Rangers rescue hiker after fall in Avalanche Canyon

Park rangers rescued an injured hiker in Avalanche Canyon Monday evening, and transported her from the area to a local medical facility.

Millie Jimenez, 24-year old female from Moose, Wyoming, was returning from a hike in Avalanche Canyon with a friend late Monday afternoon, October 12. Jimenez lost her footing as she descended a rock slab area. She tumbled approximately 25 feet, and then fell another 20 feet, landing on a steep and rocky slope.

Jimenez’s hiking companion called Teton Interagency Dispatch Center from the scene at approximately 3:45 p.m. Park rangers were flown to the area and determined that Jimenez sustained multiple serious injuries. Rangers acted quickly to stabilize Jimenez and prepare her for aerial short-haul transportation to Lupine Meadows and ambulance transport to St. John’s Medical Center in Jackson.

Hikers and climbers recreating in Grand Teton National Park are encouraged to utilize established routes and trails, and have appropriate route finding skills. Rangers remind park visitors that day-light hours are decreasing, as well as staffing levels in the park. Recreationists should not assume that an aerial rescue is always available.