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Dan Becker Grand Canyon rescue
Posted: Mar 02 2023 9:27 pm
by Moovyoaz
On February 18, 2023 Dan Becker was rescued after backpacking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim in the snow. See the YouTube videos.
[ youtube video ]
[ youtube video ]
Re: Dan Becker Grand Canyon rescue
Posted: Apr 26 2023 6:43 pm
by UPhiker
I ran into his 3 companions (them hiking up and out) while descending the BA Tr on Feb. 20, and talked briefly with them. They were reasonably coherent, seemed athletic. They mentioned the drama with their partner but it didn't really sink in until I saw the video later. Thought they were incredibly lucky to have NPS personnel plow a way out to Jacob Lake.
Mostly I noticed they didn't have helmets which I thought was odd given the terrain on the upper part of N KB Tr. Later on, when I was watching the video I realized the lack of helmets wasn't an exception to their planning mindset.
Re: Dan Becker Grand Canyon rescue
Posted: Apr 26 2023 6:58 pm
by xsproutx
@UPhiker
Look, it's pretty easy to tell that Dan wasn't conditioned enough for this trip and it created preventable problems but no one is carrying helmets on that trail. It can be fun to crap on people for poor decision making, but let's be honest about it.
Re: Dan Becker Grand Canyon rescue
Posted: Apr 26 2023 8:52 pm
by UPhiker
Not trying to put anyone down here. Discussing a hiking emergency that has been extensively publicized by folks involved.
FWIW, when I talked with Becker's 3 companions about helmets they quickly agreed, commented that they would have helmets if returning for another similar trip.
A trail can become a technical route when conditions change. Deep snow, ice and rock falling.
For example, I've descended the Grandview Tr. maybe 8 times in winter. The top is notably exposed. First time I did it I broke trail in knee deep fresh powder. I have also seen it when the glare ice was so bad my partner and I turned back. It just wasn't worth the risk.
Conditions change.