">
Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Dies in San Jacinto Mountains; Conditions Called Dangerous
A Pacific Crest Trail hiker died in the San Jacinto Mountains on Friday, March 27, Cal Fire officials said on Twitter.
The hiker, Trevor Laher, slipped on snow-covered ice near Apache Peak (PCT NOBO mile 169.5) while hiking with two friends, according to his father, Doug Laher.
The Pacific Crest Trail Association warned Saturday that conditions in San Jacinto are dangerous, and that several hikers had been rescued in the past 48 hours. Several snowstorms blanketed San Jacinto in the week before Trevor’s death.
“Absolutely do not consider traveling San Jacinto between Spitler Peak Trail (mile 168.5) and Black Mountain Road (mile 191) without ice travel equipment, experience, sound risk assessment knowledge, etc.,” the PCTA said. “The extreme danger is found in multiple places, including near Apache Peak and Fuller Ridge. … It’s quite possible that conditions will get worse in the coming days.”
Cal Fire received a call about 9:38 a.m. PT on Friday, March 27, that a hiker had fallen into a gorge, about 600 feet off the trail.
A California Highway Patrol helicopter located the hiker’s companions about 11 a.m. ET, but could not land because of poor weather. The helicopter later dropped a rescue team about 1 p.m., but Trevor was dead when the team arrived.
Featured photo courtesy Alexandria Cremer
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
Comments 7
The backpacking life can only be understood by those who live it. I haven’t thru-hiked, however the feeling of yourself and the time away from the rest of the world cannot be underestimated. I go to local trails alone for the most part. It’s kind of mobile isolation. Perfect when there no sounds but the earth. Take care, stay safe.
I commend you for correcting your story by adding Trevor’s name. That was important to his father, my friend, Doug. Stay well and take care.
Thanks again,
Jena Weeter
The first thing that jumps out of this article is the date. March 27 is far too early to be hiking the San Jacinto mountain section, a month too early in fact. The Pacific Crest Trail Association clearly tell people to start the Pacific Crest trail in late April, there is a reason for this. Unfortunately people think they know better than the association. Its really sad another hiker has lost their life, my sincere condolences to his family and friends. Please exercise caution folks and please pay attention to the Pacific Crest Trail Association webpage. Their webpage is updated regularly with information on water sources and weather reports etc. Stay safe everyone, live to tell the story about your wonderful Pacific Crest Trail adventure.