Hope Volunteer Search and Rescue. (Image Credit: Hope Volunteer Search and Rescue.)
Rescue effort

Hope SAR shares candid message with backcountry users after hikers rescued from near Coq Summit

Aug 17, 2026 | 8:28 AM

NEAR THE COQUIHALLA SUMMIT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Hope SAR personnel are urging backcountry rec users to carefully consider their mountaineering pursuits after an undisclosed number of well-prepared hikers were rescued over the weekend near the Coquihalla Summit.

In a statement, Hope Volunteer Search and Rescue says it responded to “another” call on the Markhor to Needle traverse on Sunday, August 16 in which the rescued hikers who needed help were well prepared, contacted authorities when they knew they were in help, and stayed in one location until help arrived.

Hope SAR says it was able to access the hikers by hover exit with assistance from Valley Helicopters, a Fraser Valley company that has helped them on numerous occasions.

Map.
Map. (Image Credit: Google Maps.)

“We are always happy when people understand their limitations and trust their instincts,” Hope SAR said. “We would like to emphasize again that this hike is technical and has a good amount of exposure. It has sections that are classified as class 3 to class 4. If you don’t know what that means, you probably should not attempt it.”

In light of the many hiking trails that are currently closed on the Coquihalla due to encroaching wildfires, Hope SAR urges backcountry users to consider other options in the area like the Needle Ridge and Flatiron, saying they are equally beautiful places.

“You can get to the junction and choose your comfort level. We also recommend Illal Meadows with the option of Jim Kelly if you’re looking for something a little more difficult in the area (easy FSR access behind Needle/Markhor),” Hope SAR said. “And, as always, we strongly recommend that if anyone posts reviews of technical hikes that they include a brief description of the difficulty and skill level required for the hike. If you’re looking for new places to explore, always research various sources of information and judge accordingly.”