PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO – A group of four children, the oldest just sixteen, were rescued on Sunday afternoon after their Polaris RZR side-by-side ATV became stuck in deep snow on a closed section of Four Mile Road, about 5 miles south of the Babish Gulch trailhead. Thanks to a swift response from the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and Mountain Rescue Aspen, all four were safely returned to the trailhead without injuries—though the situation could have easily turned tragic.
The incident highlights several important safety considerations for anyone heading into the Colorado backcountry during the unpredictable shoulder season, especially when snow remains deep at higher elevations.
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What Happened?
According to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, the group consisted of four children aged 8, 9, 12, and 16. The sixteen-year-old was operating a Polaris RZR side-by-side vehicle when they became stuck in deep snow. The area they entered—closed to wheeled ATVs during the winter—only allows over-snow vehicles like snowmobiles or ATVs equipped with tracks for winter travel.
With no adults present and no cold-weather gear, the children attempted to walk several miles toward safety before contacting emergency services via text to 911 around 1:00 PM. Search and rescue personnel reached them around 3:00 PM and safely transported them back to the trailhead one by one using snowmobiles.
What Went Wrong?
This incident, while thankfully ending without injury, underscores several key factors that led to the emergency:
Vehicle Use in a Restricted Area:
Four Mile Road is seasonally closed to wheeled vehicles due to snow conditions and avalanche risk. Entering these areas without proper equipment, like snow tracks, dramatically increases the chance of getting stuck or stranded.Lack of Appropriate Gear:
None of the children were equipped with cold-weather clothing. Exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to hypothermia in as little as 30 minutes, especially for young children. Even a short walk in snow can quickly turn dangerous without insulated boots, gloves, and layers.Unsupervised Youth in a Hazardous Environment:
With no adults in the group and the oldest member just 16, there may have been limited awareness of seasonal closures, navigation, and emergency response protocols. While it’s commendable that they used 911 text capabilities effectively, the situation could have easily escalated if they were unable to make contact or had wandered further from the trailhead.
Lessons Learned: Staying Safe in Colorado’s Winter Backcountry
This near-miss offers several takeaways for backcountry users—especially families and young outdoor enthusiasts:
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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
1. Know the Rules for Seasonal Trail Access
Seasonal closures aren’t arbitrary—they’re put in place to protect both the environment and recreationists. Always check with local Forest Service offices or county websites for up-to-date access information before heading out.
2. Dress for the Worst, Even on Short Trips
Weather in Colorado’s mountains can shift rapidly, and snow conditions can persist well into spring. Always pack or wear insulated, waterproof clothing and carry survival gear—especially when traveling in remote areas. A simple emergency kit with food, water, space blankets, and a firestarter could make the difference in a survival situation.
3. Ensure Proper Supervision and Training
Teens and kids can absolutely enjoy backcountry exploration—but they need proper supervision and training first. Parents and guardians should assess their children’s readiness and ensure they understand key safety principles, including route planning, emergency communication, and weather awareness.
4. Utilize Emergency Communication Tools
The group’s ability to text 911 likely saved them from prolonged exposure. All backcountry users should be aware that in many areas of Colorado, you can send a text to 911 if calling isn’t possible. Even better, consider carrying a satellite communicator for areas with no cell signal.
A Positive Outcome—and a Teachable Moment
While this situation could have ended in tragedy, the quick response from Pitkin County deputies and Mountain Rescue Aspen ensured everyone made it out safely. Their professionalism, speed, and preparedness exemplify the critical role search and rescue teams play in Colorado’s high country.
As we transition from winter into spring, the risks of shoulder season adventures—deep snow, changing conditions, and hidden hazards—are often underestimated. Let this rescue serve as a reminder: every trip into the mountains deserves respect, planning, and preparation, no matter how short or simple it may seem.
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!
Before you head out on your next adventure, consider purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) Card. It helps fund the volunteer teams who risk their lives to save others—like those who responded in this incident. It’s not insurance, but it supports critical training and equipment for SAR teams across the state.
👉 Buy a COSAR Card here and give back to those who have your back in the backcountry.
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