STRANDED - INADEQUATE EQUIPMENT

Colorado, Eldorado Canyon State Park

On September 3,, a male (29) and female (30) climbed The Yellow Spur (5.9/5.10) on Redgarden Wall. When the climbers topped- out, they asked the party just ahead of them (the second party of climbers) if they would wait so they all could descend together, since the climbers were not familiar with the descent. The second party of climbers declined to wait since it was getting dark and they did not have headlamps. When the second party of climbers returned to the parking lot, they reported that the other party of climbers might have difficulty descending in the dark. Rangers heard shouting in the direction of the top of The Yellow Spur but could not make out what was being said. Rocky Mountain Rescue Group responded, made contact with the stranded climbers at about midnight, and escorted them down to the parking lot by about 1:00 a.m. AM.

Analysis

Be prepared. Climbs often take longer than anticipated. Bring headlamps, light jacket, etc. (Source: Steve Muehlhauser - Park Ranger, Eldorado Canyon State Park)