Late Hikers Deer Springs Trail
July 27, 2025
Deer Springs Trail
2025-027
Written by: Geoffrey Marshall
At approximately 11:30pm, RMRU received an alert regarding two overdue sisters on the Deer Springs Trail near Idyllwild. The pair, both reported to be inexperienced hikers, had summited San Jacinto with a group of over 30 more experienced individuals but became separated on the way down.
David, Matt, and I responded to the call and met at the Deer Springs trailhead. While in route, we were able to make cell phone contact with the sisters and determined they were approximately one mile up the trail. The subjects reported being exhausted and unsure of their exact location. They were instructed to stay in place until help arrived.
At around 1:30am, Matt and I began hiking up the trail while Dave remained at base. Approximately 30 minutes later, we made contact with the subjects. Both were cold and tired but stated they were okay to hike out and did not require medical assessment. They declined snacks and electrolytes, noting their stomachs were upset, likely due to altitude.
Matt followed behind to monitor them while I led the group back down the trail. During the descent, the sisters explained that someone in their group had left something near the summit. In the confusion of trying to retrieve it, they became separated from the rest of the party.
By 3:00am, we transferred the subjects to Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputies on scene. They were shortly reunited with family members waiting at the trailhead. Matt and David made it home safely by 4:50am. I returned home closer to 8:00am due to a jackknife tractor trailer that blocked all lanes of the 91 freeway.
Lessons Learned & Recommendations:
RMRU recommends that when hiking in a group, individuals always inform the leader or other group members if they plan to split off in a different direction. Routine head counts by group leaders can help avoid situations like this. Additionally, carrying extra layers, such as a puffy jacket or lightweight rain shell, can make a significant difference when temperatures drop unexpectedly, as they did that night. Luckily for the subjects the weather was mild.
RMRU Members Involved: (David Bever, Matt Frenken, and Geoffrey Marshall)
Other Agencies Involved: (Riverside County Sheriff’s Department)