GRAND COUNTY, COLORADO – A hiker fell to their death off Arikaree Peak in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area on August 28, leading to multiple coordinated but ultimately unsuccessful recovery attempts due to treacherous terrain and weather conditions.
The initial fall occurred on August 28, 2024, when the Grand County Sheriff’s Office was alerted by Boulder County officials that a hiker had fallen approximately 300 to 400 feet from Arikaree Peak into Grand County. Grand County Search and Rescue, alongside several other agencies, launched an immediate recovery effort but were thwarted by dangerous conditions.
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Agencies involved in the first attempt included Grand County Search and Rescue, the Grand County Sheriff’s Office, Boulder County Emergency Services, Colorado Hoist Rescue Team (CHRT), Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, Colorado Search and Rescue, the Colorado Army National Guard, and the Alpine Rescue Team. Despite their efforts, adverse weather and the hazardous nature of the steep terrain prevented the teams from safely reaching the hiker. A physician aboard one of the helicopters determined that the hiker had not survived the fall.
A second recovery attempt was made on September 6, involving Grand County Search and Rescue, Alpine Rescue Team, Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, and Med Evac. However, the rugged terrain around Arikaree Peak once again proved too dangerous for personnel to access the area.
Greg Foley, Field Director of Grand County Search and Rescue, emphasized the decision-making process behind halting further recovery efforts: “Our teams made every possible effort to safely reach the site of the fall, but conditions remain too dangerous for us to proceed. The safety of our personnel must come first.”
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
Ultimately, after careful evaluation, a decision was made to halt recovery operations entirely. The multi-agency teams involved cited the extreme risks to team members as too great to continue, concluding that no safe retrieval was possible given the circumstances.
The Grand County Sheriff’s Office and the Grand County Coroner’s Office have been in contact with the victim’s family, ensuring that they are fully informed of the decision and the challenges faced by rescue personnel. The tragic incident highlights the inherent risks of backcountry travel in Colorado’s high-alpine terrain, especially in technical areas like Arikaree Peak.
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 / Safety Tips for Backcountry Travelers
This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the hazards posed by Colorado’s backcountry, especially in technical and remote areas. When hiking in such environments, it’s essential to:
- Research the terrain thoroughly before embarking on technical hikes.
- Carry a GPS device and always inform someone of your planned route.
- Stay aware of weather conditions, which can change rapidly in the high alpine.
- Consider hiring a guide for areas that require technical climbing skills.
For those interested in supporting the efforts of search and rescue teams like Grand County Search and Rescue, consider purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) card. Proceeds directly fund these essential services. Cards can be purchased at: https://cpw.state.co.us/backcountry-search-and-rescue-program.
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