Lost hiker makes ‘one final call for help’ just before phone dies in California
A hiker who became lost on her descent from a California mountain made a desperate call for help moments before her cellphone died, rescuers say.
After the hiker made her way to Mount Lukens in the San Gabriel Mountains from Haines Canyon Debris Basin, she became disoriented on the trek down the peak, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Montrose Search and Rescue Team said in a Nov. 3 Facebook post.
The hiker realized she was off trail, but with “3% battery life remaining, she was able to make one final call for help before her phone died,” rescuers said.
Two crews made their way to the hiker, with one hiking up Haines Canyon Trail and another unit traveling in a jeep “up the Mount Lukens Truck Trail from Angeles Crest Highway,” the team said.
Soon, the jeep team found the hiker, who was being helped by a good Samaritan, according to rescuers.
“(The hiker) was safely escorted back down the mountain — a great outcome to what could have been a dangerous situation,” rescuers said.
The team said the incident serves as a reminder for hikers to bring a fully charged phone.
“While you may not always have reception, a charged phone can make the difference in an emergency—especially since many new phones now have satellite emergency connectivity,” rescuers aid.
Additionally, rescuers said hikers should bring a portable battery pack and consider bringing “a dedicated satellite communicator when venturing into remote areas.”
“A full battery can mean full communication — and sometimes, a safe return home,” rescuers said.
What to do if you get lost while hiking
If you think you’re getting lost, experts say it’s best to stop where you are and not panic. You should go over how you got to that point and if you’re able to see any landmarks around.
“Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step,” officials with the U.S. Forest Service said.
You should come up with a plan but stay put unless you are “very, very confident in the route.”
There are steps hikers can take to avoid getting lost and be better prepared for the unexpected:
- Have more than enough food and water with you.
- Take a compass that you know how to use, or have a GPS device on hand.
- Don’t rely solely on your cell phone. It probably won’t work because of a lack of signal or a depleted battery.
- Study the terrain and your route, and you should know how you’ll return.
- Have the right clothing. Sturdy hiking boots and layers can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
- Pack a blanket, flashlight and matches.
- Check with a local ranger for special warnings. They can tell you about “fires in the area, bear sightings, flooding, trail or road closures.”
This story was originally published November 5, 2025 at 11:54 AM with the headline "Lost hiker makes ‘one final call for help’ just before phone dies in California."
