3 climbers assisted after losing route while climbing on the Naked Edge in Eldorado Canyon State Park

Rescuer rappels 105 feet to reach stuck climbers wearing only shorts and climbing shoes shortly before midnight

Three rock climbers required assistance from rescuers as darkness fell while they were on the Naked Edge climbing route in Eldorado Canyon State Park south of Boulder on Sunday, April 12.

At approximately 8:15 p.m., the Boulder County Communications Center received a report of the climbers needing assistance on the popular Boulder County rock climb, according to a statement from Boulder Count Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, April 15.

The sheriff’s office said a group of three climbers reported they were unable to continue their ascent of the route after losing their route and not having headlamps.

A video of the assisted rescue can be viewed below:

On Sunday, April 12, 2026, at approximately 8:15 p.m., the Boulder County Communications Center received a report of climbers in need of assistance on the Naked Edge climbing route in Eldorado Canyon State Park.

A group of three climbers reported they were unable to continue… pic.twitter.com/EZ6gH6VnC1

— Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (@BldrCOSheriff) April 15, 2026

Two of the rock climbers shown in the video were wearing only climbing shorts and shoes, no shirts were on their backs at the time of the rescuers reaching them on the route. The two climbers put on jackets handed to them from a rescuer before ascending to the top of the route.

According to the sheriff’s office, the lead climber was positioned on pitch five of the route while the two additional climbers remained on pitch four. The climbers were said to have encountered challenges with rope management and pace, which resulted in them becoming delayed on the route as nightfall crept in.

Rocky Mountain Rescue Group responded to the technical rescue, and Boulder Emergency Squad aided with drone support, according to the sheriff’s office.

Rescuers were able to maintain visual contact with one of the lower climbers via drone while additional rescuers worked to assist the lead climber. Verbal contact was established with the climbers at approximately 10:19 p.m.

The sheriff’s office said rescuers reached the first climber at approximately 10:30 p.m. and provided warming supplies.

A rescuer rappelled approximately 105 feet to reach the two lower climbers, securing them at approximately 11:31 p.m., according to the sheriff’s officer. The two climbers on the lower pitch were then assisted in ascending the final pitch of the route, completing the technical portion of the climb at approximately 12:58 a.m.

According to the sheriff’s office, all three climbers were safely returned to the trailhead at approximately 2:25 a.m., Monday, April 13.

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind outdoor enthusiasts of several important safety considerations:

• Climbers attempting long or technical routes should carefully manage their time and ensure they have a realistic plan to complete their objective well before dark.
• Always carry reliable headlamps with extra batteries, even for routes expected to be completed during daylight hours.
• Climbers should bring sufficient food and water to sustain themselves in the event of delays, as well as appropriate layers to stay warm in rapidly changing mountain weather conditions.
• Mild daytime temperatures can quickly become cold and hazardous after sunset.