Anonymous
Source: Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue (SBCSAR)
Late [Tuesday] evening around 10 pm, SBCSAR responded for a report of a lost hiker in the Upper Mission Canyon area. Initial reports came in that the hiker was near the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens area but was later updated and determined to be just below the Tunnel trail area. In making contact with the subject, the individual reported being on tunnel trail earlier and was turned around and began hiking down the drainage.
The Santa Barbara County Emergency Dispatch Center provided GPS coordinates which were very accurate and placed the subject about 50 feet down off the Edison fire road to the east of Inspiration Point. With this information, 12 team members responded and begin the search around the GPS location.
After a short time searching, rescuers made voice contact with the subject and devised a plan to bring the subject back up to the road from where they were below. The subject was quickly evaluated, given water and a headlamp and it was determined that additional resources were not going to be needed for rescue or treatment. Team members transported the subject back to their vehicle and all units returned to the station.
While hiking in the cooler temps of the evening hours, it can be quite different and make it easier to become lost. We urge those taking later hikes to have plenty of water, map of the area, headlamp or light, communication device, and a jacket as it does get cool in the canyons after sunset.
Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue is a professional, all volunteer and unpaid 501(c)3 organization that is community supported by generous giving to provide services to the County of Santa Barbara under the direction of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. To learn about supporting SBCSAR, please visit our website or reach out to us. @santabarbaracountysheriff #searchandrescue #hiking #hikingsafety #trailrescue #santabarbara #montecito #goleta @ Santa Barbara, California
Nice of them to rescue him, but this time of year, he could have “chilled” overnight and save a hassle. Sierra Club tip number 1: stay found.
Seriously! Still, on one of the last articles I gave an example where my wife and I did a late hike of Montecito Peak and came back after sunset…which was no big deal because we were prepared with headlamps, etc. Even with a day hike you should anticipate being out longer than you plan due to being injured or coming across an injured hiker.