Two Young Hikers Survive 36 Hours on Freezing Mountain After Day Trip Turns Into Nightmare

What began as a planned day hike turned into a frightening 36-hour survival ordeal for two young hikers who became lost on California’s Mount Shasta and eventually found themselves stranded between steep cliffs.

The pair, a 19-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman from Salt Lake City, were ultimately rescued after enduring freezing temperatures and losing their ability to communicate with emergency responders.

A Day Hike Takes a Dangerous Turn

The hikers began their journey at approximately 4 a.m. on October 12, intending to climb Mount Shasta through the Avalanche Gulch route.

However, their plans unraveled when they became lost in increasingly difficult mountain conditions.

Temperatures dropped to approximately 14 degrees Fahrenheit, exposing the pair to potentially dangerous cold.

At around 10:20 p.m., they contacted emergency services and reported their situation.

Stranded as Their Phone Battery Dies

Rescuers advised the hikers to continue descending the mountain to reach warmer conditions.

By approximately 2 a.m., the pair had reached Helen Lake. However, their phone battery subsequently died, cutting off communication with emergency personnel.

With no way to provide further updates, the hikers continued facing an uncertain situation on the mountain.

Rescuers Hear Cries for Help Between Two Cliffs

Search and rescue teams began looking for the missing hikers the following morning.

After several hours of searching, rescuers located the pair in Cascade Gulch, where they were stranded between two cliffs.

The hikers were shouting for help when search teams finally discovered their location.

Rescue personnel assisted both individuals in climbing out of the difficult terrain and returning to safety.

A Remarkable Ending After 36 Hours

Despite the prolonged ordeal, both hikers were found without reported injuries.

Authorities noted that this was the third rescue involving Avalanche Gulch within a month, highlighting the dangerous conditions affecting the route.

Officials urged hikers to research mountain conditions, prepare for unexpected overnight stays and carry appropriate equipment before attempting challenging climbs.

For the two young survivors, an adventure intended to last only one day became an unforgettable lesson in how quickly conditions can change in the wilderness.

Source: PEOPLE, October 17, 2026.