Three backpackers who headed into remote forest land above Ojai before a winter storm blew in were rescued by a helicopter crew Saturday night.
Three hikers who went backpacking in Los Padres National Forest above Ojai as a winter storm headed toward the area were rescued by a Ventura County Sheriff's helicopter crew Saturday night.
The men, all in their early 20s and from the Granada Hills area of Los Angeles, started into the forest Thursday and planned to return Saturday evening, according to the sheriff's office. They intended to hike from the Piedra Blanca trailhead in Rose Valley to Willett Hot Springs and back.
The storm system arrived Friday night. On Saturday evening, family members contacted the sheriff's office when the trio had not checked in.
Two deputies from the remote Lockwood Valley substation battled rain, snow, icy roads and debris-filled creek crossings to get to the trailhead, where they found the hikers' vehicle. A sheriff's helicopter crew, Air Squad 9, flew in with night-vision goggles to help find the hikers.
Two helicopter crew chiefs gave up their seats so the trio could fly out together. They were given warm clothing, food, water and were medically assessed. After the three warmed up, they drove home.
Saturday's rescue took place just over 50 years after an attempted rescue across a rain-swollen Sespe Creek killed six boys and four men, including a deputy from the Lockwood Valley station, in January, 1969.
Sheriff's officials urged outdoor enthusiasts to check weather forecasts before heading out. They noted the hikers had planned well by sharing their route and timeline with loved ones.