Three Hikers Rescued in Dramatic Overnight Operation in Big Sur

A joint rescue operation involving the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and Big Sur Fire successfully extracted three hikers from the wilderness of Limekiln State Park late Sunday night and into early Monday morning.

One of the hikers required medical assistance, adding urgency to the search and rescue mission, which began around 7:30 p.m. Sunday after a satellite 911 call reported the group lost.

Seven members of the sheriff's search-and-rescue team ventured approximately 2.5 miles into the park, reaching an elevation of about 2,000 feet. They encountered heavily overgrown trails, forcing them to use machetes and chainsaws to clear a path. The difficult terrain and darkness complicated the effort.

Assistance was called in from Naval Air Station Lemoore, and an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, known as "Lasso 3," was dispatched to aid in the rescue. Around 12:30 a.m. Monday, approximately five hours after the initial call, rescuers located all three hikers.

The Navy helicopter crew then hoisted the stranded individuals from the wilderness and transported them to a waiting team of Big Sur Fire and ambulance personnel. The exact nature of the medical emergency was not specified.

The rescue occurred in an area that has seen significant wildfire activity in recent months. The Plaskett Fire and the Timber Fire burned tens of thousands of acres across the rugged Big Sur landscape earlier in the summer. These fires followed a long period without major wildfire activity, which allowed vegetation to accumulate, increasing the risk of dense undergrowth and challenging conditions for hikers.

Authorities are using this incident to remind the public about the dangers of hiking in the Big Sur backcountry. Hikers are advised to assess their physical capabilities, prepare adequately before setting out, and stay on marked trails.