Hiker’s lost shoe in snowy ‘rugged terrain’ sets off rescue mission, Utah officials say

A hiker lost a shoe after sinking a foot deep into the snow, and that prompted a rescue mission, Utah officials said.

Two hikers set out Sunday, March 27, to summit the Ferguson Canyon about 17 miles south of Salt Lake City. They started the hike at about 10 a.m., according to the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team.

Four hours later, one of the hikers lost a shoe and couldn’t get it back.

“At that time, the hikers decided to call 911 out of an abundance of caution,” rescuers said on Facebook. “We commend the hikers for taking this precaution, as traveling over rugged terrain without proper footwear could have resulted in an escalated situation.”

Three rescue teams were sent to the canyon to help the hikers shortly before 4 p.m.

The rescuers took new shoes and warm clothing with them. They also had food and water.

By 5:45 p.m., the hikers and rescuers were safely off the mountain.

“We are now in shoulder season, which means it may be warm during the day but cold during the night,” rescuers said. “Please remember to pack accordingly.”

This story was originally published March 28, 2022 at 12:15 PM with the headline "Hiker’s lost shoe in snowy ‘rugged terrain’ sets off rescue mission, Utah officials say."