Colorado Hiker Who Went Missing Was Stuck on Mountain After Shoes Become 'Frozen Solid'

A Colorado hiker stranded on a mountain was rescued after his shoes froze solid, leaving him stuck in the snow on Colorado's 14,065-foot Mt. Bierstadt, a popular but challenging destination.

The Alpine Rescue Team was notified of a hiker who set out from the mountain's winter trailhead with plans to return by evening. Before heading out, he left instructions for his father to call 911 if he was overdue, Fox 5 DC reported.

​​When he failed to return by 8 p.m., his father alerted authorities, setting off a nighttime search. The hiker's quick thinking in sharing his plans and using a flashing light saved his life.

Around midnight, they spotted a small flashing light approximately one mile away, which guided them to the hiker, who was stranded above a small cliff. His shoes had become "frozen solid," rendering him unable to move.

Rescuers warmed his feet and belayed him to safety before hiking and skiing him down the mountain. By 3 a.m., the mission concluded successfully.

Alpine Rescue commended the hiker for notifying someone of his plans and carrying a light source, which were critical to his survival.