Lost Halloween hiker rescued on Mount Tamalpais

(KRON) — A hiker was rescued on Mount Tamalpais after losing his way near Bon Tempe Dam on Halloween.

According to Marin County Search and Rescue, the hiker texted his wife around 2:30 p.m. after making a wrong turn. 

“At that time, he said he had been hiking since 2:30 p.m. and had made a wrong turn, but knew where he was, and it would take him 90 minutes to hike back to his car at Rock Springs trailhead,” Marin County Search and Rescue said. “He also said his cell phone battery was very low. His wife was able to provide a ‘find my phone’ location near Bon Tempe Dam at 5:30 p.m.”

The wife reported him missing and Marin County Search and Rescue assembled a search team of 35 people around 11:20 p.m.. Using e-bikes, a UTV and a drone, rescuers searched the extensive trail system between Alpine Lake and Rock Springs. A California Highway Patrol air unit also responded with a thermal imaging camera.

Rescuers found the man shortly after 2 a.m. above the Kent Trail near Van Wick Creek.

“The team provided a medical assessment, water and found the missing subject was in good condition,” Marin County Search and Rescue said. “He was able to walk back to the trailhead with assistance from the search team.”

The man was driven back to his car by a Marin County Sheriff’s deputy and was able to return home without serious injury.

“He reported his phone died just before nightfall and due to darkness ended up off-trail where he sustained a couple non-injury falls before deciding to stay put for the night,” Marin County Search and Rescue said. “He was dehydrated and grateful to be found and extricated.”