ASPEN, COLORADO – On July 20, 2024, at approximately 12:48 PM, a climber texted the 911 operator at the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center, reporting they were “trapped” but uninjured on one of the Maroon Bells – two of the most dangerous and difficult 14,000 peaks in the state of COlorado.
The GPS coordinates indicated the climber was well off the standard climbing route, heading towards the central couloir of North Maroon Peak. An uninvolved person nearby heard the climber’s calls for help and activated their Garmin device to alert emergency personnel.
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The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with Mountain Rescue Aspen, immediately initiated rescue operations. At 2:45 PM, the first rescue team from Mountain Rescue Aspen reached the trail and began hiking to the climber. Due to the challenging terrain, a hoist helicopter from the High Altitude Aviation Training School (HAATS) was also requested to ensure the safety of the rescuers.
At 4:15 PM, the HAATS helicopter arrived over the climber and commenced hoist operations. Five minutes later, rescuers made contact with the climber and safely airlifted him. By 6:05 PM, all rescue team members were safely out of the field.
The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the members of Mountain Rescue Aspen and the High Altitude Aviation Training School for their swift and effective response. Sergeant Franz Zedlacher, who was in charge of the operation, emphasized the importance of staying on designated routes while hiking and climbing to prevent similar incidents.
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
Safety Tips for Climbers and Hikers
- Plan Ahead: Always research your route thoroughly and ensure you have the necessary skills for the terrain.
- Stay on the Trail: Do not deviate from marked trails and routes. Straying can lead to dangerous situations.
- Carry a GPS Device: Always have a reliable GPS device and know how to use it. Ensure it is fully charged before your trip.
- Inform Others: Let someone know your itinerary and expected return time.
- Be Prepared: Carry essential gear, including a map, compass, first-aid kit, and sufficient food and water.
- Know Your Limits: Do not attempt routes that are beyond your skill level.
Learn more mountain safety tips and best practices by reading our comprehensive mountain safety guide. It’s packed with actionable information to help you manage risk and stay safe in the backcountry.
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
Support Search and Rescue
Help support Search and Rescue efforts by purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) Card. The card ensures that if you need to be rescued, the costs will be covered, and it directly supports the teams that save lives.
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