Crime & Safety
Mount Shasta, CA Rescue: 2 Hikers Survive 14-Degree Temperatures
MOUNT SHASTA, CA — Two young hikers who became stranded on Mount Shasta in dangerously cold conditions were rescued Tuesday afternoon after spending approximately 36 hours on the mountain, prompting a
By Audrey Sloan · 2026-10-14T18:56:09.194Z
MOUNT SHASTA, CA — Two young hikers who became stranded on Mount Shasta in dangerously cold conditions were rescued Tuesday afternoon after spending approximately 36 hours on the mountain, prompting a major search involving ground crews and aircraft.
According to the Siskiyou County Sheriff 's Office, dispatchers received a distress call around 10:20 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, from a 19 year old man and a 20 year old woman visiting from Salt Lake City, Utah.
The hikers were near Avalanche Gulch at approximately 11,000 feet when temperatures dropped to between 14 and 16 degrees Fahrenheit.
Authorities said the pair had planned only a day hike and lacked adequate clothing, food and water to safely remain on the mountain overnight.
The hikers were advised to continue descending to maintain body heat. Around 2 a.m. Tuesday, they reported reaching Helen Lake at approximately 10,400 feet before their phones died.
Search and rescue volunteers and California Highway Patrol Air Operations launched a coordinated search Tuesday morning.
At approximately 9 a.m., an aircraft spotted two individuals matching the hikers' descriptions, but investigators later determined they were not the missing pair.
Search teams continued examining Avalanche Gulch and nearby Cascade Gulch throughout the afternoon.
Around 4 p.m., rescuers heard shouting in Cascade Gulch and located both hikers at the bottom of the rugged terrain, approximately 1,000 feet from McBride Springs Trail.
Both hikers were uninjured and climbed out of the gulch with assistance from rescuers.
Authorities said the pair had been walking for approximately 36 hours.
The Sheriff's Office thanked search and rescue volunteers, Mount Shasta climbing rangers and CHP Air Operations for their efforts.
Officials warned that Avalanche Gulch is not recommended during this time of year because of deteriorating conditions, rockfall and approaching winter weather.
The department said this was the third rescue along the Avalanche Gulch route within the past month.