Missing Hiker Found Alive After Spending the Night in Frigid Temperatures

Mar. 15, 2025

Rescuers searching for missing hiker on Nov. 10, 2024 in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

A hiker rescued after she went missing on Saturday, Nov. 9, for 12 hours in “frigid temperatures” in the Santa Cruz Mountains in San Mateo County, Calif., the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) announced in aFacebook press releaseon Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Twenty-five volunteers, SMCSO deputies and a California Highway Patrol helicopter began the search. Then, the SMCSO Emergency Services Bureau’s search and rescue volunteers were sent out.

On Sunday, Nov. 10, around 3:30 a.m., the crews heard the hiker responding to the volunteers' shouts. She was discovered 500 yards down a very steep hill alongside Pescadero Creek. Once she was found, she was administered basic first aid and deemed uninjured but suffering from exhaustion and being “very cold,” according to SMCSO.

Removing her from the hill took an additional hour. American Medical Response paramedics then transported her and conducted an evaluation. She was cleared and returned to her group.

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Rescuers on Nov. 10, 2024 in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

“I applaud our dedicated volunteers for finding the missing hiker under extremely challenges conditions. Their efforts saved this woman’s life,” SMCSO Sheriff Christina Corpus said in the press release.

source: people.com