Payson Roundup

Seven miles into the Hell’s Gate Trail, four adults had to be rescued Saturday evening after becoming dehydrated.

Despite the day’s high temperatures, the group had managed to make it nearly down the trail, which is 11 miles east of Payson, until one of the adults complained of severe cramps and could not continue, said Tonto Rim Search and Rescue Commander Bill Pitterle. One of the group members called for help around 5 p.m. and volunteers with TRSAR along with members of the Hellsgate Fire Department and Gila County Sheriff’s Office responded.

Rescuers drove Jeeps several miles into the area and then walked the rest of the way to the group. When they arrived, they found everyone was dehydrated in the group, Pitterle said. A medic from Hellsgate Fire administered an IV to one person while the rest were rehydrated with water.

Rescuers then slowly walked the group out until they reached the Jeeps. By 12:30 a.m., rescuers had finished the call.

The Hell’s Gate Trail is a challenging wilderness trail about 10 miles long with an elevation change of more than 2,000 feet.