A hiking trip in southern Utah took a terrifying turn when a father and his 12-year-old son became stranded on a steep cliffside, unable to find their way back. What was meant to be a short, familiar hike turned into an overnight survival ordeal, forcing the pair to endure freezing temperatures for more than 20 hours.
Their rescue, carried out by search and rescue teams and a helicopter crew, was nothing short of a miracle. But what truly helped them make it through the night was an abandoned backpack, left behind by another hiker who had been rescued a month earlier.
Lost in the Wilderness
The father and son, whose names have been changed for privacy, set out for their hike early Sunday morning, expecting to complete the route in just a few hours. The father had shown his wife the trail they planned to follow using a GPS app, assuring her they would meet at the parking area by 2 p.m.
However, as they made their way back, the GPS led them off course, directing them into rocky and unfamiliar terrain. Relying on the app, the father unknowingly led his son deeper into the wilderness. By the time he realized the mistake, it was too late—the rough landscape and fading daylight made it impossible to retrace their steps.
With temperatures dropping and no clear path forward, they faced the reality of spending the night on the mountain with limited supplies.
A Forgotten Backpack Becomes a Lifeline
As they searched for shelter, the father and son stumbled upon a backpack filled with emergency supplies, including a space blanket, snacks, and a small tent. It was an unexpected lifeline that helped protect them from the cold and gave them a chance to make it through the night.
Unknown to them at the time, the bag belonged to another hiker, a teenager who had gotten lost in the same area a month earlier. He had thrown his backpack down to a lower ledge while attempting to descend, only to find himself unable to retrieve it. His decision to leave behind supplies ultimately saved two lives.
A helicopter equipped with thermal imaging cameras was eventually able to locate them. The father and son were seen huddled together under an emergency blanket, waving to the rescue crew. In a dramatic operation, rescuers hoisted them to safety one at a time, bringing their terrifying ordeal to an end.
How to Stay Safe While Hiking
This news from the USA today serves as a critical reminder of the importance of hiking safety. Getting lost, injured, or stranded in the wilderness can happen to anyone, even on familiar trails. Here are some essential safety tips to follow:
- Always Carry Essential Survival Gear – A compass, map, extra food, water, a flashlight, and an emergency blanket can be life-saving if things go wrong.
- Don’t Rely Solely on GPS – Digital navigation tools can fail or drain your battery. Always have a backup plan, like a paper map and knowledge of the area.
- Inform Someone of Your Plans – Before setting out, tell a friend or family member where you’re going and when you expect to return.
- Stick to Marked Trails – Many hikers get lost by straying off designated paths. If you’re unfamiliar with an area, stay on well-known routes.
- Check the Weather Forecast – Conditions can change quickly in mountainous regions. Being prepared for cold, rain, or unexpected hazards can prevent dangerous situations.