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Mountain rescues in Sedona and Prescott

Posted at 6:21 PM, Sep 14, 2015
and last updated 2015-09-14 21:21:24-04

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and the Arizona Department of Public Safety performed two different rescues just north of the Valley.

On Tuesday, September 8th, DPS  rescued two lost hikers from Granite Mountain in Prescott.

The hikers, one 76 years of age and the other in his 30s, started their backcountry, off-trail hike on Monday, September 7th when they experienced heavy rain. They called 911 that night reporting they were lost, and a DPS helicopter and a rescue unit were deployed to find the pair. 

The DPS Backcountry Unit was not able to reach the hikers until 3 a.m. They brought the pair food and clothing.

One of the hikers was able to hike out of the wilderness the next morning with the rescue team, but the second hiker was lifted back to the trailhead by a helicopter.

The second rescue incident involves YCSO deputies rescuing a man who climbed Bell Rock in Sedona on Wednesday, Sept. 9th.

Craig Slaunwhite, 34, was climbing the north face of the famous rock, attempting to reach the top using a pre-existing rope line, when he got stuck and called someone who contacted 911.

Yavapai County Search and Rescue Team volunteers and a DPS helicopter crew conducted the rope rescue and lifted Slaunwhite off the rock safely.

YSCO recommends hikers and climbers plan, prepare and avoid exceeding abilities when venturing into Arizona's parks.

For information on Sedona and Prescott hiking and climbing, visit secondhikingtrails.com and cityofprescott.net