Adirondack Rescue: Hiker Stands Still for Seven Hours

Winter conditions in the Adirondack Mountains have increased the risk for backcountry travelers. On Wednesday, October 21, a 60-year-old Canadian hiker was rescued from Mount Colden after being stranded on a high ledge.

The incident occurred on the Trap Dike route, which officials classify as a fourth-class mountaineering climb. Around 6:30 p.m., the hiker activated an emergency satellite beacon after losing his crampons. These traction spikes, attached to winter boots, are essential for maintaining grip on ice.

Without the gear, the climber could not safely ascend or descend. He remained in the same position for seven hours until rescue teams arrived at the site around 1 a.m. Forest Ranger Jenna Curcio described the tension of the extraction process. She said, "When I got out to him and was trying just to get him secured to me, the thought went through my mind: if we both slip before I have him clipped in and on my tether, he’s dead. He’s like, gone."

The Trap Dike is a known hazard, with a history of multiple fatalities over the years. State forest rangers emphasized the need for thorough route research. They advised hikers to carry appropriate equipment before entering steep terrain.

The rescue team worked through the night to secure the man on their tether. The operation concluded once the hiker was safely clipped in and lowered from the icy surface.