A frightening day on one of Southern California's toughest trails ended in relief on Friday, when search crews found a mother and daughter who had gone missing on San Gorgonio and brought them off the mountain.
Found safe
Krystal Meyers, 41, and her daughter, Alexis Meyers Martinez, 21, were located by search-and-rescue crews on Friday afternoon and did not appear to be injured, authorities said, roughly a day after they were reported missing. The pair had set out on the Vivian Creek Trail in the San Gorgonio Wilderness and failed to return, the Los Angeles Times reported. They were last seen around 11 a.m. Thursday, July 2, high on the mountain — near the 10,300-foot level, above the High Creek switchbacks, according to NBC Los Angeles.
The trail
The location matters. The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest but steepest route to the 11,500-foot summit of Mount San Gorgonio, the highest peak in Southern California, and the U.S. Forest Service describes it as a strenuous climb best suited to experienced, well-prepared hikers, as FOX 11 noted. The upper mountain is exposed and rugged, and summer conditions can swing from midday heat at the trailhead to thin air and cold at altitude.
The search
Search-and-rescue crews have been working the area since the pair was reported overdue, covering steep, remote terrain where cell coverage is spotty and progress on foot is slow. Officials had not released further details about the women's condition or the specifics of the operation as of this report.
If you are heading out
The case is a stark reminder for anyone tackling San Gorgonio or the other high peaks this holiday weekend: tell someone your exact route and expected return time, carry more water and warm layers than you think you'll need, and turn back early if conditions or daylight turn against you. Anyone with information about the two hikers is asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. This is a developing story, and we will update it as authorities release more.
