(A Department of Public Safety helicopter crew was called to search the mountain above Farmington. Photo: Paul Nelson)
SALT LAKE CITY – Two hikers are safe after being rescued off a cliff in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Unified Police Detective Kevin Mallory said Search and Rescue was called in to help the hikers. The two were rappelling in the Gate Buttress area.
Detective Mallory said Friday night just before midnight, the two hikers called 9-1-1. The hikers told officials they were rappelling down, got lost and then stuck on a cliff. They said their phones were almost dead, they had no cold weather clothing and hadn’t had water since about 5 p.m.
SAR, a Unified Police Department Canyon Unit, along with the Department of Public Safety helicopter were called to find the hikers. Mallory adds, the helicopter had to leave because of the storm.
The rescue units were able to make contact with the two around 5 a.m., on Saturday morning. Mallory said the SAR team and hikers were off the mountain by 8:45 a.m., Saturday.
Detective Mallory asked that people remember to be prepared when doing outdoor activities this time of year.