ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO – Yesterday morning, Monday, July 15, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) rangers responded to an emergency on the Lawn Lake Trail where an 80-year-old female hiker was found unresponsive by fellow hikers. The incident occurred roughly five miles from the trailhead. The hikers who discovered the woman immediately administered life-saving care through Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
The Lawn Lake Trail is described as “strenuous” by rockymountainhikingtrails.com, as it is more than 12 miles in length with nearly 2,500 feet of elevation gain. It is not recommended for beginners or those new to high altitude hiking.
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RMNP Search and Rescue Team members quickly arrived at the scene to provide further medical assistance. In a coordinated effort, the park rangers were supported by a Colorado Army National Guard helicopter from Buckley Space Force Base, which executed a hoist operation to extricate the woman. The Rocky Mountain Rescue Group played a crucial role in the helicopter hoist operations.
The patient was subsequently transferred to a Med Evac air ambulance at Upper Beaver Meadows and flown to a medical facility for further emergency care.
At this time, no further information is available regarding the hiker’s condition.
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 Hikers in Rocky Mountain National Park
To ensure your safety while enjoying the trails at RMNP, please keep the following tips in mind:
- Carry Emergency Communication Devices: Satellite communication devices can be lifesaving in areas without cell service.
- Know CPR: Basic knowledge of CPR can make a crucial difference in emergencies.
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Carry enough water and snacks to maintain your energy levels.
- Check Weather Conditions: Weather in the mountains can change rapidly; always be prepared for sudden changes.
- Hike with a Partner: Whenever possible, hike with someone else and inform others of your plans.
- Be Prepared for Altitude: Acclimate properly and recognize symptoms of altitude sickness.
Learn more with our comprehensive mountain safety guide with more tips, tricks, and advice to get home safely without becoming a statistic or news story.
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 Teams
Your support is vital to the efforts of search and rescue teams in RMNP. Consider purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) Card to contribute to these essential services.
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