Rescue crews in the Southern Black Hills faced back-to-back emergencies this week along the rugged Cathedral Spires trail—dodging both unpredictable weather and tricky terrain in two separate calls.
On the evening of July 22, emergency teams were dispatched at 9:04 p.m. after an elderly hiker sustained a knee injury in a remote section of the Cathedral Spires trail. Due to the unclear location, Custer Ambulance and initial Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel entered from the main trailhead. A second SAR crew followed with a wheeled litter, but terrain challenges soon forced them to reroute.
Crews determined the safest extraction would require approaching from the top via Little Devil’s Tower Trail #4—a path known for its perilous conditions even under ideal circumstances. Using an advanced UTV and expert navigation, SAR teams reached the patient by 11:17 p.m., transferring them to awaiting ambulance crews at the lower trailhead by 12:30 a.m. Just minutes after the mission ended, a severe thunderstorm rolled in—dodging what rescuers called “a bullet,” as wet conditions could have jeopardized the entire extraction.
The next morning, at 11:17 a.m. on July 23, crews returned to the Cathedral Spires trail for a report of a missing child. The child was located shortly after deployment, with no injuries.
Rescue teams emphasized the difficulty and dangers of trails near Black Elk Peak, urging hikers to assess their health conditions before attempting such strenuous routes. Officials also reminded visitors that the Spires area has many side trails and hidden sections that can easily confuse or endanger children.
Authorities remind people to share trail safety information with anyone planning to hike in the Black Hills. Adding early preparedness can prevent rescue scenarios and save lives.
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