CHAFFEE COUNTY, COLORADO – In a challenging rescue operation earlier this summer, Chaffee County Search and Rescue – North (CCSAR-N) successfully evacuated an injured hiker from just below the summit of Mt. Harvard. The incident occurred on July 25th at an elevation of 14,100 feet, when the hiker suffered a severe fall, resulting in a head injury that left him unresponsive and struggling to breathe.
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- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
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The rescue mission began at 1:29 PM when Chaffee County Dispatch alerted CCSAR-N about the situation. Despite the high altitude and rugged terrain, CCSAR-N quickly mobilized a multi-faceted response. The team coordinated with the injured hiker’s partner and other bystanders who had stepped in to assist, ensuring continuous communication with the rescue team.
Given the seriousness of the injuries and the remote location, CCSAR-N requested additional support from Chaffee County Search and Rescue – South (CCSAR-S) and Canon City Helitack. The Helitack team promptly flew to the CCSAR-N rescue bay, where they shuttled rescuers, including a paramedic, directly to the scene.
Once on site, the rescue team performed a medical assessment of the injured hiker. However, the rescue was complicated by intermittent thunderstorms that delayed the helicopter evacuation. As a precaution, additional teams of rescuers continued ascending the mountain, prepared to conduct a ground evacuation if necessary.
Finally, at 7:04 PM, a brief break in the weather allowed the helicopter to safely extract the injured hiker, who was then transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment. The entire rescue operation concluded with all rescuers safely out of the field by 11:10 PM.
CCSAR-N expressed deep gratitude to all agencies involved in the rescue, including CCSAR-S, Canon City Helitack, Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office, Chaffee County EMS, and Flight For Life Colorado. Special thanks were also extended to the bystanders who assisted during the critical moments before rescuers arrived.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Lessons Learned and Safety Tips for Hikers:
- Be Prepared for Altitude: High-altitude hikes pose significant risks, including increased difficulty in breathing and a higher likelihood of accidents due to fatigue or disorientation. Always be prepared for these challenges and consider acclimatizing before attempting a 14er.
- Weather Awareness: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Monitor conditions closely and be ready to adjust plans. Thunderstorms are particularly dangerous above the treeline.
- First Aid Knowledge: In remote areas, first responders may take hours to arrive. Knowledge of basic first aid, particularly for head injuries, can be life-saving.
- Communication Devices: Carry a reliable means of communication, such as a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon (PLB), especially in areas with limited cell service.
Support your local SAR teams by purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) card. For more information, visit https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Backcountry-Search-and-Rescue.aspx.
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