Park County Search and Rescue helped a stranded climber get down from a spot 300 feet off the ground near Buffalo Bill Reservoir at a popular climbing area.

On Monday, Sept. 26, at 8:46 p.m. the Park County Sheriff’s Office Communications Division received a call for assistance in rescuing a stranded climber. 

In the climbing area on U.S. Highway 14-16-20W, just outside of the first tunnel near mile marker forty-five, and across the river, is an area called “I’ll tell you what’s cool,” which is a multi-pitch rock climbing route. According to a Sheriff’s Office release, a 19-year-old-male climber’s rope had become stuck approximately three hundred feet from the ground, at the sixth of eight pitches. A “pitch” in climbing terminology is the measure of the climb that is protected by one rope length. 

Park County Search and Rescue was paged, along with Cody Regional Health EMS, and several field teams were deployed. Additionally, a local climber, who is very familiar with the area, was requested to help PCSAR find the top of the route which is difficult to locate in the daytime and it was already dark. The male victim did have on a headlamp to help with his location, but PCSAR employed all of the resources at their disposal.  

The team also utilized the rope expertise that they have been diligently training in for the last few years. 

A PCSAR member contacted the male at 11:40 p.m. and he was able to assist in his own rescue. At 12:30 a.m. both the male and the PCSAR member made it back to the top of the route and all began walking out. The entire incident wrapped up at about 2 a.m.

Park County Search and Rescue is well known for its utilization of resources, expert training and elite members. As always, they protect the citizens of Park County and offer everyone the peace of mind to enjoy the wild and wonderful outdoors that Park County has to offer.