IVINS — An adult male was hiking on Red Mountain near Ivins on Friday when he reportedly realized he was lost and had no cell signal, said a sheriff’s deputy.
In this file photo, a Utah Department of Public Safety’s Southern Utah helicopter rescue team flies in Snow Canyon State Park, Utah, March 3, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Santa Clara-Ivins Fire Department, St. George News
He began hiking in the late morning on Dec. 8 and by five p.m. realized he was in trouble.
After making camp for the night with his small dog, he was able to find cell phone service right before his phone died the next morning, calling his daughter and 911, said Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Lacagnina.
A rescue team was able to obtain the hiker’s GPS location and Department of Public Safety’s Star 8 helicopter quickly touched down and took him to the Red cliffs Trail Head where LaCagnina was waiting.
The man reported he was cold, but otherwise cleared by medical teams waiting for him at the base of the trail. He was then taken back to waiting family members.
“Stay on trails when you go hiking,” Lacagnina told St. George News. “Let people know where you’re going ahead of time. Pack a day pack that will at least last you 24-48 hours. Try to hike with people instead of by yourself. Be prepared and dress accordingly.”
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