2024-003

Skyline Hikers in Snow

February 19, 2024
Grubbs Notch, Tramway
2024-003

Written by: Solan Watts

At approximately 21:00 we received a call regarding two hikers who were reported as lost and too cold to move on the Skyline Trail. The prevailing weather conditions at the time included light snow and high winds, with the forecasted conditions expected to worsen throughout the night. Due to adverse weather conditions, RSO Rescue 9 was unable to conduct an aerial mission.

The two hikers were hiking to the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway via Skyline Trail when they became uncertain of the trail due to the deep snow. One of the hikers eventually became too cold and fatigued to continue.

In response to the call, six members of RMRU were able to respond. RMRU mobilized to the hikers last known position. The hikers were successfully located approximately 600 feet in elevation below Grubbs Notch around 23:00.

Both individuals were responsive and capable of movement, though their clothing was thoroughly soaked. One of the hikers was too exhausted to continue. Following a brief rest, both hikers were able to continue with RMRU to the top of Grubbs Notch and continue onto the top of the Tramway. RMRU and Tramway staff accompanied the hikers on the ride back down the tram to the parking lot at approximately 01:30 where the hikers could be assessed by AMR.

RMRU Members Involved: (Coby Brown, Colby Coryell, James Eckhardt, Tobias Moyneur, Blake Rankin, and Solan Watts)