CHAFFEE COUNTY, COLORADO — A dramatic search and rescue mission unfolded on Mt. Shavano over the weekend, as a hiker separated from his group during an office retreat was rescued after spending a perilous night on the mountain. The ordeal, which involved multiple search and rescue teams from across Colorado, highlights the importance of preparation and teamwork in the backcountry.
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The incident began on Friday, August 23, when a group of 15 co-workers set out at sunrise from the Blanks Cabin Trailhead to summit Mt. Shavano, one of Colorado’s popular 14ers. The group had split into two: some members summited, while others turned back after reaching the saddle. However, one hiker, dressed entirely in black, was left behind to make his final push to the summit alone, leading to what could be some awkward conversations at the office in the coming days.
After reaching the summit around 11:30 a.m., the lone hiker began his descent, only to realize he was off-course. His co-workers, who had already descended, had collected the gear they had left as markers in the boulder field, leaving him disoriented. He attempted to navigate back to the trail but instead found himself on the steep northeastern slopes toward Shavano Lake. Despite sending a pindrop to his group, they informed him that he was on the wrong path and advised him to climb back up to regain the trail.
As the hiker ascended back toward the ridge between Shavano and Tabeguache, a powerful storm swept through the area around 4:00 p.m., bringing freezing rain and high winds. The conditions caused further disorientation, and he lost cell phone service shortly after updating his group about his location.
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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
Concerned for his safety, his co-workers reported him overdue, prompting Chaffee County Search and Rescue – South (CCSAR-S) to activate around 9:00 p.m. that evening. Two hasty teams and a drone operator were dispatched to search the standard route and surrounding areas, including the Shavano Lake/Squaw Creek drainage. However, high winds and freezing rain made the summit unsafe and hindered drone operations. Despite an aerial search by REACH’s Lifeline 2 helicopter, no signs of the missing hiker were detected overnight.
As dawn broke on Saturday, August 24, additional resources were called in, including teams from El Paso County, Fremont County, Park County, Teller County, and other rescue organizations across the state. A second operational period began at 10:00 a.m., with teams deploying for a large-scale search effort.
Miraculously, as teams were preparing for another day of searching, the hiker managed to regain enough cell service to call 911. He was located in a gully below Espirit Point, above the North Fork drainage. Disoriented and exhausted, he reported falling at least 20 times on the steep slopes before his final fall left him unable to rise.
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
With a confirmed location, all efforts were redirected to reach and extract the hiker. The rescue involved technical rope lowers and exceptional coordination among the various SAR teams. The hiker was stabilized on-site and transported to a hospital for further care.
CCSAR-S expressed profound gratitude to all the search and rescue teams that assisted in the mission. The team also emphasized the importance of safety in the backcountry, urging hikers to always travel with a partner, wear bright clothing, and carry the 10 Essentials.
“This hiker was phenomenally lucky to have regained cell service when he did,” a CCSAR-S representative noted. “If not for that call, it could have been a long time before he was found.”
Lessons Learned and Safety Tips:
- Always Hike with a Partner: Solo hiking increases risk, especially in remote areas.
- Pack Bright Clothing: Wearing bright colors improves visibility to search teams.
- Carry the 10 Essentials: Always include navigation tools, extra layers, food, water, and a first-aid kit.
Support your local SAR teams by purchasing a COSAR card, which helps fund these vital rescue operations.
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