ENGINEER PASS, COLORADO — A Florida father and son visiting Colorado were safely rescued Thursday night after their Jeep became stranded in deep snow near the summit of Engineer Pass, thanks to a coordinated effort between Hinsdale County Search and Rescue and neighboring SAR teams from San Juan and Ouray counties.
According to a Facebook post from Hinsdale County Search and Rescue (HCSAR), the call for help came in at 6:50 p.m. on October 23, after the pair had become stuck around 4:00 p.m. west of the summit. Their white Jeep, seen in photos with its doors open and partially buried in snow, had driven into roughly two feet of fresh powder as weather conditions deteriorated across the high alpine area.
By 9:45 p.m., SAR responders had made contact with the stranded visitors and assisted them to safety. Photos from the scene show rescuers navigating a snow-covered, exposed mountainside trail in the dark using headlamps, a reminder of the challenging and potentially dangerous conditions faced by backcountry responders.
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The successful outcome was credited to the seamless collaboration between the three county SAR teams. “We’re grateful for the quick coordination between county teams and for a safe outcome for all involved,” HCSAR stated in the post.
High Elevation Travel Risks Increasing in Fall
Engineer Pass, which crests above 12,800 feet, is one of Colorado’s most iconic — and remote — 4×4 routes. Though popular during the summer months, sudden snowstorms in the fall can quickly turn these scenic drives into hazardous situations.
With early-season snow now falling across much of Colorado’s high country, experts urge caution for those unfamiliar with mountain weather patterns or alpine driving conditions.
Lessons Learned & Backcountry Safety Tips
This incident serves as a crucial reminder for anyone venturing into Colorado’s backcountry, especially in shoulder seasons:
Know Before You Go: Check local weather forecasts and high elevation conditions — snowstorms can hit even when lower elevations are clear. Check Colorado road conditions here.
Don’t Rely on GPS Alone: Apps may route drivers through seasonal or unmaintained mountain roads.
Turn Around Early: If snow is accumulating or your vehicle is not equipped for winter conditions, it’s safer to turn back.
Be Prepared: Always carry emergency gear, warm clothing, food, and water — even for short drives.
Let Someone Know: Tell a friend or family member your plans and expected return time.
Support Colorado Search and Rescue
Colorado’s all-volunteer search and rescue teams respond to thousands of missions each year — often at great personal risk and cost. Help support their work:
Buy a COSAR Card: Funds directly support SAR teams. Get one here.
Add a Keep Colorado Wild Pass when you register your vehicle to support SAR, parks, and wildlife programs. Learn more here.
All images courtesy of Hinsdale County Search and Rescue.
