El Dorado County Sheriff’s deputies and a group of volunteers helped rescue a couple and dogs who got lost Sunday while hiking in the American River Canyon.

According to the sheriff’s office, a Pilot Hill resident contacted the sheriff’s office to report the lost hikers at about 11 p.m. Sunday. The caller said he was taking out his trash when he was approached by a man who reported that his girlfriend and dog were lost near the American River. 

At 2:30 a.m. search and rescue volunteers were called into assist. Volunteers located the couple’s car at the Skunk Hollow Parking lot near the Salmon Falls Bridge, and at 7 a.m. Monday found the hikers. 

“All were found in good health approximately three and half miles up the American River Canyon east of the Salmon Falls Bridge,” the sheriff’s office said. “With the assistance of the volunteers, the couple and the dogs were walked out to their vehicle.”

According to the couple, they were day hiking on Sunday afternoon and lost the trail. They then hiked down to the American River to wait for help. Without cell coverage in the area, the man hiked out and found the homeowner who made the 911 call. 

The sheriff’s office said the couple did not wish to be identified, but the man is from Roseville and the woman is from the Folsom area.