Emergency crews conducted a late-night rescue Monday after a hiker was injured near Hippie Hole, a popular but remote swimming area in the Black Hills.
According to officials, the Rockerville Volunteer Fire Department, Keystone Ambulance, and Pennington County Search and Rescue were dispatched to the scene at approximately 8:15 p.m. on July 7. A group of hikers had become disoriented while returning to their vehicles and attempted to climb a steep rock scree on the south side of the creek, just below the Foster Gulch parking lot. During the climb, one individual fell and sustained a broken wrist.
Rescue personnel coordinated with friends of the injured hiker who had reached the parking area. After confirming the hiker’s location and assessing the terrain, crews determined the most effective route would be to approach from Highway 40. Teams hiked in with rescue gear and reached the injured man around 9:50 p.m.
Due to the nature of the injury and the rugged terrain, the hiker was unable to walk out on his own. He was secured in a Stokes basket, and a rope system was used to haul him up the scree slope to a more accessible location. From there, he was transported out of the area.
The rescue concluded around 11:30 p.m., and all personnel cleared the scene by midnight.
Authorities remind hikers to be cautious in remote areas and to remain on established trails whenever possible.
Comments