Rescuers save dogs from Summit County peak

SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. — Two experienced Broomfield hikers stranded atop a Summit County peak without supplies for a night were able to escape their predicament a day later — exhausted dehydrated and missing two of their best friends.

Their cherished companions, Loki and Lilly, two dogs they clung to for warmth the night before, were still stuck atop Quandary Peak.

Thankfully for all parties involved, the Summit County Rescue Group lived up to their name.

Braving deteriorating weather conditions and a 200-foot vertical drop, two SCRG rescuers emptied the contents of their backpacks, strapped the dogs in and repelled to safety.

Loki, Lilly, their owners and Summit County Sheriff John Minor couldn’t have been happier when all made it off the peak in good condition.

“The Summit County Rescue Group is a team of consummate professionals,” Minor said. “This is just one example of their quick thinking and willingness to go beyond expectations and get the job done.”

The Broomfield couple, whose names were not identified, became stranded after hiking up the west ridge of Quandary Peak with the two dogs. On the way down, they took a wrong turn and ended up stuck at the edge of cliff with a 200-foot drop.

To make matters worse, the couple’s pack of gear, food and water had tipped over the edge of the cliff as a storm front moved in. Fearing the weather, the two made a rock shelter and hunkered down for night, huddling together with the dogs for warmth.

The next morning, the male hiker was able to make his way down the cliff and called 911. Rescuers then found their innovative ways to usher the female hiker and dogs to safety.

The operation was far from practical, but, as SCRG spokesperson Tracy LeClair said, “there is no such thing as a typical rescue mission” for the 65 volunteer members of the donation-funded group.

If you would like more gripping tales rescue from the SCRG, or if you would like to donate to the group, visit their website.