Two Missing Hikers Found Safe 

October 25, 2025 – Placer County Sheriff's Office officials report that just before 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, we received a report that two men who had gone hiking were several hours overdue from their planned return. Our dispatchers worked closely with deputies to gather information from the family, and the hikers’ vehicle was soon located in a parking area near Royal Gorge.

Falcon 30 conducted an aerial search until around midnight but was unable to locate the hikers. At first light, our Search and Rescue team was deployed. Thanks to the detailed information provided by the family, and the coordination between dispatchers and deputies, teams were able to focus their efforts on a specific area.

Just before 9:00 a.m. on Friday, October 24, Search and Rescue teams located the two men near Palisade Lake. They were very cold after spending the night outdoors but were otherwise in good condition.

The hikers did several things right - most importantly, they shared their plans with family members and provided an expected return time. That information was crucial in allowing a swift response. In search and rescue operations, every minute matters.

We’re thankful for a quick and positive outcome, and we’d like to commend our dispatchers, deputies, and Search and Rescue crews for their excellent and fast work.

Source & photos: Placer County Sheriff's Office