A hiker who became lost while hiking alone in the Valencia Peak area of Montaña de Oro State Park was rescued Friday evening after a coordinated search by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team.

The search began after California State Parks requested assistance in locating the hiker, who was visiting family from outside the United States. The hiker had gone on a solo hike earlier that afternoon and later contacted a family member to report he was lost and that his cellphone battery was nearly depleted.

Search and rescue volunteers, sheriff’s deputies and the Sheriff’s Office Unmanned Aerial Systems Team launched coordinated air and ground search efforts in the park’s trail system.

About an hour after the search began, crews located the hiker.

Authorities said the hiker was cold and disoriented but otherwise uninjured. He was escorted safely back to the trailhead and reunited with his family. He declined medical attention.

The Sheriff’s Office reminded hikers to tell someone where they are going and when they expect to return, carry a fully charged cellphone and portable battery pack, bring enough water and appropriate clothing, and avoid hiking alone whenever possible.

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