Park rangers from Rocky Mountain National Park were contacted late Friday night, February 6, by two male climbers on Kiener’s Route in the Longs Peak area requesting assistance. The 47- and 50-year-old climbers were located at approximately 14,000 feet. They reported they were incapacitated, unable to continue their route, and had not planned to remain overnight.
Rangers maintained communication with the climbers overnight. Early Saturday morning, February 7, rangers initiated rescue operations. Two Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue teams, along with members of Larimer County Search and Rescue, began hiking toward the Longs Peak area.
Air operations were limited due to high winds. A U.S. Forest Service helicopter attempted a flight but was forced to abort due to wind conditions. A Flight For Life helicopter was also ordered but later stood down for the same reason…