Stranded Climbers Rescued After Night on Pingora Peak

Two climbers found themselves stranded on Pingora Peak, a nearly 12,000-foot granite mountain in Wyoming's Wind River Range, after a climbing mishap forced them to spend a cold night on the mountain.

On August 20, the climbers attempted to abandon their route when their rope became stuck during a rappelling descent. With the sun setting, they activated their SOS device around 5 PM from a ledge, prompting a rescue operation that would unfold the following day.

Rescue Operation Underway

The rescue efforts commenced at 7 AM the next morning, involving two high-angle rescue teams from Lander Search and Rescue (LSAR) along with Tip Top Search and Rescue. Initial attempts to drop supplies via long-line were thwarted due to challenging wind conditions, leading the teams to deploy climbers to reach the stranded men directly.

Thanks to one climber's bright orange jacket, rescuers spotted them quickly during their first aerial search. After reaching the pair, the LSAR climbers successfully brought them to safety at the base of Pingora Peak.

Climbers Safe but Tired

Despite the chilly night spent on a ledge, both climbers reported no injuries, only feeling thirsty and fatigued. After being rescued, they decided to continue their adventure, hiking out from the mountain.

Pingora Peak is renowned for its picturesque granite formations and is considered a prime destination for alpine climbing, although its remote setting can pose risks to climbers.

Source: www.outsideonline.com