3 Climbers Rescued After Getting Stranded on Naked Edge Route in Eldorado Canyon

Rescue involved Rocky Mountain Rescue Group and Boulder Emergency Squad, stretching late into the night.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:12pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the Naked Edge climbing route and rescue operation in Eldorado Canyon, with overlapping planes of earth-toned colors representing the challenging terrain and technical complexity of the rescue effort.A daring nighttime rescue operation on a treacherous climbing route in Colorado's Eldorado Canyon tests the skills and bravery of local search and rescue teams.Boulder Today

Three climbers were rescued after getting stranded on the Naked Edge climbing route in Eldorado Canyon State Park late Sunday after losing their route and running out of daylight. The rescue, which involved the Rocky Mountain Rescue Group and Boulder Emergency Squad, stretched late into the night before all three climbers returned safely to the trailhead early Monday morning.

Why it matters

Climbing accidents and rescues in Colorado's Eldorado Canyon State Park are not uncommon, as the park's challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions can pose serious risks to even experienced climbers. This incident highlights the importance of proper planning, equipment, and safety precautions when attempting technical climbing routes.

The details

The group of three climbers said they could not continue their ascent on the Naked Edge route after losing their route and realizing they did not have headlamps as darkness fell. The lead climber was on pitch five while the other two climbers were on pitch four. Officials said the group also encountered rope-management and pacing problems that delayed them until after nightfall. Rocky Mountain Rescue Group responded to conduct the technical rescue, while Boulder Emergency Squad provided drone support to maintain visual contact with one of the lower climbers.

  • The Boulder County Communications Center received the report at about 8:15 p.m. Sunday, April 12.
  • Verbal contact with the stranded group was established at about 10:19 p.m.
  • Rescuers reached the first climber at about 10:30 p.m. and provided warming supplies.
  • The technical portion of the rescue was completed at 12:58 a.m.
  • All three climbers returned safely to the trailhead at about 2:25 a.m.

The players

Rocky Mountain Rescue Group

A volunteer search and rescue organization that responded to conduct the technical rescue operation.

Boulder Emergency Squad

A local emergency response team that provided drone support during the rescue effort.

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What’s next

The sheriff's office used the incident to remind climbers to carefully manage time on long or technical routes and to carry reliable headlamps with extra batteries even on climbs expected to finish in daylight. Officials also advised bringing enough food, water and clothing layers to handle delays and colder conditions after sunset.

The takeaway

This rescue operation highlights the inherent risks and challenges of technical climbing in Colorado's Eldorado Canyon State Park, and the critical role that well-trained volunteer rescue teams play in ensuring the safety of outdoor enthusiasts. The incident serves as a reminder for climbers to prioritize thorough preparation and safety precautions when attempting demanding routes.