Hiking is a game of endurance. It’s about having a mind-body connection that is so strong that your instincts will never lead you astray. However, on the off chance that you misjudge your capabilities, a good hiker always expects the unexpected. Any good hiker knows that failing to plan is planning to fail. That being said, tough hiking trails condition people to be tough and that is exactly what happened with Izem Guendoud.

The California native was hiking in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, where he suffered head and leg injuries. He reached out to the authorities with a 911 call and waited in those cold and damp conditions. Guendoud was stuck in the Huntington Ravine Trail; one of White Mountains’ most challenging loops.

Why Guendoud Needed Help

On Tuesday, Izem Guendoud was making his way up the Huntington Ravine Trail. However, eventually, he lost his footing as he slipped on a steep, wet slab of rock. This led to him suffering an unknown leg injury and some head injuries. When Guendoud called for help, the weather was in the 30s. Simulateneously, it was also raining with a low cloud ceiling and snow at the higher levels. Officials at the trail put down Guendoud’s ill fate and injuries due to a lack of experience and preparation.

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The rescue team used the Auto Road in their attempt to get to the top of Huntington Ravine Trail and help him. The task was challenging and the rescuers only managed it through the use of ropes and belays. Still, once they reached Guendoud, the rescuers placed him in a litter to pass him down rather than hoisting him with ropes and other climbing gear.

While Guendoud called for help at around 5:20 p.m., the first rescuers arrived only by 9 p.m. They began carrying him down around 11:15 p.m. The 22-person team roughed it up in very tough conditions including cold climate, steep terrains, and on-and-off rains.

The Rescue was Successful

At 6 am, 13 hours after the initial 911 call, Izem was placed on an ATV, which was driven down from the trail to the parking lot. From there, an ambulance took him to Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin, New Hampshire. There was no immediate update on his condition.

Authorities warned hikers from going on the Huntington Ravine Trail, claiming it’s unsafe unless you are a veteran hiker. They have also added signs claiming, “Signs have been posted at both the lower and upper entrances to this trail in an effort to dissuade casual hikers from attempting this hike.”

Carrying out rescue missions in conditions like these is no small matter. The rescuers must be proud of themselves for making sure Guendoud was alright. Navigating the Huntington trail so late at night is an impressive feat, but also a dangerous ones.

It also put the rescuers’ lives at risk. So, forest authorities are asking hikers to think twice before deciding to take on the Huntington Ravine Trail.

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