SAR: An Unfortunate Call

A group of hikers in Jasper National Park called SAR to be rescued on September 10th.

An attempt to hike Pyramid Mountain ended in a call to Search and Rescue on September 10th 2024 when a group of hikers decided they couldn't finish the hike because they were tired. The group had a total of 8 people, and two of them decided they couldn't keep going and called SAR. The area was closed due to wildfire hazards, but despite on-site signage and consistent communication from the park that the area was closed, the group decided to hike into the area anyways. Violating closures is a federal offense, and the group was charged for this.

When SAR arrived on site and assessed the group, no injuries were found.

Jasper only has two helicopters for the area which are used for both SAR missions and fighting wildfires. Due to this call, one of the two helicopters was pulled away from fighting a wildfire to go pick up the tired hikers for at least three hours.

This type of situation highlights a couple things:

1. Never over-estimate your abilities. Know how far you can hike, know how much elevation gain and loss you can handle, and be prepared for unforeseen circumstances.

2. Never go into closed areas, no matter what. They are closed for a reason, and just because you want to hike somewhere doesn't mean you get to forego closures and rules. Closures are in place to keep you safe.

The unofficial slogan of the Grand Canyon comes to mind: "down is optional, up is mandatory." While this refers to trails at the Grand Canyon starting at the top, going down to the bottom, then going back up to finish, it's a reminder that we always need to remember not to push ourselves so far that we can't turn back and finish the hike. No matter where you are, what peak you're summitting or canyon you're exploring, getting that end view is never worth risking your return.

And of course, respect closures.

Hike on, Wild Woman. Unless you're tired, or there's a closure. ;)

Source: the Jasper Local