A 71-year-old hiker who ran low on water and spent the night on a trail in the Big Maria Mountains was located Wednesday, authorities said.
Deputies from the Colorado River Sheriff’s Station responded around 9 p.m. Tuesday to a report of a missing hiker near Powerline Road and Midland Road in an unincorporated area near Blythe, according to a statement from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
The hiker, described as an experienced outdoorswoman from Trona, had shared her planned route with a friend beforehand, sheriff’s officials said. When the friend had not heard from her for five hours, that person called for assistance.
Deputies deployed a drone to search for the woman, who was several hours from her vehicle and low on water, according to the RCSD.
The department’s helicopter was unable to assist due to weather conditions, prompting authorities to call in the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit (RMRU), sheriff’s officials said.
RMRU personnel located the hiker at 7:50 a.m. Wednesday, and she did not require medical attention, reaching her vehicle unassisted after conserving water and carrying essential supplies for the unexpected overnight stay, sheriff’s officials said.
The sheriff’s department urged hikers to take precautions, including carrying sufficient water, wearing appropriate clothing and informing someone of their planned route and return time.