Searchers rescue two hikers near Cuyamaca Peak

Sunday, April 28—

Two hikers who called the sheriff’s department Saturday night to report they were lost were rescued in a rugged area near Cuyamaca Peak early today.

About 9:35 p.m. Saturday, he hikers reported they were trapped in thick brush without any food or water on the west side of Cuyamaca Peak,” sheriff’s Sgt. Don Parker said.

Due to low clouds and fog, Parker said helicopters were not available to perform a rescue.

Deputies from the sheriff’s Julian Station requested assistance from the sheriff’s search and rescue team. A total of 26 searchers responded to the Paso Picacho Campground. Among them were sheriff’s search and rescue, San Diego Mountain Rescue Team and Border Patrol’s BORSTAR team.

Two 23-year-old males were found at 4:45 a.m.

“The hikers were thirsty and hungry, but in good condition,” Parker said.

After being given food and water, the hikers were guided out of the area by search teams.

They returned to their car about 7:50 a.m.