A 40-year-old El Monte man was found by searchers alive and well in Joshua Tree National Park Sunday afternoon. Ali Sandoval, who had gone hiking in the southern part of the park, was reported overdue by family about 11 p.m. Saturday night. His vehicle was located at the trailhead for Mastodon Peak and Lost Palms Oasis by family members and a search was launched at 7 a.m. Sunday morning by searchers from the park, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Highway Patrol. Just after 1:30 p.m., the CHP helicopter crew saw what they described as a “tired-looking male” waving about one mile north of the Mastodon Trail. Sandoval was evacuated by helicopter and walked under his own power to a waiting vehicle. He was transported by ambulance to a Coachella Valley hospital for observation and evaluation. Park officials advise hikers to always let someone know where you plan to hike and what time you plan to return. Always carry more water than you think you will need.
