Heat Claims Life of Hiker in Joshua Tree National Park
A 56 year-old woman died while hiking in the Cottonwood area of Joshua Tree National Park this past Saturday, August 13, where temperatures rose to around 100 degrees.
A family group began hiking to the Mastodon Peak Trail around 10 a.m. Saturday. The group missed the sign for the trail and continued toward Lost Palms Oasis. They realized they had missed the trail and turned around. While on the return hike, the woman began suffering from heat-related symptoms and lost consciousness.
The woman's husband went to get assistance while the rest of the group remained with the woman. A park ranger responded at 2:25 p.m. and found the woman without pulse or respiration. He called for a helicopter and began CPR. Additional park staff arrived and helped transport the woman to an ambulance where she was declared dead.
AMR Ambulance Company, the Indio Fire Department, Indio Medic Engine, Mercy Air, and Riverside County, as well as the National Park Service, all participated in this incident which is under investigation by the Riverside County Medical Examiner.
We can't stress it enough that the desert, especially the low (Colorado) desert is extremely dangerous for hikers during summer months. Our heat can, and does, kill, especially those unprepared and unused to preparing for extreme temperatures.
We suggest hiking early mornings or around dusk when temperatures are (somewhat) cooler. Bring plenty of water, food, and do not hike during the hottest parts of the day. We extend our condolences to the family involved, but we would truly like to never have to report again on deaths on our public lands that could have been prevented. Please take all proper precautions, and if in doubt, check with the rangers at the visitor centers prior to your hike. Ask them for their advice, and follow it. The desert's a wonderful place, but it demands respect.