Lost After Dark Near Mummy Springs, Two Hikers And Dogs Airlifted To Safety

A routine winter hike near Mount Charleston spiraled into a tense nighttime rescue after two hikers and their dogs became lost in snowy terrain, forcing an emergency helicopter hoist.

Two hikers and their dogs were pulled from dangerous conditions near Mummy Springs after becoming disoriented on Mount Charleston, prompting a late-night helicopter rescue by Las Vegas Metro Search and Rescue.

The incident unfolded Saturday evening, December 20, 2025, on the North Loop Trail in the Spring Mountains north of Las Vegas.

The pair had set out earlier in the day with their two dogs, planning to hike toward Mummy Mountain before winter conditions and fading light caught up with them.

According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Search and Rescue, the hikers inadvertently left the marked trail near Mummy Springs and found themselves off-route in steep, snow-covered terrain.

As darkness fell, they were unable to safely retrace their steps and made the decision to call 911 rather than risk moving blindly in the cold.

How A Winter Hike Turned Into An Emergency

What began as a familiar weekend outing quickly became a textbook example of how fast conditions can change on Mount Charleston, especially in winter.

Snow and ice had obscured sections of the trail, making landmarks difficult to recognize.

With daylight fading and temperatures dropping, the hikers realized they could no longer confidently navigate back to the trailhead.

Importantly, authorities noted that both people and dogs were dressed and equipped for cold weather, which helped them remain stable while awaiting rescue.

Instead of pushing forward in worsening conditions, the hikers stopped, conserved energy, and called for help early — a move rescuers say often makes the difference between a safe recovery and a medical emergency.

Nighttime Helicopter Hoist Saves All Four

Las Vegas Metro Search and Rescue deployed AIR1, the department’s helicopter used for technical mountain rescues across Clark County.

Crews located the stranded group near Mummy Springs and prepared for a nighttime hoist in snowy conditions.

Specialized SAR personnel secured both hikers in helitack hot seats, harness systems designed to lift individuals safely beneath the helicopter.

One of the dogs, a small chihuahua, was placed in a stork bag — an enclosed sling commonly used for delicate or lightweight passengers.

The second dog, a husky, was hoisted using a Singing Rock dog harness, equipment specifically designed to secure larger, more active animals during aerial rescues.

One by one, all four were lifted from the mountainside and flown to a U.S. Forest Service helipad.

Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported, and both hikers and dogs were evaluated by Mount Charleston law enforcement and medical personnel after landing.

Why This Rescue Is A Warning For Vegas Dog Owners

For many Las Vegas locals, Mount Charleston is the go-to escape from desert heat, and trails near Mummy Springs are often treated as casual weekend hikes. This rescue underscores how deceptive those assumptions can be during winter months.

Snow-covered trails can hide turnoffs and blazes, even for experienced hikers. Elevation gain is often underestimated, and winter sunsets arrive earlier than expected, especially under dense tree cover. Once darkness falls, temperatures can drop rapidly, increasing the risk for both people and pets.

Rescue officials emphasize that the hikers did the right thing by stopping early and calling for help before anyone was injured — allowing SAR teams to reach them before conditions worsened.

What To Know Before Hiking Mount Charleston With Dogs

If you’re planning a dog-friendly hike on higher-elevation Charleston trails, this incident offers clear lessons.

Know your route in advance by downloading offline maps and understanding where trails intersect and split. Winter navigation can look very different from summer routes.

Respect cold-weather conditions. Snow and ice often linger on north-facing slopes long after Las Vegas Valley feels mild, creating hazards for footing and navigation.

Pack for both humans and dogs. Extra layers, headlamps, water, high-calorie snacks, and first-aid supplies are essential. For dogs, insulated coats, booties, and secure harnesses can make a critical difference.

Set a firm turnaround time. In winter, being back on a clearly marked trail well before sunset is key. If uncertainty sets in, stop and reassess early.

Most importantly, don’t hesitate to call for help. Early 911 calls give rescuers time to plan and execute safer recoveries — as this successful rescue near Mummy Springs demonstrated.