SAN DIEGO - Authorities in San Diego said they conducted a rescue operation Friday after a man fell down the side of a canyon into a cactus tree.

According to the San Diego Fire Department, the incident occurred in the 4200 block of Balboa Avenue at around 12:50 p.m.

Crews said the 50-year-old man got off a bus a few stops too early and wasn't familiar with the area. As he was walking along the roadway in an area without a guardrail and no sidewalk, he slipped and fell about 50 feet into the cactus.

Rescuers said they were able to locate him thanks to the GPS in his cell phone.

However, the canyon was slick due to rain, so crews said they had to walk down and help him into a basket to haul him up.

Authorities said he suffered puncture wounds from the cactus.

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