Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On Saturday September 17, 2016, at approximately 9:40 PM, a family member contacted the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and reported her mother was overdue from a day hike in the area of Sisar canyon. Patrol resources located the hiker’s vehicle on Sisar Road at the trailhead. The Sheriff’s Aviation unit conducted an aerial search of the area using night vision goggles with negative results. The Upper Ojai and Fillmore Search and Rescue teams were activated and conducted a ground search.

On Sunday, September 18, 2016, at approximately 1:00 PM, the lost hiker was located by two people who were hunting in the area. One of the hunters was able to contact Sheriff’s dispatch and report the lost hiker’s location. The Sheriff’s Aviation unit conducted a hoist operation and transported the hiker to a landing zone where she was released to her family. After speaking with hiker, it was determined she made a wrong turn and became lost. The hiker had minor cuts and scratches but was in good spirits.

The hiker is to be commended for contacting a friend prior to hiking about her planned route and return time. This information assisted patrol resources in quickly locating the hiker’s vehicle and establishing a starting point for the search.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind anyone enjoying the back county to be prepared for even the easiest of hikes. The “Ten Essentials” to take when hiking are Map, GPS, Sunglasses and Sunscreen, Extra Clothing, Flashlight, First-Aid Supplies, Fire Starter, Matches, Knife, and Extra Food and Water. Also file a hiking plan with someone who will be able to contact rescue resources in the event you do not return at your planned time. A hiking plan can be found at www.ojaisar.org