2 Hikers Rescued After Being Stranded For Over 30 Hours In Colorado Mountains

KEY POINTS

The hikers called Lake County Search and Rescue around 8 p.m. Sunday
Their cell phone died before they could give further information
They were found around 11 p.m. of the following day

Two 19-year-old hikers have been rescued from Colorado's second tallest peak after being stranded for 34 hours in the cold without shelter.

Lake County Search and Rescue was informed that two hikers were in distress on Mt. Massive and needed help at around 8 p.m. Sunday. The hikers told the rescuers they needed to be rescued but the phone died before they could provide any further information, according to KUSA.

Overnight, the rescue team, aided by the Colorado Search and Rescue Association (CSAR), tried to narrow down the hikers' possible location. However, cell phone forensics could only provide partial information as the two youth's phones were dead.

A multi-rescue team was formed, and it decided to carry out a full-scale search across large areas of Mt. Massive Monday morning. More than 20 people joined the search team and scoured through broad areas of the mountain.

Flight for Life Colorado joined the rescue efforts and conducted an aerial search. Crew members were also positioned at higher points of elevation to help with the search, according to the outlet.

The rescuers finally found the two missing hikers in the Half Moon Lakes Basin at around 11 p.m. Though in good condition, both hikers were cold and hungry from being stranded for a prolonged period of time.

Anna DeBattiste, public information officer for CSAR, told KMGH-TV the hikers got a lot of things right. She said they hunkered down overnight to avoid any injuries and tried to flag down the aerial search team.

DeBattiste also gave some tips hikers should keep in mind to ensure their safety during hikes. According to her, hikers who need help should call 911 as soon as possible and not at a time when their battery is already about to die. She also shared that hikers can save their battery by shutting down power-draining apps and turning on airplane mode. It is also important to keep the phone warm so it doesn't shut down.

Moreover, she reminded people to bring more layers, something to start a fire with and additional food. She also said hikers should bring more gear when undertaking a major hike.

In October, the body of a 29-year-old experienced climber was recovered from Colorado Mountains five days after she sent an SOS. The climber reportedly strayed from the standard route.