IDYLLWILD, CA – A massive multi-agency rescue operation successfully saved two stranded climbers Sunday morning after they became stuck on a treacherous route at Tahquitz Rock in the San Bernardino National Forest.
Early Morning Emergency Call
The emergency began at 4:41 a.m. on Sunday, when dispatchers received a call regarding a pair of climbers stuck on the difficult West Lark route.
Because of the challenging terrain, multiple specialized teams were immediately mobilized, including:
- The Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit
- The Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team
- A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department helicopter crew
The Complex Rescue Operation
Rescuers began hiking the trail at 8:00 a.m. To reach the stranded individuals, team members had to scale their way to the very top of Tahquitz Rock.
Once the ground teams made contact, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department helicopter crew was able to safely hoist both climbers off the rock formation. Fortunately, officials confirmed that neither climber suffered any injuries.
Inter-Agency Cooperation
The successful mission highlighted the strong coordination between Southern California emergency teams.
In a statement following the operation, the Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team noted, “We are always happy to respond when other teams, including those outside of LA County, ask for assistance.”
