Utah authorities have released dramatic video footage documenting the high-altitude rescue of a hiker who fell hundreds of feet from the summit of Mount Timpanogos last month. The incident occurred on Oct. 26, when the female hiker lost her footing on the 11,700-foot peak and slid down the mountain, eventually coming to rest on a narrow cliff ledge, according to the Utah County Sheriff’s Office.
Search and Rescue pilot spotted the hiker from an airplane, allowing for the deployment of team members to the mountain. The newly released video captures the steep descent and the moments a rescue helicopter hovered above to hoist the woman to safety.
Officials confirmed that the hiker was making steady progress in her recovery and wished her a full and speedy recuperation. The sheriff's office stated that the incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly outdoor activities can become life-threatening situations.
Mount Timpanogos, located approximately 50 miles south of Salt Lake City, features 17.4 miles of trails accessible via the Aspen Grove and Timpooneke trailheads, according to the US Forest Service.