R1 was dispatched up the Mt Lowe Rd and found the hiker very close to the Lowe Rd gate. The R1 crew chief made sure the hiker was uninjured and noticed he had 2 backpacks. He questioned the hiker and learned the pack belonged to the hikers girlfriend. Upon further questioning learned that the hiker was one of 10 people doing an overnight camping trip and that he became separated from the group. He was not sure where they were supposed to camp and didn't know which way to go at a trail intersection and took the wrong trail. The Crew Chief suggested that the Team look for the rest of the party to prevent another call out later as he was sure the other members were looking for the missing member.
The crew chief was able to get vehicle descriptions and partial license plate numbers and R2 verified the vehicles were still there. They noticed lights coming down the Lower Sam Merrill trail, so staged themselves at the trailhead to question anyone coming out to see if they were looking for a missing hiker. Several large groups exited the trail, but none were missing a hiker.
R3 was dispatched to the Echo Mt. trail to check with any hikers along that trail.
R1 located most of the party at Alpine Tavern, who reported 2 members went out to look for the missing hiker. A short time later the last 2 hikers were found at Inspiration Point and all units returned to the station and the search was ended at 2400hrs.
All hikers should make sure everyone in the party knows what trails they will be going on, and what the destination is. At all trail intersections, hiking parties should regroup to insure all their members are accounted for. A means for communication would be a good idea, like FRS radios for all members, or at least the hiker in the lead and the hiker bringing up the rear. Cell phones don't work in all areas, so they should not be relied on.
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