Rocky Mountain National Park rangers were contacted late Friday night, February 6th, 2026 by two male climbers on Kiener’s Route in the Longs Peak area who requested assistance. The climbers, age 47 and 50, were located at approximately 14,000 feet elevation. They reported were unprepared to remain overnight, unable to continue their route and were incapacitated.
Rangers maintained communication with the distressed climbers overnight. Early Saturday morning, February 7th, rangers initiated rescue operations. Two Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue teams, along with members of Larimer County Search and Rescue, began hiking toward the Longs Peak area. Air operations were limited due to high winds. A U.S. Forest Service helicopter attempted a flight but was forced to abort due to windy conditions. A Flight For Life helicopter was also ordered but later stood down for the same reason.Â
Through established partnerships with Colorado Search and Rescue, additional resources were requested from the Colorado National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility at Buckley Space Force Base located in Aurora, Colorado. A Chinook helicopter with flight crew, along with rescuers from Alpine Rescue and Rocky Mountain Rescue, landed on the summit of Longs Peak at approximately 2:15pm. The climbers, who had moved to the summit, were located and flown from the summit to Upper Beaver Meadows Road within Rocky Mountain National Park.Â
“Who needs days off when you can save lives instead.” -Colorado National Guard
Park rangers remind visitors that winter conditions can persist in the high country even when overall snowpack is below average. Those recreating in alpine environments should plan ahead and be prepared for ice, snow, high winds, and subzero temperatures.
Rocky Mountain National Park Climbing Safety:
Traveling in the mountains brings inherent risk. Hazards include lightning, rockfall, avalanches, crevasses, and extreme weather conditions—even during the summer months. Competent technique, experience, proper safety equipment, physical fitness, and good judgment are essential to preventing or minimizing the chances of an accident.
Weather
Conditions can change quickly in the mountains, bringing lightning storms, rain, snow, wind, and cold temperatures. Always bring additional layers and be prepared to turn around if conditions worsen.
Know Your Limits
The mountain peaks in RMNP are all at high elevation, and many require technical experience and specialized gear. Know your limits and abilities, as well as the limits of others in your group. Plan your itinerary accordingly. Make sure everyone has the proper gear before beginning your trip, and be prepared to turn around if you are pushing your limits or not feeling well. Many accidents occur when people push themselves too far.
Have a Plan
Do you know what to do if someone gets injured? If the weather unexpectedly changes? If your trip takes longer than planned? Preparing before your trip will help you make smart decisions when the moment arrives. Set a turnaround time—and stick to it.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is common among those heading into the mountains and can be very serious. The Town of Estes Park sits at an elevation of 7,500 ft (2,290 m), with many peaks in RMNP rising above 13,000 ft (3,962 m). Know the signs of altitude sickness and be prepared to descend to a lower elevation. The only cure for altitude sickness is to go down.
