Two climbers from the San Jose area recently were rescued from Pinnacles National Monument after they had become stranded due to nightfall, according to a press release from the park.
Around 6 p.m. Nov. 15, the two male climbers placed a cell phone call to a friend, who got in contact with park officials.
The two men had been atop Condor Condiment, a 500-foot route in the signature High Peaks area of Pinnacles National Monument, according to the statement. They could not finish the final 100 feet without light.
Rangers called the men on their cell phones and found approximate locations and conditions before a climber's phone battery was exhausted.
Rangers and search-and-rescue team members were dispatched. A California Highway Patrol helicopter located them using infrared radar and the powerful Night Sun floodlight, according to the press release.
Assisted by monument staff, the climbers then completed the route and shorter descent. They finished the descent at 1 a.m. and had been on the climbing route for 14 hours, according to the statement.
"I am glad that through the efforts of our search & rescue team and partner agencies, this potential tragedy has been prevented," said Eric Brunnemann, Pinnacles superintendent, in the statement.
Tips for climbing:
- Use a helmet.
- Know the route.
- Know self-rescue techniques.
- Carry extra food, water and clothes.
- Carry two ropes on a multi-pitch climb.
- Carry a headlamp, spare batteries and bulbs.
- Carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it.
- Use redundant anchor systems.
Source: Pinnacles National Monument
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