Prepared hikers go missing in San Benito County

Two missing hikers were found early Saturday morning in South San Benito County after family members became concerned they hadn’t returned to their hotel in Coalinga.

According to the sheriff’s office, the 44-year-old man and 37-year-old woman from San Francisco, hiked in the Clear Creek Management Area off of Coalinga Rd. Investigators said they left copies of their use permit, a planned route, personal photos, a photo of their truck and license plate in case they got hurt or lost.

The San Benito County Search and Rescue Team and the Auxiliary Communications Service/Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service Team activated to help the sheriff’s office search for the hikers.

Investigators said the couple was found about five hours after they left for the hike, their truck slid off a dirt road about four miles into the park. Even though they were stuck with their dog, the couple packed extra supplied in case they were stranded.

The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office said the couple did a good job of preparing before their hike and recommends other hikers do the same.