January 22, 2025 – El Dorado County Sheriff's Office officials report that even the most prepared can get caught by surprise sometimes. On Friday, January 17th, a solo hiker near the Rubicon Trail found himself miles from his car and unprepared to overnight in the below freezing temperatures of the Sierra Nevada. 

With the sun going down, the temperature dropping, and completely exhausted, he was able to get enough cell service to call for help from the Sheriff’s Office.  The crew of Echo 1 was able to locate him quickly and identified a safe place to land a short distance away on the snow-covered granite slabs.  The hiker was safely transported to the South Lake Tahoe Airport. 

As you live and play in El Dorado County, remember to adventure within your limits and be prepared for emergencies.

Source & photo: El Dorado County Sheriff's Office