Injured Hiker Evacuated From Longs Peak

On the morning of July 24th, a 64-year-old man from Estes Park fell approximately 10 feet in the “Trough” area of Longs Peak and suffered a head laceration, an ankle injury, numerous abrasions and back pain. A hiker reported this incident at noon to a park ranger who was on a backcountry patrol in the Boulderfield area of Longs Peak. The ranger reached the victim at 12:50 p.m.  With assistance from the ranger, the man was able to get to the “Ledges,” which is at the base of the “Trough.” Another park ranger joined him and the first ranger at 5:00 p.m. The group made its way to the Agnes Vaille shelter, located at 13,150 feet. The man was then taken by litter to the Boulderfield area, picked up by a helicopter, and flown to a hospital. Recent photos of the “Trough” and the “Ledges” can be found on the park’s website at: http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/road_conditions.htm .