FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit responded to two dangerous rescue incidents on Humphreys Peak in just four days, including one involving a hiker who slid approximately 600 feet down the mountain and suffered critical injuries.
Both incidents occurred on steep, icy terrain along the Humphreys Peak Trail, requiring helicopter hoist rescues to evacuate the injured hikers.
First Rescue – November 8
On Sunday, November 8, at approximately 11:00 a.m., the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a report that two hikers had fallen into the Inner Basin, just a few hundred feet from Humphreys Saddle.
One of the hikers suffered a serious leg injury and was unable to safely descend the mountain.
Due to the steep terrain and hazardous conditions, rescuers utilized a helicopter equipped with a hoist to extract the injured hiker, who was subsequently transported to Flagstaff Medical Center for treatment.
Second Rescue – November 11
Just three days later, on Wednesday, November 11, at approximately 11:20 a.m., deputies received another emergency call involving a hiker who had slipped and fallen near the summit of Humphreys Peak.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the hiker slid approximately 600 feet down the mountainside, sustaining critical injuries.
The steep, icy terrain made the rescue particularly challenging for emergency personnel. After several hours of rescue efforts, a helicopter hoist operation was conducted at approximately 4:00 p.m., nearly five hours after the initial emergency call.
The critically injured hiker was flown from the mountain and transported to Flagstaff Medical Center.
The Sheriff’s Office said both operations presented significant challenges for ground search and rescue teams and helicopter crews due to the mountain’s high elevation, steep slopes, and icy conditions.
Sheriff’s Office Warns of Dangerous Winter Hiking Conditions
Following the two incidents, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a strong warning to anyone considering hiking Humphreys Peak as winter conditions develop.
Although Humphreys Peak is a popular hiking destination during warmer months, conditions above timberline can become extremely dangerous when snow and ice accumulate.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that hikers attempting the trail under these conditions should carry specialized mountaineering equipment, including crampons, an ice axe, a helmet, and appropriate survival gear.
However, officials stressed that simply possessing the equipment is not enough. Hikers must also have the experience and training necessary to properly use it.
Rescue operations at high elevations can take several hours, and helicopter assistance is never guaranteed. Weather conditions, visibility, terrain, and elevation can prevent aircraft from safely reaching injured hikers.
The Sheriff’s Office is urging hikers to carefully evaluate weather forecasts, trail conditions, their physical abilities, and their experience with winter mountaineering before attempting the climb.
Those without the necessary equipment or experience are strongly encouraged to postpone their hike until conditions improve.
“Your safety is your responsibility. Know your limits, be prepared, and don’t take unnecessary risks,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.
Both incidents serve as reminders of how quickly a hike on Arizona’s highest mountain can turn into a life-threatening emergency when snow and ice are present.
Source: Coconino County Sheriff’s Office
