Two Lost San Diego Hikers Located Safe in San Jacinto Mountains

Two lost San Diego hikers were found safe Monday morning in overcast, low-visibility conditions in the San Jacinto Mountains near Black Mountain Trail and Highway 243, a sheriff's sergeant said in a phone interview. The couple had been missing since Sunday afternoon.

"It was probably about 40 degrees when they were located," Sgt. Steve Fredericks of the sheriff's Cabazon Station said. "Sometimes we find them safe."

The hikers were identified as Lucia Terrasas, 27, and Justin Gerard, 36, both of San Diego. They used a cell phone to call for help about 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sgt. Fredericks of the sheriff's Cabazon Station said in a statement.

Terrasas and Gerard said they'd started walking about 11 a.m. Sunday, left the trail or wandered off the trail, and couldn't find their way back, according to Fredericks.

Volunteers with the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit mobilized Sunday afternoon and evening to begin a search, Fredericks said.

Weather conditions and low visibility prevented a helicopter crew from joining the search. Search coordinators told Terrasas and Gerard to settle down for the night, and searchers on the ground continued looking for them through the morning, Fredericks said.

Searchers found Terrasas and Gerard about 8:20 a.m. Monday about three-quarters of a mile north of the trailhead at Highway 243, according to Fredericks.

Volunteers escorted them back to the trailhead at Highway 243. Terrasas and Gerard "denied suffering any injuries and appeared to be in good spirits," Fredericks said.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department reminded hiking enthusiasts to carry proper equipment for outdoor excursion. Preparedness includes a travel plan shared with friends and family, and familiarity with GPS, maps and compasses. RMRU offers several helpful, lifesaving tips at their website, www.rmru.org.