Flagstaff, AZ – This week the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit performed two helicopter hoist rescues on the San Francisco Peaks after hikers slipped on icy terrain near Humphreys Peak, the state’s highest point.
First incident: Inner Basin fall
At about 11 a.m. on Sunday, deputies responded to reports of two hikers who had fallen into the Inner Basin, a steep bowl in the center of the range. Both hikers fell a few hundred feet from Humphreys Saddle, a high‑elevation pass sitting roughly 11,800 feet between Humphreys and Agassiz peaks.
One hiker suffered a serious leg injury. A rescue helicopter arrived, hoisted the injured hiker out of the snow, and transported them to Flagstaff Medical Center for treatment. The condition of the second hiker was not disclosed.
Second incident: Humphreys Peak slide
Just before 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, another call came in after a hiker slipped near the summit of Humphreys Peak, which tops out at over 12,600 feet. The hiker slid approximately 600 feet down the icy slope and sustained critical injuries.
Because of the steep, hazardous terrain, rescuers waited until about 4 p.m. to conduct a helicopter hoist. The injured hiker was also taken to Flagstaff Medical Center.
Safety reminder from authorities
Deputies emphasized that the combination of steep, icy terrain and high elevation makes rescues challenging for both ground crews and air teams. They urged anyone planning to hike the San Francisco Peaks in winter to be fully prepared.
Recommended gear includes crampons, an ice axe, a helmet, and appropriate survival equipment. Hikers should also assess trail conditions, weather forecasts, and their own experience level before setting out, and reconsider the trek if they lack the necessary skills or equipment.
Community impact
These rescues serve as a stark reminder to the Flagstaff community and visitors that winter alpine hiking demands respect for the environment and thorough preparation. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office continues to monitor conditions and will issue updates as needed.
For real‑time trail reports and safety tips, hikers can contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit or visit the county’s official website.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
