PITKIN COUNTY, COLORAO – Late Monday night, a 44-year-old hiker from Minnesota was rescued near West Maroon Pass in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area after suffering from severe altitude sickness. The hiker, who was camping at the base of Belleview Mountain, experienced severe shortness of breath and was drifting in and out of consciousness, prompting an SOS alert to be sent via a Garmin InReach device.
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The emergency was first reported to the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center at approximately 9:35 PM on August 12, 2024, by the International Rescue Coordination Center (IRCC). The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office was immediately informed, and Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) was quickly mobilized for the search and rescue operation.
Rescue leaders with MRA made direct contact with a companion of the sick hiker through the InReach device, learning that the hiker had been struggling with a severe headache and breathing difficulties for about an hour before the SOS alert was sent.
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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
In response to the emergency, a helicopter from CareFlight of the Rockies was dispatched at 10:18 PM, with the first MRA ground teams departing Aspen shortly afterward. The CareFlight helicopter arrived in the vicinity of West Maroon Pass around 11:15 PM and located the ailing hiker shortly after. The flight crew conducted an on-site medical assessment before airlifting the hiker to Montrose Regional Health in Montrose, Colorado, just after midnight. The current condition of the hiker remains unknown.
The swift response and coordination between Mountain Rescue Aspen, CareFlight of the Rockies, and the IRCC were crucial in the success of this rescue. All ground rescue personnel returned to Aspen by 1:15 AM, marking the official end of the incident.
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
The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and Mountain Rescue Aspen have expressed their gratitude to CareFlight of the Rockies for their rapid response and have issued a reminder to all backcountry travelers, particularly those arriving from lower elevations, to take the necessary time to acclimate before venturing into higher altitudes.
Lessons Learned and Safety Tips:
- Acclimatization: Always allow your body time to adjust to higher elevations, especially when coming from lower altitudes. Gradual ascent and rest days can help prevent altitude sickness.
- Know the Symptoms: Early signs of altitude sickness include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. If symptoms worsen, it is crucial to descend to a lower altitude immediately.
- Emergency Preparedness: Carry a reliable satellite communication device, such as a Garmin InReach, to send SOS alerts in areas without cell service.
Support your local search and rescue teams by purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) card. You can get one here: COSAR Card Purchase.
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