Three hikers were rescued from Big Sur’s rugged backcountry during a dramatic overnight operation after losing their way, with one of them also facing a medical emergency.
The response unfolded Sunday night in Limekiln State Park, where rescuers battled dense, overgrown vegetation before a Navy helicopter lifted the stranded group to safety, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said.
The hikers called for help at about 7:30 p.m. through a satellite 911 connection, reporting that they had become disoriented in the remote wilderness, according to Big Sur Fire.
The situation became even more urgent when officials learned that one of the hikers was experiencing an unspecified medical problem.
Big Sur Fire and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team joined forces to locate the group.
Seven sheriff’s rescuers traveled approximately 2.5 miles into Limekiln State Park, reaching terrain about 2,000 feet above sea level.
For roughly 90 minutes, the team worked through trails almost swallowed by vegetation, using machetes and chainsaws to cut a route through the thick growth.
Because the hikers were stranded in challenging terrain after nightfall, authorities brought in additional aerial support.
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A Navy MH-60S Seahawk search-and-rescue helicopter known as “Lasso 3” was sent from Naval Air Station Lemoore to help with the mission.
Sheriff’s rescuers found all three hikers at approximately 12:30 a.m. Monday—about five hours after the initial distress call.
The Navy helicopter then hoisted the hikers out of the wilderness and flew them to a safe location, where Big Sur Fire crews and ambulance personnel were standing by.
The difficult rescue came during a particularly challenging summer for the Big Sur backcountry, as large wildfires tore through tens of thousands of acres of steep, heavily overgrown land.
In August, about 1,000 firefighters fought the fast-spreading Timber Fire as it threatened hundreds of structures, including residences near Partington Ridge Road.
The Plaskett Fire later erupted and expanded to 29,993 acres, exceeding the 25,349 acres burned by the nearby Timber Fire.
Officials said the area had gone more than 50 years without a major wildfire, allowing dense vegetation to build up throughout the notoriously difficult landscape.
Following Sunday night’s rescue, authorities renewed their warning about the risks hikers can face in Big Sur’s remote backcountry.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office advised hikers to assess their physical abilities, plan carefully and remain on established trails.
