Two climbers rescued after getting stranded at Red Rock

Search and rescue crews airlifted the climbers to safety after they got stuck on the wrong descent route.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a dramatic mountain rescue scene, with sharp geometric planes of earth-toned colors representing the rocky landscape and the helicopter extracting climbers.A daring helicopter rescue operation extracts two climbers stranded on the rugged terrain of Red Rock Canyon.Las Vegas Today

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's Search and Rescue team carried out a rescue operation at Red Rock Canyon on Friday, April 3, 2026, after two climbers became stranded during their descent. The climbers accidentally entered the 'Epinephrine Error' route and got their ropes stuck, prompting them to call 911. Search and rescue crews aboard AIR3 flew in to help the climbers reach a safer spot for extraction, and then transported them out of the canyon using one-skid extractions in two separate trips. No injuries were reported.

Why it matters

Red Rock Canyon is a popular outdoor recreation area near Las Vegas, attracting many climbers and hikers. Rescue operations like this one highlight the importance of proper planning, preparation, and caution when engaging in outdoor activities, especially in remote or rugged terrain where getting lost or stranded can quickly become a dangerous situation.

The details

According to officials, the two climbers accidentally entered the 'Epinephrine Error' route on their descent, causing their ropes to become stuck. They then called 911 for help. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's Search and Rescue team responded, with AIR3 flying in SR6 and a Mountain Rescue volunteer to assist the stranded climbers. The rescue crew helped the climbers reach a safer location, and then AIR3 transported both climbers and the two rescue personnel out of the canyon using one-skid extractions in two separate trips.

  • The incident occurred on Friday, April 3, 2026, at around 9 p.m.

The players

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that oversees the Search and Rescue team that carried out the rescue operation.

AIR3

The helicopter used by the Search and Rescue team to transport the rescue crew and extract the stranded climbers.

SR6

A member of the Search and Rescue team who assisted in the rescue operation.

Mountain Rescue volunteer

A volunteer who helped the Search and Rescue team in the rescue operation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts to be prepared, stay on marked trails and routes, and have a plan in place in case of emergencies. The quick response and skilled execution of the Search and Rescue team likely prevented a more serious outcome for the stranded climbers.