Hiker released from hospital after ordeal in Joshua Tree National Park

A prominent Los Angeles real estate broker who was missing in Joshua Tree National Park for six days has been released from the hospital.

Ed Rosenthal, 64, became lost during what was supposed to be a day hike near the park's Black Rock campground.

An experienced hiker, Rosenthal set out Sept. 24, but he lost the trail and made a wrong turn. He wound up in East Wide Canyon, which descends to the park's southern border.

After a day and a half in the wilderness, he ran out of food and water and decided to remain where he was and wait to be rescued.

Searchers followed Rosenthal's tracks for miles, but then lost them. He was spotted Thursday by a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department helicopter.

-- KTLA and Los Angeles Times staff