A hiker has died in western Colorado after taking a 50-to-60-foot fall in the area of Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction.

According to the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the report of a fallen hiker at about 10:20 a.m. on February 21. The 41-year-old female took the big fall in the area of Rough Canyon Lemon Squeezer, which is located in Bangs Canyon. This is located to the southeast of the main Colorado National Monument area.

Summit Post describes Rough Canyon Lemon Squeezer as a “tricky” route and a “combination of caving, bouldering, and scrambling” – part slot canyon, part joint, and part cave. Images of the route show terrain that many would consider to be more similar to climbing and canyoneering opposed to hiking.

Once at the scene, Grand Junction Fire Department crew performed life-saving measures, but were ultimately unsuccessful.

The official cause of death and the identity of the deceased woman have not been released.

Condolences go out to those impacted by this death.

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