Lost hikers with no water call 911 on dying phone as sun sets in Sedona, AZ officials say
Hikers called 911 with a dying phone after getting lost off a Sedona trail, Arizona rescuers said.
The two hikers visiting from Phoenix set out on the Packard Trail at about 11 a.m. March 17, the Yavapai County Search and Rescue Team said on Facebook.
But as the sun set, the hikers realized they were cold, off trail and without water, rescuers said.
Their phone was also losing battery, so they called 911 for help, officials said.
Rescuers set out to find them in the “difficult terrain.”
The hikers were found about 4.5 miles from the trailhead on a bluff above the Verde River, officials said.
They were escorted back to the trailhead by 11 p.m. Officials said they were in “good spirits” and spent the night at a hotel.
The Packard Trail is about a 12.8-mile out-and-back trek that is considered challenging, according to AllTrails.
What to do if you get lost while hiking
If you think you’re getting lost, experts say it’s best to stop where you are and not panic. You should go over how you got to that point and if you’re able to see any landmarks around.
“Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step,” officials with the U.S. Forest Service said.
You should come up with a plan but stay put unless you are “very, very confident in the route.”
There are steps hikers can take to avoid getting lost and be better prepared for the unexpected:
Have more than enough food and water with you.
Take a compass that you know how to use, or have a GPS device on hand.
Don’t rely solely on your cell phone. It probably won’t work because of a lack of signal or a depleted battery.
Study the terrain and your route, and you should know how you’ll return.
Have the right clothing. Sturdy hiking boots and layers can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
Pack a blanket, flashlight and matches.
Check with a local ranger for special warnings. They can tell you about “fires in the area, bear sightings, flooding, trail or road closures.”
This story was originally published March 21, 2025 at 12:39 PM with the headline "Lost hikers with no water call 911 on dying phone as sun sets in Sedona, AZ officials say."
