Lost hiker rescued from Montaña de Oro State Park

By Staff Report · Thu Jul 23 2026

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — A hiker was safely located and reunited with family after becoming lost in the Valencia Peak area of Montaña de Oro State Park on July 17.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (SAR) Team responded that evening at the request of California State Parks to assist in finding a hiker who had become lost while hiking alone.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the hiker was visiting family from outside the United States and had gone on a solo hike earlier that afternoon. He later contacted a family member to report that he was lost and that his cellphone battery was nearly depleted.

SAR volunteers, Sheriff's deputies and the Sheriff's Office Unmanned Aerial Systems Team conducted a coordinated air and ground search of the park's trail system. The hiker was located approximately one hour after search operations began.

The hiker was cold and disoriented but not injured. He was escorted back to the trailhead, where he was reunited with family members and declined medical treatment.

The Sheriff's Office reminds hikers to take precautions before heading out, including telling someone their planned route and expected return time, carrying a fully charged cellphone and portable battery pack, bringing enough water and appropriate clothing, and avoiding hiking alone whenever possible.