ST. GEORGE — Two “experienced climbers” were rescued by Washington County search and rescue personnel in Snow Canyon State Park on Saturday afternoon.

The hikers became stuck while climbing the Island in the Sky rock formation near the Sand Dunes within the state park and called for assistance from Washington County Search and Rescue at 1:45 p.m.

Washington County Emergency Operations Manager Jason Bradley said the two climbers became trapped when their rope got snagged and they could not climb up or down.

“They did the right thing,” Bradley said. “Called us and waited for us.”

The Department of Public Safety’s Star 9 helicopter was dispatched to assist, leaving a training session at Fish Lake to respond. During the hour flight from Fish Lake to Snow Canyon, the crew had two members of the ropes team descend the eroded sandstone butte toward the stranded climbers.

The climbers were identified as a young man and his teenage sister from the Salt Lake City area.

Search and Rescue members Ben Callahan and Tommy McCall reached the climbers about the same time as Star 9 arrived. The climbers were about three-quarters of the way up their planned route.

“We brought in the Star 9 helicopter just hoping we could get someone to help from the top, but there were no good landing points,” Bradley said.

Callahan and McCall were able to use their rope and able to assist the two climbers to rappel down and make it out safely.

Both were examined by McCall and Callahan, who are medically trained, and were found to have minor dehydration and sunburn but were able to walk out on their own with no medical transportation. The scene was cleared by 5 p.m.

Even though the helicopter was not used this time, Bradley said it has been an “invaluable” benefit.

Callahan said it was hot up on the butte even though there was a breeze.

Bradley said it was evident the two climbers were experienced and had a good skill set, but what happened to them with their rope could have happened to anyone.

He also said the two could have been more prepared by having adequate hydration and climbing earlier in the morning when the temperatures are lower.

This operation was their second call of the day, as teams responded earlier in the day to Gunlock Falls where a woman slipped on rocks and was injured requiring transportation to the St. George Regional Hospital.

“People need to be properly prepared, plan ahead and not do anything beyond their skill set,” Bradley added.

Two units from Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded and assisted.

This report is based on statements from police or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.

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