Four hikers safe after skilled rescue

BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON — Four people were rescued early Saturday morning after becoming stranded in Ferguson Canyon near the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon.

The hikers sought help after leaving a trail early Friday evening and attempting to scale a steep hill, according to police. The three young men and one young woman, who is about 15 weeks pregnant, didn't have proper equipment for the area they were trying to climb, said Unified Police Sgt. Corey Latham.

"Darkness fell. They got disoriented, they got cold," he said. "They realized they were in a dangerous situation."

The hikers called for help around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, and a helicopter from the Utah Department of Public Safety was dispatched to assist in the rescue. After locating the stranded hikers, the pilot dropped off teams of rescuers at a site above the hikers.

"They were able to build a system of ropes and pulleys to get down safely to the parties," Latham said.

Using equipment their rescuers provided, the four people were able to hike to an area where the helicopter could retrieve them. All in all, it took until 1:30 a.m. and more than 10 helicopter trips to get everyone off the mountain, Latham said.

"It was a difficult rescue and they did a wonderful job," he said of the effort. The pilot in particular was skilled, Latham said.

"These people owe him a huge debt of gratitude."

No injuries were reported.

E-mail: mfarmer@desnews.com