Rescuers searching for dehydrated hiker unexpectedly save 2 others on CA trail
As California rescuers rushed to help a severely dehydrated hiker whose group ran out of water, they kept finding more dehydrated hikers.
Shortly after noon on Saturday, Aug. 30, Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue, along with additional agencies, responded to a call about “a group of hikers near Arlington Peak who had run out of water, with one becoming severely dehydrated,” rescuers said in a Facebook post.
The high temperature in Santa Barbara on Aug. 30 was 79 degrees, according to The Weather Channel.
As a helicopter crew made their way to the group, a hiker in the area flagged down their help, rescuers said.
Thinking this hiker was the original one who needed help, the helicopter team lowered a medic, rescuers said.
Soon, however, rescuers said they realized this was a separate hiker also suffering from dehydration. The hiker was hoisted from the area to a hospital, rescuers said.
The helicopter crew then made their way to Arlington Peak to find the original hiker, who was also hoisted from the area and taken to a hospital, rescuers said.
Rescuers said they, along with fire first responders, met with the rest of the hiker’s group, gave them water and led them back down the trail.
As they made their way, rescuers said they found a third dehydrated hiker. Rescuers said they gave the hiker water and medical attention, then led the way back to the trailhead with all the hikers.
Rescuers said the slew of rescues “serves as a vital reminder to always hike prepared: bring more water than you think you’ll need, start early or hike during cooler hours, and recognize that trail temperatures can be more than 20° hotter than at the trailhead.”
Rescuers also urged hikers to be aware of the “trail’s difficulty, distance, and your rate of water consumption.”
“If you notice you’re drinking faster than expected and risk running out of water before reaching your destination, the safest choice is to turn back and try again another day,” rescuers said.
The roughly 4-mile hike in Los Padres National Forest to Arlington Peak is considered a hard trek, with a 2,247 feet elevation gain, according to AllTrails.
“Most of the trail is exposed to the sun, so bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen,” the hiking website says.
How to be prepared hiking
If you’re planning to hike, the National Park Service says there are 10 essentials you should take:
- Navigation: Pack a map, compass and a GPS system. Make sure you study your route beforehand and understand how to use the tools.
- Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat can help protect your skin and eyes from UV rays.
- Insulation: A jacket, hat, gloves, raincoat and thermal underwear can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
- Illumination: A flashlight, lantern and headlamp can create light if you get stuck in the dark — and don’t forget to pack extra batteries.
- First-aid supplies: It’s a good idea to have a first-aid kit on hand while hiking. Check the expiration date on items before you pack them.
- Fire: Matches and a lighter can help start fire to act as an emergency signal in times of need.
- Repair kit and tools: Duct tape, a knife, screwdriver and scissors can be helpful if items break during your hike or you need assistance.
- Nutrition: You should pack an extra day’s worth of food in case something goes wrong. Park officials recommend having “salty and easy to digest snacks.”
- Hydration: You should drink water often and before you feel thirsty if you’re hiking in hot weather. Keeping your body hydrated is “of utmost importance,” park officials said.
- Emergency shelter: Packing a tent, space blanket, tarp and bivy can help you be prepared if severe weather breaks out or your plan takes a turn.
This story was originally published September 2, 2025 at 11:50 AM with the headline "Rescuers searching for dehydrated hiker unexpectedly save 2 others on CA trail."
