Lost PCT Hikers
March 7, 2026
Marion Mountain Trail, Idyllwild, California.
2026-08
Written by: Ed Gelabert
At 1856, March 7, via text, there was a callout to the members of Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit (RMRU) for 3 lost hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Responders were Dave Kosmal, Will Pendleton, David Bever, Blake Rankin, Jeffrey Leisner and myself. Initial Incident Command Post (ICP) was Vista Grande Fire Station, off Highway 243, where deputies of the Riverside Sheriff’s Office (RSO) met with the RMRU responders. Once gathered, deputies and RMRU responders relocated the ICP to Marion Mountain Trailhead (MMT).
Rescue 9 (RSQ9), the responding RSO Aviation Unit, was enroute to the Last Known Position (LKP) of the hikers from mobile phone data when the callout was given. They stated high winds at that location. At 1901, callout captain Ray Weden, declared that RSQ9 was standing down. At 1907 Ray stated that subjects used the Cal Topo (a navigation app) locator, which put them 60 feet from LKP.
At 2015, names of subjects were given to the responders by the call captain (Salvador, Guillermo and Enrique). They stated (via mobile phone) that they had cold feet and requested extra warm socks. They also said that they can hike once they got warm.
At approximately 2030 Will, Blake and I met at Vista Grande Fire Station. Kos and Bever arrived fifteen minutes later. We assessed the cold weather gear that we had for ourselves and 3 subjects. Temperature at initial ICP was in the mid 30F range. We knew it would be windier and colder at elevation. After initial SAR GAR (Search and Rescue self-assessment) we relocated ICP to MMT, a few miles south.
Once at MMT, we did a second, hasty SAR GAR and started up the trail at approx. 2130, at 6300 feet, as a team of four with Bever remaining at ICP as Incident Commander (IC). Jeff later joined him and assisted at command post.
At approx. 7400 feet, we encountered significant snow that over freeze, thaw cycles turned into ice. I was the only member with micro-spikes which would become an issue on the descent. As well as members not having adequate, or extra, headlamps.
At 0030, March 8, we reached the subjects 60 feet west of the Deer Springs Trail, 0.25 mile south of the junction between the Marion Mountain Trail and the Deer Springs Trail, huddled next to some boulders. Winds were gusting up to 40 miles an hour with temperatures feeling like they were in the low 20F range. Subjects were 3 males in their mid-30s, fit, alert and not injured. They were suffering mild hypothermia which was obviously worsening with their intense shivering. They lacked proper clothing, light and they were low on food and water.
Blake and David K. got to work giving them the clothes and sleeping bag we had. And getting them water and calories. They were not suffering from any medical or traumatic issues, just environmental. Will and I assisted with food, re-packing gear, and getting subjects ready for descent. They recovered quickly. At 0100, we began our descent.
Coming down without spikes was a problem for everyone. And proper light between members and subjects was lacking. With spikes the descent was easy. All members responding to such incidents should have 2 pairs of spikes, one for themselves and one for the subject. Also, 2 pairs of headlamps. At one point one of the subjects fell. Luckily, it was a minor fall.
At 0337, we were back at the MMT with RSO, the Idyllwild Fire Department and David B. and Jeff waiting. Subjects were interviewed by RSO and taken by their families. Mission complete.
RMRU Members Involved: (David Bever, Ed Gelabert, Dave Kosmal, Jeffrey Leisner, William Pendleton, Blake Rankin)
Other Agencies Involved: (RSO, Idyllwild Fire Department)