Hikers from another state, teenagers, find themselves stranded overnight on a hazardous 14er in Colorado, facing potential danger due to their attempt to find a shorter descent path.
Title: Stranded Hikers Rescued from Deadly Colorado Peak
Look, here's the skinny on a recent adventure gone awry. Two young hikers from North Carolina found themselves stranded on Capitol Peak, one of Colorado's deadliest peaks, after opting for a shortcut.
Yes, you heard that right. Trying to save some time, these teens made a choice that left them stuck in a precarious position. According to Mountain Rescue Aspen, they managed to summit the treacherous peak on June 24 but decided to take a shorter route down the north face.
As the sun started to set, these hikers were cliffed out at around 13,000ft (3,900m), and rescue didn't seem immediate. With darkness looming, a helicopter with hoist-rescue technicians was dispatched at 6am the next morning. Even with challenging conditions like a snow shower and lightning, as well as the hikers' black and gray clothing blending into the night, the rescue team managed to locate and hoist them to safety.
Though their condition remains unknown, it's reported that they were released after medical evaluation.
You might wonder why we're talking about Colorado's most challenging peaks. Well,Capitol Peak has a reputation for being one of the deadliest due to its infamous Knife Edge Ridge. Despite being the only non-technical route to the summit, hikers are subjected to nerve-jangling scrambling across a narrow, exposed ridge.
Here's a quick factoid: since 2000, at least ten climbers have lost their lives on this route, including a Denver woman who met her fate in 2022. Just last week, two hikers were struck by lightning near the summit of another Colorado 14er.
So, what can you do to stay safe when hiking Colorado's 14ers?
- Start early: Aim to begin your hike early in the morning to beat the dangerous afternoon thunderstorms.
- Research your route: Thoroughly plan and research your route before heading out. Know the trailhead location, trail conditions, and key landmarks.
- Pack essential equipment: Be prepared for rapid weather changes above treeline by packing the "10 essentials," which include a headlamp, rain gear, navigation tools, sunscreen, extra food and water, hiking boots or trail runners with strong grip, and layered clothing for variable temperatures.
- Stay visible: Avoid relying on cell service for navigation or emergencies. Always have reliable physical or electronic navigation tools and make yourself visible by wearing bright colors.
For more tips on staying alive when hiking 14ers, check out our article on the subject.
Stay warm on your next adventure with the best down jackets. Keep the elements at bay with the best waterproof jackets and rain pants. And, be ready for unexpected situations with the best emergency blankets, bags, and shelters.
[1] Colorado Fourteeners Initiative. (n.d.). Prepare For Your Summit Attempt. Retrieved from https://www.14ers.org/climbing-information/prepare-for-your-summit-attempt/[3] American Alpine Club. (n.d.). Ten Essentials of Mountain Travel. Retrieved from https://americanalpineclub.org/learn/library/ten-essentials-of-mountain-travel/[4] Backpacker. (n.d.). How to Dress for Hiking and Backpacking. Retrieved from https://www.backpacker.com/skill/how-dress-hiking-backpacking[5] National Geographic. (n.d.). How to Navigate Any Trail. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/travel/how-to-navigate-any-trail-part-1/
In light of the harrowing incident on Capitol Peak, it's essential to prioritize safety when embarking on adventure-travel, particularly adventure-travel involving sports like hiking. For instance, planning a lifestyle that includes travel and exploration of the great outdoors may require incorporating strategies such as early starts to beat afternoon thunderstorms, thorough route research, and packing essential equipment. Additionally, staying visible by wearing bright colors can help ensure a safe journey, especially when relying on physical or electronic navigation tools may not always be feasible.
