Spring has sprung in Northern Arizona and the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to be safe while hiking. On March 22, YCSO Deputies along with The Verde Search and Rescue (SAR) Team, had a busy night in Sedona. At approximately 6pm the first call in what turned out to be a string of disoriented adventurers, came in to YCSO dispatch from a hiker gone off course on Doe Mountain. That hiker was able to find his way back to his vehicle while deputies were still in route. However, the responding Deputy was not off the hook yet.
While still in the area, a second call came in for a potentially lost female hiker at Devil’s Bridge. When the deputy arrived at the area, he came across a frantic woman who was looking for her lost 6 yr. old child. Fellow deputies called for assistance from Verde SAR, and the child was found quickly. Unbelievably, at the same time, another group of 4 hikers were reported lost within the area. Verde SAR located the four lost hikers and transported them safely back to their vehicle.
Whew! That’s a lot of anxiety wrapped up into one evening. Thankfully, all parties made it home without injury THIS NIGHT. YCSO can’t stress enough that when heading out to enjoy our beautiful countryside, always make sure you have adequate food, water, maps/gps (preferably of the area being adventured), flashlights, battery life for cell phones, clothing layers, and sun protection. It is also highly recommended that you don’t travel alone especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.
For more information about the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, please visit www.ycsoaz.gov.