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Blackhawk used to rescue 2 climbers stuck on 14er overnight

Posted at 9:22 PM, May 29, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-30 18:59:50-04

SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. – Two Quandary Peak climbers were rescued by helicopter early Monday morning after being stuck at more than 14,000 feet overnight.

The Summit County Rescue Group attempted to rescue the two men on foot Sunday night, but could not make it to the top due to conditions. A Flight for Life helicopter was then launched and was able to get a visual fix on the two hikers to confirm their location.

The next morning, a Blackhawk helicopter from the Army National Guard was called in. After picking up a trained search and rescue worker from Aspen, the Blackhawk arrived on scene around 8 a.m.

The two climbers were attached to a harness and hoisted up to the Blackhawk one at a time. They were then flown to Breckenridge where they were checked out. No major injuries were reported.

Rescue crews say the men had ascended via the West Ridge route but, because of snow conditions, had become stranded about 300 feet below the summit.