Key Takeaways
- 📌 Krystal Meyers, 41, and Alexis Meyers Martinez, 21, disappeared Thursday while hiking the Vivian Creek Trail in the San Gorgonio Wilderness.
- 📌 Their last known location was at 10,300 feet elevation above the High Creek switchbacks around 11 a.m.
- 📌 The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and steepest route to Mount San Gorgonio's summit, recommended only for experienced mountaineers.
- 📌 Search crews from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and San Gorgonio Search and Rescue Team are actively scouring the area.
- 📌 The mother and daughter were found safe and uninjured after walking out of the wilderness on their own.
Urgent Search Underway for Missing Hikers
A mother and daughter have been reported missing after failing to return from a hike on one of Southern California's most challenging trails. Krystal Meyers, 41, and her daughter Alexis Meyers Martinez, 21, were last seen Thursday morning on the Vivian Creek Trail in the San Gorgonio Wilderness, east of Los Angeles. Authorities have launched a desperate search and rescue operation, appealing to the public for any information.
Details of the Disappearance
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, the pair were last contacted around 11 a.m. at an elevation of approximately 10,300 feet, above the High Creek switchbacks. They were hiking the Vivian Creek Trail, which the U.S. Forest Service describes as both the shortest and steepest route to the summit of Mount San Gorgonio—the highest peak in Southern California at over 11,500 feet. The trail is notoriously rugged and recommended only for experienced mountaineers due to its demanding conditions.
Krystal Meyers is described as a white woman, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing about 150 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Alexis Meyers Martinez is described as a white woman, 6 feet tall, weighing roughly 120 pounds, with black hair. It remains unclear what gear, food, or water supplies they had with them, or whether they intended to summit the peak.
Local California Context
The San Gorgonio Wilderness is located in San Bernardino County, a region known for its rugged mountain terrain and popular hiking destinations. The Vivian Creek Trail is a well-known but hazardous route, often used by experienced hikers seeking a challenge. The area's remote wilderness and high elevation can pose significant risks, especially for those unprepared for sudden weather changes or difficult terrain. Local search and rescue teams are experienced in these conditions but face a race against time as temperatures fluctuate.
Resolution
After hours of searching, officials located the duo uninjured, and they walked out of the wilderness on their own. The mother and daughter were found safe and sound, bringing a positive end to the urgent search operation. On Friday afternoon, San Bernardino County Sheriff officials confirmed to KTLA that the pair are “alive and well,” but did not provide any further details on what occurred on the hike or the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.
The hikers were reported missing shortly before 11:30 p.m. Thursday. A command post was set up at the agency's Forest Falls substation on Highway 38 at Valley of the Falls Drive. The Sheriff's Department deployed search and rescue personnel, aviation, and its Real Time Information Center to assist in the operation.
How to Help
Authorities urge anyone with information about the missing hikers to contact Deputy Jones at the Yucaipa Police Station at (909) 918-2305. Anonymous tips can be submitted to the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or online at wetip.com. The San Gorgonio Search and Rescue Team is coordinating efforts, and public assistance is crucial in locating the pair.
Conclusion
The disappearance of Krystal Meyers and Alexis Meyers Martinez highlights the dangers of hiking challenging trails without proper preparation. As search efforts continue, the community is urged to stay vigilant and report any sightings. This incident serves as a reminder for all hikers to carry adequate supplies, inform others of their plans, and respect trail difficulty ratings.