CUSTER, S.D. – The Custer County Search and Rescue department says they were able to locate a hiker who had become lost in the Black Elk Peak area Saturday night.
According to searchers, a woman hiking alone up Black Elk Peak called 9-1-1 to report she was lost about 5:30 Saturday.
The woman had been following Trail 4 on her way down the mountain when, possibly due to snow and a missed directional sign, began walking on Trail 3. Authorities say she soon realized that she was lost in an area with deep snow and called for help. The woman confirmed with dispatch that she had warm clothes and would stay at her current position until help arrived.
Custer County Search and Rescue took ATVs and UTVs to assist in the rescue, but the snow was still too deep on the trails to make use of them.
A team of four went on foot, leaving others behind as backup. After three hours of hiking, the crew was able to make contact with the lost hiker and continue down Trail 3, where the backup team would be able to meet them near the Needles Highway.
The woman was returned to her vehicle at Sylvan Lake and parted ways with Search and Rescue.
