Independence Rock Photo Credit: blewulis (iStock).

Colorado National Monument. Photo Credit: blewulis (iStock).

A hiker sustained serious injuries resulting from a big fall in Colorado National Monument's 'No Thoroughfare Canyon' on Monday, January 18.

Two hikers were in a rugged area above a waterfall when the fall occurred, sending a 41-year-old hiker tumbling to a point roughly 30 feet below. After the accident, the hiker that had not fallen had to hike 20 minutes to make the initial 911 call. Rugged terrain complicated the emergency medical extraction, which ultimately took three hours after rescue crews had arrived at the scene.

Details about the specific injuries sustained by the hiker have not been released aside from that they were serious.

The press release about the accident also included the detail that snow and ice are still present in shaded areas of Colorado National Monument. It is unclear if this was a contributing factor to the fall.

Thanks goes out to parties involved in this search and rescue effort, including CareFlight of the Rockies, Century Link Helicopter Crew, Glade Park Volunteer Fire Department, Grand Junction Fire Department, Mesa County Search and Rescue, and Mesa County Sheriff’s Office.

Exploring with a partner is always the safest option. It's also important to make sure people not on the trail with you know where you're headed and when you'll be back. Utilizing a GPS-based communication system can be helpful in getting a call for help out when cell phone connection isn't available.

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