Two hikers stranded near the summit of Lone Peak were rescued on Monday, Sept. 7, after high winds grounded helicopter support and forced a multi-agency overnight ground operation. The hikers, who were suffering from altitude sickness and cold, were reached by rescuers at approximately 5 a.m. after sheltering between rocks to escape sustained winds.
High Winds Ground Helicopters
Salt Lake County Search and Rescue (SLCSAR) reported that crews were initially dispatched around 10:49 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6, after the hikers called for help from the mountain summit. According to reports from ABC4 and Salt Lake County Search and Rescue, the hikers reported they were cold and experiencing altitude sickness near the top of the peak.
Initial rescue efforts faced significant environmental challenges. While SLCSAR, a unit of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, initially staged at Bells Canyon expecting the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) to fly crews closer to the hikers, sustained winds made aerial support impossible. The high winds prevented the Utah Department of Public Safety from attempting a helicopter hoist or shuttling rescuers into the area.
Overnight Ground Rescue
Due to the inability to use aircraft, the rescue operation shifted to a ground-based mission. The team moved its command post to the Peak View Trailhead, where Draper Fire Department personnel assisted by driving rescuers toward Jacobs Ladder. From that point, crews had to hike the remaining distance up the mountain.
While waiting for the rescue teams, the two hikers sheltered in a crevice between rocks to block the wind. During the overnight wait, other people on the mountain provided the hikers with clothing, food, and water. Rescuers reached the pair around 5 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, providing them with additional headlamps, extra layers, hydration, and food before the group began their descent together.
Successful Descent and Recovery
The descent required specialized assistance to navigate the terrain. A rescue team set up a handline to assist the hikers through difficult sections of the mountain. The Draper Fire Department eventually assisted in transporting the hikers back to the Peak View Trailhead.
Upon arrival at the trailhead, the hikers were described as tired but in good condition. The rescue operation concluded as all responding personnel were off the mountain by approximately 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6, according to reports from both Salt Lake County Search and Rescue and KUTV.
Safety Advisory for Fall Hiking
Following the rescue, Salt Lake County Search and Rescue issued a safety advisory for hikers preparing to enter the mountains as fall approaches. The agency cautioned that while valley temperatures may still reach 90 degrees, nighttime temperatures at 11,000 feet can drop into the 30s and feel even colder when combined with wind.
The agency also noted that daylight hours are becoming shorter, advising hikers that carrying extra headlamp batteries is an important addition to any pack. Officials reminded the public that backcountry emergencies can be reported by calling 911.
Seasonal Risks Noted
The rescue highlights the unpredictable nature of mountain weather during seasonal transitions. As noted by Salt Lake County Search and Rescue, the combination of dropping nighttime temperatures and high winds can create dangerous conditions for hikers, even when daytime temperatures in the valley remain high.
