Two hikers from Utah were rescued on Monday after becoming stranded on Mount Shasta in Northern California during a 36-hour ordeal amid freezing temperatures. The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call late on October 12 from the pair—a 19-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman, both from Salt Lake City—who were located in the Avalanche Gulch area at approximately 11,000 feet above sea level.

The hikers had initially planned a day hike but found themselves ill-prepared for the harsh conditions. Temperatures were near 15 degrees Fahrenheit when they called for help, and they lacked sufficient clothing, food, and water to safely spend the night on the mountain, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Officials advised the couple to continue descending to maintain body heat. Several hours later, at about 2 a.m., the hikers reported reaching Helen Lake, situated at around 10,400 feet, before their phones died.

Instead of following established trails, the hikers descended into a steep, dry river canyon after reaching Horse Camp, a common starting point for climbs. They reportedly became trapped between cliff walls ranging from 30 to 50 feet high. Search-and-rescue teams, including officers from the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, and volunteers, launched operations at dawn Tuesday.

The rescue teams located the stranded hikers in the Cascade Gulch area in the afternoon, roughly 1,000 feet from the McBride Springs Trail. The hikers were assisted out of the gulch and were reported unharmed after their extended trek.

Authorities cautioned against attempting the Avalanche Gulch route during this time of year due to worsening conditions and the approach of winter weather. The Sheriff’s Office urged outdoor enthusiasts to prepare adequately for unexpected situations such as overnight stays, poor weather, or injury. They emphasized the importance of researching route conditions and selecting routes appropriate for the season, noting that even small miscalculations on the mountain can become life-threatening.