Lost and Found Couple Who Ventured Off Trail into the Mitteldorf Preserve in Williams Canyon Rescued by Monterey County Sheriff's SAR Team on February 18

According to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, a husband and wife couple were rescued on Friday night, February 18 on the Mitteldorf Preserve on the Echo Ridge Trail after a 911 call was received from a cell phone as darkness was setting in. The signal was quickly lost, but not before the caller was able to give key details such as where their hike started, the last trail sign they saw, and that they were stuck and unable to climb out of a deep canyon. The couple had no communication, limited water, and food. Their hike made its way up Williams Canyon then into the Mitteldorf Preserve on the Echo Ridge Trail. The trail being steep, rough with multiple obstacles and darkness approaching, the pair sought a shortcut northeast into the ravine. This off-trail trek descended through the thick brush trying to access the creek and trail out. With light fading fast and suffering from fatigue and severe dehydration, they realized in a panic that they could no longer progress either down or up. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue Team responded with limited information. A cell phone tower ID’s a probable location within a wide radius. The SAR team used a 4WD vehicle and progressed as far as they could on the rough and steep Headwaters Road, then continued on foot. In the darkness, led by headlamps, and walking a considerable distance deep into the ravine the lost hikers were found. They were tired, out of water, and relieved. County SAR team members were bloodied, battered, and grateful for the successful outcome - even though it took ropes to pull the couple from the steep ravine and a significant operation to deliver them to safety through the vast and challenging wilderness. The sun was rising when rescuers finally returned the grateful hikers to the trailhead parking lot. County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Officials remind hikers that before you head out into the wilderness, have proper clothing, water, food supplies, carry a flashlight, and never venture off-trail in areas that are unfamiliar.