After last week’s winter weather, some backcountry roads were in poor condition. This resulted in a double rescue by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Forest Patrol Unit, the Yavapai County Jeep Posse, and the Yavapai County Search and Rescue Team 4×4 Unit.
The first rescue took place around 1 a.m. last Saturday under the direction of YCSO Forest Patrol deputies. Seven individuals between two vehicles were stuck in deep mud 30 miles down Camp Wood Road. The subjects were found in good spirits but remained unable to move their vehicles. All seven individuals were transported to a nearby hotel.
The second rescue occurred later the same day after a driver became stranded due to heavy snowfall and thick mud while towing an ATV trailer. The driver and vehicle were extracted via a towing company with help from rescue teams. Despite the conditions, no injuries or vehicle damage were reported in either incident.
YCSO officials remind residents high-elevation roads can act as traps during the spring thaw.