Three hikers stuck on ledge

UTAH COUNTY — Three teenagers found themselves stuck on a cliff ledge while hiking on Cascade Mountain Thursday afternoon, prompting a search-and-rescue mission.

The hikers, ages 17, 19 and 19 — who are from outside of Utah — were free climbing in the area for about 5 1/2 hours before reaching an area where they could no longer climb down and couldn't retrace their path back up the mountain. The trio used a cell phone to call for help.

Rescuers were hiking into the area Thursday night but had not reached the hikers as of press time. Utah County Sheriff's Sgt. Tom Hodgson said rescuers were hoping to bring the hikers out Thursday night but said they might have to hold off until daylight.

"They're in an environment that can be very risky," he said.

The area, which is about a half-mile west of Bridal Veil Falls, has rough terrain and many cliffs, making it impossible to land a helicopter. The helicopter crew is restricted from using a hoist to get the hikers off the mountain after dark.

Hodgson said the hikers appear to be in good condition, have enough food and clothing for the time being, and have been able to build a fire for warmth.

Hodgson said it's not uncommon for hikers to get stranded.

"People go up and don't know the way out," he said.

Often hikers take a wrong turn on the way down and become lost or find themselves unable to go any further in either direction, he said. Hodgson advised hikers to know their route before setting out on the trail.