzer Falls.