Hikers Rescued From Canyon

Monday, Sep 13, 2010 | Updated 8:30 AM PDT

Will Topete

Three hikers were rescued from a San Diego-area mountain after authorities used infrared technology at night to locate them.

The hikers, all in their mid-20s, called 911 about 8:30 p.m. Sunday and said they were lost without warm clothes, water or food. City News Service says a San Diego County sheriff's helicopter crew used night vision goggles to find the hikers on El Cajon Mountain.

Authorities say the rescue was difficult because the hikers were in a canyon where there wasn't any suitable area for the helicopter to land. The aircraft's rotors also stirred up ash from a recent fire that hampered visibility.

The hikers were later evaluated and weren't injured.