Climber Seriously Injured in Wilderness Rescue at Mohonk Preserve

Town of Gardiner | Ulster County

A coordinated wilderness rescue operation was conducted Tuesday afternoon after a climber fell approximately 30 feet while ascending the Arrow Wall at Mohonk Preserve.

According to officials, Ulster County 911 received the call at approximately 3:50 p.m. Forest Ranger Rusher, who was already on the property alongside Mohonk Park Rangers, immediately responded to the scene. Assistance was provided by the New Paltz Rescue Squad, the Gardiner Fire Department, and New York State Police.

The injured climber, a 53-year-old individual from Massachusetts, sustained serious injuries to the spine and pelvis. Due to the location and terrain—approximately 100 feet above the carriage road on a 40-degree slope, followed by an additional 150 feet of rocky steps—rescuers determined that a technical rope rescue was the safest method for evacuation.

After a careful carryout, a Mohonk Park Ranger transported the climber to an awaiting ambulance, which then conveyed the patient to MidHudson Regional Hospital for further medical treatment.

All responding resources were clear from the scene by approximately 5:40 p.m.