A 58-year-old woman was rescued by helicopter from the Tangerine Falls Trail on Saturday morning after suffering an ankle injury, in an incident that highlights both the dangers of local trails and the life-saving potential of modern technology. The rescue came just weeks after county officials issued a public warning about the very same trail.
The multi-agency response began just after 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026. According to the Montecito Fire Protection District, the woman was able to send a text message to 911 to report her injury and location near Tangerine Falls, a crucial step as weak cell service in the remote area might have prevented a voice call from connecting.
View this post on Instagram
Montecito Fire crews were the first to make contact with the injured hiker, locating her in a ravine just past the Tangerine Falls Trail fork. She was assessed to have an isolated ankle injury. The Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue (SBCSAR) team arrived shortly after to assist as medics provided patient care.
Due to the remote location and the nature of the injury, responders determined that a helicopter hoist was the safest method of extraction. The patient was secured in a MegaMover transport device and moved to a nearby clearing. The Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit’s Copter 308 then successfully hoisted the woman from the trail and transported her to a local hospital for further evaluation.
The incident underscores a recent warning issued by the Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue team two weeks prior. In their statement, SBCSAR noted an influx of social media posts showcasing Tangerine Falls, which they cautioned “often do not show the full reality of the terrain, the exposure, or the risks involved.” The agency urged hikers to research their routes, understand the difficulty level, and carry the “10 Essentials” before attempting a hike.
“What looks quick and easy on a screen may be far more challenging and hazardous in person,” the SBCSAR warning stated. “Preparation starts long before you step onto the trail.”
First responders had a busy weekend on local trails. The day before, on Friday, January 30, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department reported another rescue near Highway 101 and Las Conovas Road. In that incident, a 31-year-old female was rescued from a trail and transported by ground ambulance to Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital.
Emergency officials emphasize that in areas with poor reception, a text to 911 may still be able to get through when a voice call fails. They are glad this weekend’s hiker was able to use the feature to request emergency help efficiently.
Also Read
- Goleta District Faces Record $1.55 Million Fine for 1 Million-Gallon Sewage Spill
- Jamaican Restaurant Opens on State Street After Years as Delivery Service in Santa Barbara
- Lavish Six-Bedroom Mediterranean Estate in Montecito Sells for $12.25 Million
- SpaceX Launches 25 Starlink Satellites from Vandenberg; More Launches Set This Month
- Small Garage Fire in Montecito Quickly Contained
This “trail” was never easy and never much of a trail. But multiple mudflows and landslides have obliterated what little trail there was.
Smartphones have created two new hazards:
1) “Apps” like AllTrails show any place people have gone, with no regard for whether it is an actual trail. I have been leading hikes for decades and I am astonished to find people now in remote areas staring at their phones with no idea where they are or what they have gotten themselves into.
2) People now assume they can press a button and be rescued. No need for proper preparation.
Even under the best of circumstances, accidents can happen. But people really need to use at least a bit of common sense. And maybe hike with an experienced leader before venturing into a totally unfamiliar area.
I would hate to see areas like Tangerine Falls closed off. Some hikers do understand the risks and what preparation is needed. And they enjoy the challenges and the rewards.
I was interviewed many years ago after a rescue out there. I suggested maybe phones should be banned when hiking! I was only half serious. But it really is a problem that people have a very different attitude when they hike carrying a phone. Than if they just go out in nature, mindful to what they are doing and experiencing. And not thinking that a rescue call can replace proper planning. Thanks for reading my rant!
So, I would not have attempted Tangerine Falls any time after the age of 35 (I’ve never been). I cannot say from this article whether the hiker is experienced or not. We don’t know.
But the phone thing – I always carry my phone, particularly when hiking solo as a female. Stuff happens. I too had to be carried off a trail due to an injury, and the phone allowed me to text the spouse “help”. It was a busy trail with lots of people. I wasn’t lost. It wasn’t a difficult trail. I just couldn’t walk because I tripped.
I was just happy that my rescue never made it onto edhat, lol.
You are completely correct. I agree that many people have a false sense of security with a phone. Even with trail warnings and alerts, they venture out, many clueless.
I think apps like Instagram have played a large role in what we are seeing lately. At the very least, I think people who are rescued should reimburse the agencies doing the rescuing .
HAMMONDS – why would anyone have to pay an additional fee to the people who are already being paid to do their job? You must not get on the water much or out of the house. Quit whining about those who do and need help occasionally.
we do, it’s called taxes. care to make more rude comments?
I think, I think. I THINK. Populists dont know anything they just whine and complain and play victim.. So if people have to s ay for emergency services, then you should need to pay for street sweeping and police and fire protection on top of taxes.
They could close the trail and some of these clueless types will sneak in and hurt themselves anyways.
yeah shame on them for leaving their house and doing something…..unlike you?
Pay your own way unless you are a bank or an industry deserving of taxpayer bailout.
BASIC – experienced hikers never get hurt, right? There’s never been a rescue for anyone who “knows what they’re doing,” right?
That is what you’re saying. As ALWAYS, it’s 100% wrong.
What life is it to spend your days complaining about what other people do that has zero effect on you? Sad, that’s what.
I mean FCS, BASIC, did you even read the article? You yourself said once you hurt yourself “mountain biking” with so-call “friends” LOL yeah right. So, a pro like you must have been clueless then. Makes sense actually. You prove your poor grasp on reality every day here without fail.
Didn’t realize he was a downhill legend as well.