Search and Rescue officials in Yavapai County have been busy over the last few days dealing with injured and/or lost hikers. Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Dwight D’evelyn said the hikers did some things right but made plenty of mistakes.

“Most parties had cell phones which worked and provided a lifeline to our dispatchers, so they could get help out to them, but the downside is many of these folks were unprepared otherwise,” D’Evelyn said.

He said many times people go hiking just before dark, by themselves, and are not prepared for the topography they are hiking in.