A Chicago hiking family had a lucky escape on Wednesday after they became stranded atop the Greenhorn mountains in Colorado as nightfall set in – with officials praising the family for acting promptly when they realized they were in danger.
The family of five – three adults and two children – went on a hike on the Greenhorn Trailhead Wednesday morning and were nearing the summit when they were slowed down by the effects of worsening conditions along the icy terrain, according to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
Unexpected snow and the effects of high altitude were taking their toll on the family as they became fatigued with no food and inadequate clothing for the bitingly cold weather.
The PCSO alerted mountain hikers, or people going on trails, to be prepared and aware of rapidly changing conditions before they set out, noting temperatures drop drastically in the winter months when the sun sets.
The Greenhorn Trail is 7.8 miles long. Its beginning elevation is 7,460 feet and tops out at 11,340 feet, a gain of 3,880 feet, according to the Forest Service.
The agency listed the trail as moderate for hiking.
Michael Dorgan is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.
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