Salt Lake County Search and Rescue was called out at 12:30 a.m. on July 16 for a pair of climbers (father and son) who had been stranded while trying to descend from a multi-pitch route near Steort’s Ridge. Their rappel rope had gotten stuck, and when they were unable to free it, they eventually called 911 for help.

When rescuers responded, they determined the best way to reach them would be from below, and since dawn was not far off, the climbers were asked to wait for morning light. Two rescuers then climbed to the pair and helped them rappel to the bottom. (Source: Salt Lake County Search and Rescue.)

ANALYSIS

It’s not known what caused the climbers’ rope to get stuck or how they tried to free it. (A similar incident at this cliff was reported in ANAC 2019.) However, one takeaway is that climbers should be prepared with extra clothing layers, food, and water. This pair wore shorts and unexpectedly spent all night perched on a small ledge. (Source: The Editors.)

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