Hiker in Critical Condition Following Nearby Rescue

A hiker was in critical condition Wednesday night, following a multi-agency rescue attempt earlier in the day.

Palm Springs Police Sergeant Mike Kovaleff says police got a word of an exhausted hiker on the North Lykken Trail, about 1/3 of a mile up from the Palm Springs Art Museum, at around 3:15 p.m.

Police, fire and mounted search and rescue units from the city hiked up to the 59-year-old man, who was dehydrated and exhausted, Kovaleff said.

"A helicopter from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection responded to the location to assist with transporting the hiker from the mountain trail," Kovaleff said.  "The hiker was transported to a local hospital in critical condition." 

There was another hiker with the man, but that person was able to hike down safely on their own, Kovaleff added.

Police would like to remind all hikers that as the temperatures are getting warmer, to be extra cautious about remaining well-hydrated when hiking.  Also, they say to wear bright colors, always tell a friend where you are going and carry a charged cell phone.