PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO – An accidental activation of an Apple satellite emergency device near Crater Lake in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness sparked a swift response from local authorities and search and rescue teams on Thursday afternoon.
At 12:35 PM, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch received an emergency signal from a hiker in the White River National Forest near Crater Lake. The signal, sent via the satellite function of an Apple device, lacked detailed information.
Concerned about the safety of the hiker, the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office immediately called in Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) to assist in locating the individual, who launched a response without delay.
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A team of MRA volunteers was deployed to the Crater Lake Trail by 1:30 PM. However, at 2:34 PM, a forest ranger patrolling the area encountered a group of young hikers who admitted they had accidentally triggered the emergency signal. Once the situation was clarified, all MRA members were cleared from the field by 3:05 PM.
The incident highlighted the growing use of satellite-enabled devices in backcountry areas, which are intended to save lives but can also lead to false alarms. The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office issued a reminder to outdoor enthusiasts to double-check their devices and contact dispatch immediately if they mistakenly activate an emergency signal, ensuring that search and rescue teams can remain available for real emergencies.
Lessons Learned / Safety Tips:
- If you accidentally trigger an emergency signal, always follow up with dispatch to confirm it was a mistake.
- Familiarize yourself with your emergency device’s features to prevent accidental activations.
- Use satellite communication tools responsibly, especially in high-traffic areas like Maroon Bells.
To support local search and rescue teams, consider purchasing a COSAR card. You can buy one at https://cpw.state.co.us/backcountry-search-and-rescue-program.
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