Local Events

The Altadena Mountain Rescue Team is going to be participating in the following events:

National Night Out at Loma Alta Park Equestrian Center on Tuesday, August 2nd, from 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Community In the Park which is sponsored by the Altadena Sheriff's Station on Saturday, August 6th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m at Charles White Park, 77 Mountain View Street.

If you're in the area, stop by and say hi.

7/17/2011 A Busy Day for AMRT

The day started bright and early at 0700 with team training in Moist Canyon and Coyote Canyon. We practiced tracking and rescuing an uninjured victim. It was also a great opportunity for our newest member to learn some of our local terrain.

After training several team members patrolled our area until the call came out for an injured hiker in Eaton Canyon above the first falls. Arriving on scene we spoke with Pasadena Fire and began up the canyon with three of their paramedics accompanying us. Air-5 was on scene but was not yet able to locate the injured person. The plan was then for the two AMRT members to assist in locating the injured hiker by proceeding along Acrophobia Ridge to above the first falls. As we ascended the ridge Air-5 reported that they had located the injured hiker and lifted him to safety. We continued along the trail to meet up with the three remaining hikers from the same group in order to make sure that they were able to exit the canyon safely. When we met the three hikers we determined that one would not be able to safely traverse out of the canyon on his own. We requested additional AMRT personnel so that we could set up safety lines along the trail to allow the hiker to return to canyon bottom safely. With our assistance the hiker was able to safely traverse down along Acrophobia ridge and return to Eaton Canyon bottom at around 2100. He then was escorted to his car where he met the other two hikers from his group.

Search/Rescue Op July 13, 2011

Similiar to our last posting, two stranded hikers were rescued on Wednesday night after getting stuck on Tom Sloan Ridge. The two intended to finish off with a shuttle and parked a vehicle at the Millard Campground parking lot. They began their hike at Switzer's off Angeles Crest Highway just past the Clear Creek Ranger Station. They hiked down the Arroyo and into Bear Canyon. Before the fires, the trail wasn't in too bad of shape. However, since then with the lack of foot travel, overgrowth, and any damage caused by the fires, the two lost the trail and were forced to climb up the side of the canyon wall. They did make it to the top which put them on Tom Sloan Ridge and soon they hiked to the saddle. At that point, the hikers stated that the trail was in terrible shape and became tired and unsure of continuing. They called for help. Altadena Mountain Rescue was notified of the two lost hikers at 10:38pm. Our point of entry was the upper gate to the Mt. Lowe Fire Road off of Chainey Trail. Two units were in the field. Unit One began the drive up the fire road while Unit Two stayed back at the gate to provide additional support if needed. During this time, Unit Two stayed in cell phone contact with the missing persons via text messages. Getting through on the phone was "iffy" however, texts work quite well. This helped greatly in that they were able to state when they were able to see our lights and gave us their position in relation to where we were. The road becomes impassable due to rock fall up high. Unit One continued to move forward on foot and made contact with the missing persons soon after. They had no injuries and were escorted back to our vehicle and driven back down. The two were released at their parked vehicle. The op went well!

Rescue July 5

Two standed hikers were rescued on Tuesday night. The two started off at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center with the intent of hiking up to the first falls. They did just that and decided on a side trip up Acrophobia Ridge. The two lost their way while on the ridge and continued making their way up instead of back down to canyon bottom. Ultimately, they ended up near the set of power towers atop the canyon wall, just north of the Mt. Wilson Toll Road Bridge. The two phoned their parents who, in turn, called emergency services for help. Altadena Moutain Rescue was notified at 9:18pm of the two stranded young men. When we arrived on scene, (Pinecrest Gate), we were informed that residents could here the two calling for help. A two person rescue crew was driving up the Mt. Wilson Toll Road. When the crew stopped and called out for the missing persons, they could here responsive crys for help. As they scanned the moutian side, they were able to see a flashing signal light. Once the light was spoted, a plan was made and a four person rescue crew made their way up a game trail from the backside of the moutain and made contact with the two stuck hikers. The rescue crew gave the two hikers water, helmets and harnesses. The rescue crew helped the two hike back down to safety as the rescue crew laid out safety handline lines for support. The two were taken back to their parked vehicle at the Eaton Canyon Nature where their family members were waiting. A happy ending and everyone made it home safely.