A hiker who went missing for about 34 hours at the Cathedral Canyon Trailhead in Cathedral City was found with assistance from other law enforcement agencies, authorities said Monday.
Police officers received a report of a missing person shortly before 7:30 p.m. Sunday from the hiker’s roommate after he didn’t return home, according to the Cathedral City Police Department.
The missing person, identified only as a 75-year-old man from Palm Springs, was last seen at the trailhead located south of Foothill Road and Elna Way. The man “failed to return after searching for a cellphone lost the previous night while hiking,” police said.
Officers initiated a search and requested assistance from the California Highway Patrol’s Aviation Unit and Palm Springs Police Department’s Search and Rescue Unit.
Using the CHP helicopter’s infrared camera system, authorities located the hiker, and the Palm Springs rescue team safely retrieved him out of the canyon, police said.
Cathedral City police offered some tips before heading outdoors, recommending that people plan ahead, never hike alone when possible, bring essential supplies, know your limit, stay on marked trails, dress appropriately, be prepared for emergencies to preserve battery power, and call for help if needed.