Lost hiker ends up alone on dark mountain without shoes or flashlight, NV rescuers say
A hiker ended up lost in the dark with no shoes or a flashlight while hiking a Nevada mountain trail, rescuers said.
Rescuers got word the hiker needed help at about 3 a.m. Aug. 1 at Lone Mountain, the Friends of Las Vegas Metro Search and Rescue said in a Facebook post.
They had been with a family member but got separated, rescuers said.
Once they were off trail, they took off their shoes because they weren’t “adequate footwear for hiking,” rescuers said.
The hiker then lost their shoes and a flashlight.
Patrol officers contacted the hiker and helped lead them back to the trail, the rescue team said.
Then other rescuers met up with them and gave them better hiking shoes.
They were led back to their vehicle, and their shoes and flashlight were found, rescuers said.
Now, rescuers are warning others to wear the right shoes for hiking.
“Fortunately the subject was uninjured but with inappropriate footwear plus taking them off once lost because they were inappropriate could’ve resulted in an injury,” rescuers said in the post.
The Lone Mountain Trail is a 2.2 mile trek up and down a “rugged” and “well-traveled” path, according to AllTrails.
What to do if you get lost while hiking
If you think you’re getting lost, experts say it’s best to stop where you are and not panic. You should go over how you got to that point and if you’re able to see any landmarks around.
“Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step,” officials with the U.S. Forest Service said.
You should come up with a plan but stay put unless you are “very, very confident in the route.”
There are steps hikers can take to avoid getting lost and be better prepared for the unexpected:
Have more than enough food and water with you.
Take a compass that you know how to use, or have a GPS device on hand.
Don’t rely solely on your cell phone. It probably won’t work because of a lack of signal or a depleted battery.
Study the terrain and your route, and you should know how you’ll return.
Have the right clothing. Sturdy hiking boots and layers can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
Pack a blanket, flashlight and matches.
Check with a local ranger for special warnings. They can tell you about “fires in the area, bear sightings, flooding, trail or road closures.”
How to be prepared while hiking
If you’re planning to hike, the National Park Service says there are 10 essentials you should take:
Navigation: Pack a map, compass and a GPS system. Make sure you study your route beforehand and understand how to use the tools.
Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat can help protect your skin and eyes from UV rays.
Insulation: A jacket, hat, gloves, raincoat and thermal underwear can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
Illumination: A flashlight, lantern and headlamp can create light if you get stuck in the dark — and don’t forget to pack extra batteries.
First-aid supplies: It’s a good idea to have a first-aid kit on hand while hiking. Check the expiration date on items before you pack them.
Fire: Matches and a lighter can help start fire to act as an emergency signal in times of need.
Repair kit and tools: Duct tape, a knife, screwdriver and scissors can be helpful if items break during your hike or you need assistance.
Nutrition: You should pack an extra day’s worth of food in case something goes wrong. Park officials recommend having “salty and easy to digest snacks.”
Hydration: You should drink water often and before you feel thirsty if you’re hiking in hot weather. Keeping your body hydrated is “of utmost importance,” park officials said.
Emergency shelter: Packing a tent, space blanket, tarp and bivy can help you be prepared if severe weather breaks out or your plan takes a turn.
This story was originally published August 2, 2024 at 1:59 PM with the headline "Lost hiker ends up alone on dark mountain without shoes or flashlight, NV rescuers say."
