LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — In the past three weeks, nine people were rescued from a popular trail on Mt. Charleston, about 40 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

Search and rescue teams with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said most of the rescues involved serious injuries and hikers who lacked proper equipment for the icy conditions, according to a Facebook post.

The rescues took place on the South Loop Trail of Mt. Charleston Peak, an 8.5-mile hike, half of it above 10,000 feet. During the winter months, the trail can be heavily iced creating dangerous conditions. Police said hikers need to bring proper traction devices, use crampons, and wear winter layers, including a hat and gloves.

Metro said the nine people were rescued in four separate incidents starting on Thanksgiving Day.

Nov. 28: Two hikers slipped, with one sliding 500 feet into a rock, sustaining a broken ankle. Despite the hiker wearing microspikes, icy conditions still proved treacherous.

Dec. 6: A hiker broke their ankle after sliding 50 feet into a tree. None of the three hikers had traction devices.

Dec. 12: Three hikers were involved in a serious incident. One slipped, sliding 100 feet and colliding with a tree, causing severe leg injuries. Another slid an additional 100 feet before stopping on a ledge. A complex rope and hoist rescue was done.

Dec. 15: A hiker slipped and sustained a lower leg injury after attempting the trail without traction devices. Search and rescue teams, along with a helicopter, conducted a hoist rescue to extract the victim, who was transported to the hospital.

Police said hikers should pay attention to the weather conditions before a hike and always bring a fully charged phone, extra food, water and emergency supplies. Most importantly, police said “know your limits” and if the trail looks dangerous, turn back.



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