It took National Park Service rangers hours in rain and darkness to rescue an injured climber from the north rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
The climber, 30-year-old Michael Welch of Ireland, was about 600 feet above ground on the Stoned Oven climbing route when he fell about 40 feet and suffered life-threatening injuries, according to a National Park Service news release.
Welch, who was wearing a helmet and was using a rope in the technical climb, was with two climbing partners when he fell at about 11 a.m. Monday, rangers said.
The climbing partners lowered Welch to the canyon floor, and one went to seek help. Park rangers were notified of the accident at about 3:30 p.m.
As the sun set, wind and rain hampered rescue operations, but 25 rangers and volunteers were able to lower volunteer Nick Wasser, with a litter, to Welch.
In darkness, Wasser negotiated Welch over rocky ledges and overhangs as rescuers pulled them up a sheer cliff along the Hallucinogen climbing route.
The distance of the rescue haul was about 1,700 feet, and Welch safely reached the top at about 11:30 p.m.
An ambulance took Welch to a helicopter, which flew him to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, the Park Service said.
St. Mary’s released no information on Welch or his condition.
The Stoned Oven and Hallucinogen routes are among the most difficult in the Black Canyon.
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com
