Published June 11, 2014 05:10PM
Longs Peak Rescue Cost $41,000
A 19-year-old hiker was rescued from the eastern face last month.
'image: NPS'
A rescue operation to save a stranded hiker on Longs Peak last month cost Rocky Mountain National Park about $41,000, The Denver Postreported Wednesday.
The rescue of 19-year-old Samuel Frappier on May 27 required 46 search-and-rescue personnel and two helicopters. Frappier got separated from his hiking partner and became trapped on the eastern face of the peak near 13,000 feet. He used his cellphone to contact park rangers, then survived on an exposed ledge overnight until rescuers reached him the following afternoon.
Frappier was airlifted to Estes Park Medical Center, where he was released the same night.
Rocky Mountain National Park does not charge rescue victims for search-and-rescue costs.
Read more: Denver Post