Deputies find missing hikers from Michigan

ESCALANTE, Garfield County — Garfield County sheriff's deputies located three men stuck on a ledge in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on Monday night but were unable to get them down.

The men were expected to be brought down to safety early this morning, with the arrival of daylight.

A search was initiated for the three Michigan hikers after they failed to check in on Monday following a planned five-day trip. They began the trip on Thursday. Garfield County sheriff's spokeswoman Becki Bronson said the men are experienced hikers.

Search and rescue teams and the Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter were dispatched to the area of the Death Hollow Canyon Trail on Monday afternoon. Rescue teams were expected to be flown by helicopter to the men's location this morning to help them rappel down a nearby cliff. Once rescued, the men will be evaluated by medical personnel, according to the sheriff's office. Authorities hope to then learn how the men became trapped.