Three rock climbers had to be plucked off El Capitan mountain in Lakeside yesterday after getting stuck on a narrow ledge about 100 feet above the canyon floor. A San Diego County Sheriff helicopter flew in rescue personnel, who hoisted the trio to safety from a spot between El Cajon Mountain and El Monte Mountain near El Monte County Park. Authorities said the group was checked out on scene and did not need to go to a hospital, while the late-afternoon airlift drew the attention of news choppers and people watching from below.
According to FOX5 San Diego, deputies received a call about the stranded climbers and coordinated with air units to conduct the rescue. Reporter Isabella Paoletto noted that Skyfox/KUSI captured video of the hoist and that the Sheriff's Office described the climbers as being in good health after they were brought into the helicopter.
San Diego County Parks describes El Capitan County Preserve as a rugged, mostly treeless ridgeline with roughly 11 miles of trails and a trailhead at 13775 Blue Sky Ranch Road. Hoodline coverage of a 75-acre expansion in 2024 highlighted ongoing efforts to protect and manage the area. The challenging terrain and limited access help explain why emergency crews sometimes have to rely on aircraft to reach people on the cliffs.
How the rescue unfolded
Deputies told FOX5 San Diego that rescuers located the climbers on a ledge, then used a helicopter hoist system to lift each person into the aircraft one at a time. Skyfox video shows the helicopter hovering close to the rock face while rescuers carefully secured each climber before the lift. Sheriff personnel said the operation wrapped up without any injuries, and the climbers were cleared at the scene.
What climbers should know
San Diego County Parks warns that "This hike is considered strenuous and can easily take up to 6 hours to complete" and urges visitors to bring plenty of water and sun protection. With limited shade and staging areas in the preserve, climbers are advised to show up with appropriate gear and a clear plan before heading onto the ridgeline. If you get into trouble in the backcountry, authorities urge you to call 911 so emergency services can coordinate a response.
The Sheriff's Office said the climbers were in good condition after the hoist, and deputies have not released their names or any additional information. For official notices and updates, check the San Diego County Sheriff's Office and county parks pages for the latest on trails and potential closures.
