Hiker slips on dark, icy mountain trail and nearly falls down steep cliff in Colorado
The tail end of a hike quickly turned treacherous when a hiker slipped on icy mud covering a mountain trail in southern Colorado, rescuers said.
The hiker landed near a tree overlooking a steep drop over the cliff edge while hiking with someone else Saturday, Oct. 7, rescuers said in an Oct. 8 post on Facebook.
The two hikers were on their way down Marble Mountain at about 7:41 p.m. when one of them “slipped on the muddy, icy, snowy terrain” somewhere below Hanging Lake, and the pair got stuck, Custer County Search and Rescue said in the Facebook post.
They needed technical assistance to safely get down to lower terrain and to their car, rescuers said. Photos show rescuers with headlamps helping them climb down in the darkness.
They all made it down safely, officials said in the post.
Marble Mountain is about 75 miles southwest of Colorado Springs.
Now that autumn is here and weather and trail conditions can vary, it’s a good idea to prepare for the most intense backcountry travel conditions, officials said.
“It’s getting darker earlier and the cold temps have arrived,” officials said in the post.
Hikers and other recreators should bring warm layers, headlamps and traction devices — shoe ice spikes/cleats/grips, etc. — to be prepared for “variable temperatures and unknown trail conditions.”
It’s also a good idea to make sure you have reliable navigation tools and communication devices, officials said.
How to be prepared while hiking
If you’re planning to hike, the National Park Service says there are 10 essentials you should take:
Navigation: Pack a map, compass and a GPS system. Make sure you study your route beforehand and understand how to use the tools.
Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat can help protect your skin and eyes from UV rays.
Insulation: A jacket, hat, gloves, raincoat and thermal underwear can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
Illumination: A flashlight, lantern and headlamp can create light if you get stuck in the dark — and don’t forget to pack extra batteries.
First-aid supplies: It’s a good idea to have a first-aid kit on hand while hiking. Check the expiration date on items before you pack them.
Fire: Matches and a lighter can help start fire to act as an emergency signal in times of need.
Repair kit and tools: Duct tape, a knife, screwdriver and scissors can be helpful if items break during your hike or you need assistance.
Nutrition: You should pack an extra day’s worth of food in case something goes wrong. Park officials recommend having “salty and easy to digest snacks.”
Hydration: You should drink water often and before you feel thirsty if you’re hiking in hot weather. Keeping your body hydrated is “of utmost importance,” park officials said.
Emergency shelter: Packing a tent, space blanket, tarp and bivy can help you be prepared if severe weather breaks out or your plan takes a turn.
This story was originally published October 10, 2023 at 12:25 PM with the headline "Hiker slips on dark, icy mountain trail and nearly falls down steep cliff in Colorado."
