Injured Hiker Rescued From Cowles Mountain

SAN DIEGO, CA — An injured hiker was rescued by helicopter Wednesday from Cowles Mountain, a popular hiking destination in Mission Trails Regional Park, according to authorities.

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department personnel responded to the trailhead at Golfcrest Drive and Navajo Road in San Carlos at about 10:40 a.m. Wednesday to a dispatch of an open space rescue.

Firefighters hiked almost to the summit of San Diego's highest mountain peak before reaching the hiker who had suffered an ankle injury, officials said.

Soon, more than 20 personnel responded to the rescue, including the SDFRD helicopter and units from the La Mesa, El Cajon and Santee fire departments.

The unidentified hiker was airlifted to a landing zone on the Santee side of the mountain, where an ambulance was standing by, according to fire officials.

First responders cleared the scene shortly after noon Wednesday.

— City News Service