PHOENIX — Several hikers in northern Arizona started the new year needing rescues from various trails. The most complex operation happened off Bumble Bee Road shortly before 6 p.m. Thursday, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO).
A 55-year-old man fell from a ledge, seriously injuring his leg. Rescuers faced cold, wet conditions and the risk of hypothermia due to steady rain. Both the hiker and rescue team members showed symptoms of hypothermia, YCSO said.
Flooding made it unsafe to bring the man down and poor weather grounded air support, forcing crews to abort multiple rescue attempts. A team stayed with the hiker overnight, keeping a fire going to stay warm.
After hours of coordination between YCSO deputies, patrol units, and first responders, a Blackhawk helicopter successfully airlifted the man to waiting medical personnel Friday morning.
Injured hiker was one of many who needed mountain rescue on New Year’s Day
The injured hiker, whose name wasn’t released, was just one of several hikers who required rescues on New Year’s Day, which was the first event of “Trails250,” a a national celebration organized by America’s state parks in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
There was one other case of an injured hiker on Thursday.
Another rescue occurred in Wickenburg after reports of a lost hiker in the Blue Wash area. A Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Forest Patrol deputy escorted the woman back to her car safely.
Shortly after, around 6:30 p.m., a deputy responded to a report of a lost male hiker in Sedona. He was found on the trail and returned safely.
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