A hiker who suffered unspecified difficulties Friday while on a trail bordering the Cleveland National Forest near La Cresta prompted Riverside County firefighters to mount a rescue operation.
The “hiker down” call was received at 12:30 p.m. in the area of Maisel Avenue and Via Sereno, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Several engine crews were sent to the location and initiated a search for the victim, whose identity was not released.
A sheriff’s helicopter was summoned to assist with the remote area rescue, but shortly after 1 p.m., firefighters made contact with the party on a marked trail, and the chopper was canceled, according to reports from the scene.
The hiker was able to walk out of the area with assistance from firefighters.
An ambulance was sent, but it was not immediately clear whether the victim required further medical treatment.