HEMET (CNS) - A 35-year-old San Diego man got the gift of warmth for Christmas after members of the Riverside County Mountain Rescue Unit and California Department of Forestry found him shivering in his tent on the Devil's Slide Trail near Hemet, a Riverside County sheriff's sergeant said.

The man, described as an avid, experienced and well-equipped hiker began his hike Saturday, Dec. 22 and failed to arrive at his pick-up point Monday night, Advertisement

[ Pala Mesa Resort ] Dec. 24, so his friends became worried, according to Sgt. Ron Lawler.

He was found cold and shivering in his tent, according to Lawler.

Once escorted to safety, the hiker was treated for minor hypothermia and declined further medical evaluation, Lawler said.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department reminds hiking enthusiasts to carry proper equipment, including clothing, water, food, cellphones, maps and GPS. More tips are available on the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit website at www.rmru.org.