An Arizona hiker required rescue after getting stranded near the summit of Granite Mountain after following a series of unofficial trail markers in the form of stacked rocks known as cairns.
Thankfully the lost hiker had a working cellphone and was able to call for help. Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies and Search and Rescue teams used his phone to pinpoint his location and safely guided him out of the backcountry.
Authorities want to use the incident as a reminder for hikers to stay on the trail and not follow cairns as they are not always officially designated waypoints. Stacking rocks in the backcountry may seem like a creative and harmless activity but they may be interpreted as trail markers leading to dangerous situations like that of this hiker.
Read the full press release from Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office below.
Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Statement:
Around 4:30 p.m. on May 4th, Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies and Search and Rescue teams responded to a man lost and stranded near the summit of Granite Mountain. The hiker said he left the trail to follow cairns, which were not official trail markers. Yavapai Search and Rescue Backcountry unit climbed the summit as darkness fell.
The team used the lost hiker’s cell phone to locate his exact position. By the time they reached his location, lightning flashed nearby, and heavy rain began to fall. It was unknown if they would need to set up camp and perform the rescue in the morning. The team pushed forward and found the lost male; they all made it safely back down the mountain before 11 pm. Aside from being cold and wet, the experienced hiker is in good health.
This hiker made two smart decisions: he brought a working cell phone and stayed in the same spot after he called for help. This is a reminder to everyone: no matter how experienced you are, always plan for the worst and always share your planned excursions and expected timelines with trusted friends. It is also important to stay on the trail and not follow cairns.
Thank you to the several volunteers who made the trip and helped rescue this man.
