Lost Hiker Sky Valley
March 16, 2026
Pushawalla Palms Trailhead
Mission 2026-010
Written by: Dave Kosmal
RMRU received a call to assist Desert Sheriff Search and Rescue Team (DSSAR) looking for a lost hiker last reported at the Pushawalla Palms trailhead east of Palm Springs. The hiker was reported missing the day before by a companion that stayed behind at the trailhead. The reporting party said that the hiker was looking for wildflowers to photograph. That evening DSSAR and search dogs searched along the popular trail in the area but found no clues.
During the night, Cal OES performed a technical analysis of the subject’s cell phone signal history. The cell phone was no longer active, but data from the previous day identified a likely route of travel that was north of the previous search area.
DSSAR called for assistance and the search was resumed the next day with members of RMRU and DSSAR. A team began searching along the route identified by the cell phone activity.
About 400 yards from the trailhead the team located the deceased subject. Searchers notified Command Center, who called in the coroner. The coroner arrived about an hour later, examined the remains and prepared a litter for transport. RMRU and DSSAR team members carried the subject to the trailhead.
RMRU Members involved: (Dave Kosmal)
Other Agencies Involved: (RSO Deputies, Desert Search and Rescue)