Colorado Family Rescued In Utah While On Kayak Trip

A family of four from Bailey and their labrador retriever got more than they bargained for on a kayak trip over the weekend along the Escalante River in Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

The family - a pastor, his wife, and their two teenage daughters - had been kayaking on Friday after a big storm when they crashed into some boulders in rough water. Their kayaks overturned, their gear was scattered, and they lost their paddles.

Have Patch email you breaking news alerts and newsletters.

They managed to scramble ashore but were lost and stranded.

On Sunday, just as the mom's heart medication was beginning to run low, a helicopter crew from Utah's Department of Public Safety - which was out looking for a missing kayaker - noticed the family "in obvious distress."

The helicopter was able to land and get the family - and their dog - to safety.

The "missing" kayaker who inspired the original search ended up safe and sound.

Photo Utah Department of Public Safety.