Traversing West Fork involves swimming, boulder hopping and climbing

Sedona AZ (October 10, 2013) – Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies and Rescue Volunteers located and assisted three individuals with hiking out of the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon after they were reported as an overdue hiking party. The group of overdue hikers consisted of a seventy-three year old male of Flagstaff and a thirty-one year old male and a thirty-one year old female both of Michigan. 

On Tuesday, October 8, 2013, at about 8:00 in the evening, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a relative of one of the members of the party that she was at the trail head of West Fork to pick up the three hikers; however they had not arrive at that location by 2:00 p.m. as prearranged. According to the caller, she dropped the three off at a Flagstaff location off of Woody Mountain Road on Sunday at about 5:00 in the evening where they camped overnight. Early Monday, the hikers embarked on their fourteen mile hike, with the intention of being halfway through the canyon by Monday evening and camping overnight again.

Deputies learned that the three were experienced hikers and were prepared with appropriate clothing, food, water, and camping equipment. However, due to this season’s monsoon rain activity, there was a lot more water in the canyon than was anticipated by members of the group which slowed their travel time significantly.

A Search and Rescue Coordinator requested assistance from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the DPS Air Rescue Helicopter was dispatched from Kingman, Arizona. As crew members flew the canyon, they spotted what they believed to be an emergency signal coming from a light source approximately seven miles into the canyon.

West Fork Canyon

Wearing dry suits, a search coordinator and a volunteer hiked into the canyon to reach the signal area which took approximately six hours. They found the missing hikers who were hungry, thirsty and wet, but otherwise in good condition. The DPS helicopter dropped in food, water, and three dry suits to the group. Escorted by the two rescuers, the hikers were taken to the trail head of South Highway 89A where the caller was waiting.

This excellent hiking outcome is an example of well prepared and experienced hikers, a prearranged itinerary and proper reporting when the party was overdue, and coordinated experienced response agencies. It is a reminder that even experienced hikers, facing the tough terrain and wilderness environment of Arizona, may require assistance.

Remember, never leave home without a well defined route and itinerary provided to a responsible third party and always obey the rules of safe trekking.

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