News Release

Injured Hiker Evacuated from No Thoroughfare Canyon

Date: January 19, 2021
Contact: Arlene Jackson, 970-858-2800

Fruita, CO – A multi-agency team rescued a hiker with serious injuries yesterday. At approximately 12:40 p.m. on Monday, January 18, 2021 Colorado National Monument rangers were notified of an injured hiker that fell in No Thoroughfare Canyon.

Two individuals were day-hiking from the upper trailhead and had reached a rugged area above the second waterfall when one of the hikers, a 41-year-old man, fell approximately 30 feet. Due to the narrow and rugged canyon, his hiking companion had to hike about 20 minutes before he was able to make an emergency 911 call. The rescue involved individuals from CareFlight of the Rockies, Century Link Helicopter Crew, Glade Park Volunteer Fire Department, Grand Junction Fire Department, Mesa County Search and Rescue and Mesa County Sheriff’s Office. Due to the rugged terrain the rescue took approximately 3 hours after first responders arrived at the accident location. The hiker was evacuated by helicopter at approximately 5:30 p.m.

While sunny days have melted off some of the snow from the last storm, many of the trails in Colorado National Monument are in shaded canyons with ice and snow on them. As was true in this situation, monument staff recommend hiking with a companion if possible. If you choose to hike alone, be sure someone knows your planned hike and you have an agreed-on plan to check in when you return. Cell phone service throughout the park and especially in the canyons is unreliable.

-www.nps.gov-
 

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