Several stranded hikers are rescued over the weekend at Elk City State Park.

 

According the the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas game wardens assisted with rescuing several stranded hikers along the Elk River Hiking Trail at Elk City Lake on Saturday.

 

The department reports the hikers were suffering from heat-related illnesses.

 

The Elk River Trail runs 16 miles along the Elk River and Elk Lake, and it's known for rugged terrain, remote location and lack of cellphone service. These factors make it difficult for rescue crews to locate people in need of assistance. It often takes over an hour for rescue crews to reach a hiker’s location.

 

Wardens remind hikers that it's impossible to carry the amount of water required to survive if hiking the entire length of the trail. Multiple rescues occur each year because of lack of proper planning.

 

Photo: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks