The junction of trails to Algonquin and Wright peaks was where forest rangers with the state Department of Environmental Conservation rescued two injured hikers on consecutive days in December.

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Broken ankle and hypothermia

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On Dec. 13 at 2:25 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch requested forest ranger assistance with a hiker who may have broken an ankle below the Wright-Algonquin trail junction. Due to the location, forest ranger Capt. Kevin Burns requested aviation assistance, but high winds and safety concerns kept the New York State Police helicopter grounded. Thirteen rangers and additional DEC staff and volunteers responded.

Rangers reached the 21-year-old from Saratoga Springs at 6:45 p.m. and administered first aid for the subject’s ankle and hypothermia. An hour-and-a-half later, rangers used a backpack litter system to begin carrying the subject down the mountain. Conditions were treacherous with steep, icy slopes.

At 9:37 p.m., rangers reached Adirondak Loj, where they were met by a Lake Placid ambulance. The subject was taken to the hospital for further medical care. Resources were clear at 10:29 p.m.

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Unstable hip injury

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On Dec. 14 at 12:30 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch requested forest ranger assistance with a hiker with an unstable hip injury near the Wright-Algonquin trail junction. Seventeen rangers responded in extremely hazardous conditions. The subject was in severe pain when the rangers reached him.

Rangers began carrying out the 64-year-old from Ballston Lake at 5:37 p.m., and safely reached Adirondak Loj at 10:32 p.m., where they were met by a Lake Placid ambulance. The hiker was taken to the hospital for further medical care.