This photo provided by David Cifaldi shows Cifaldi after he impaled himself on a trekking pole while attempting to climb Montana’s highest summit, Granite Peak (Source: Associated Press)
David Cifaldi and his two hiking companions were attempting to summit Montana's highest peak when their adventure took a bizarre and dangerous turn: Cifaldi slipped and impaled himself on his trekking pole as he fell.
The 112cm steel-tipped pole passed through the flesh beneath his left arm, missing any vital organs, and protruded from his back.
The 32-year-old nurse, who works in wound care, did a self-assessment. He was alert. There was little pain or blood. And the pole wasn’t moving. The group used their Garmin inReach, to contact local authorities and inform them of their plan to self-rescue.
After more than six hours of travelling 16km and descending roughly 1500m, the group reached a trailhead and drove to the local hospital. Doctors removed the pole and bandaged David up.
Also in this week’s outdoor news: 30-year hiking tradition keeps Colorado women connected, world-renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja confirmed dead after Pakistan avalanche, 15 new bridges to be installed on the Mountains to Sea Great Ride and more!
Missed yesterday’s feature? Great advice from Great Walkers: we’ve spoken to seven people who have recently completed their first Great Walk.
Top reads
Take a look at this week's most read articles at wildernessmag.co.nz.
Featured Book
Life in the shallows
Featuring wetlands to visit across the country, descriptions of the rich bird, insect and plant life that can be found there, and some of the innovative ways we can protect and restore them, this book is a key resource for those who want to explore these precious places.
Subscribers get a 10% discount.
Walking with purpose
Trudy with former project manager Stu Henley on Tōtara Bridge on Kawatiri Coastal Trail. Photo: Peter Coburn
Struggling to find motivation to archive your Walk1200km goals?
Finding a purpose for your walking can help you cover more distance.
We spoke with two walkers to find what drives them. Rob Holloway is an avid orchid hunter and Trudy Ellis began working on predator control.
Current Issue - September 2026 Great Walks special issue
Get a free gear Checklist printed on 250gsm card with the September Great Walks special issue. Also inside, Which Great Walk is right for you, tips and advice from those who have done them, plus the birds and plants to spot on your Great Walk adventure.
Hut of the week 🏡
Photo: Mark Watson
Carrington Hut, Arthur’s Pass National Park
The serviced 36-bunk Carrington Hut has been a base for trampers and climbers for nearly 100 years. Encircled by peaks at the confluence of the White and Waimakariri rivers, it is a great place to draw inspiration for future adventures.
The hut was named for Gerard Carrington who helped instigate Canterbury Tramping Club in 1925. Carrington was a champion of the hut’s construction, but drowned in the Waimakariri before it was complete. The current building dates from the 1970s and is the third iteration.
Carrington Hut is on radio link to Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre 7 days a week (except Christmas Day).
Have a hut you want to see featured? Send an email to [email protected] with the hut and why you’d like to see it featured.
Want to receive fewer emails? Did you know you can select the days of the week you receive Wilderness Daily? Update your preferences here.
