CHAFFEE COUNTY, COLORADO — Chaffee County Search and Rescue North (CCSAR-N) responded to an emergency on the Ellingwood Ridge of La Plata Peak after a hiker fell approximately 30 feet and sustained multiple injuries on October 5. The hiker activated their Garmin InReach device, reporting they were unable to move following the fall.
At 1:06 p.m. on October 5, Chaffee County Dispatch received the distress signal, initiating a complex two-day rescue operation. The hiker was located on the technical Ellingwood Ridge route, which requires skilled personnel to access. CCSAR-N mobilized both hikers and technical rescue personnel within minutes of the alert. Canon Helitak was also requested to insert a rescue team close to the injured subject’s location.
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At 4:31 p.m., Team 1 from CCSAR-N arrived near the subject and began assessing their condition and injuries. While the team prepared the subject for extraction, Canon Helitak, initially scheduled to return, declined due to external factors impacting the safety of the mission. CCSAR-N Incident Command then requested support from the High Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site (HAATS), but they were unable to conduct a night extraction.
The rescue team, along with the injured hiker, prepared to spend the night on the ridge. At 9:45 p.m., Flight for Life delivered a WAM bag (a weather-protective survival bag), ensuring the team had the necessary supplies to withstand the cold overnight conditions.
At first light on October 6, coordination resumed between CCSAR-N, HAATS, and the Colorado Hoist Rescue Team (CHRT). HAATS’ Talon 17 helicopter successfully arrived at the scene shortly after 7:00 a.m. The injured hiker was hoisted aboard at 7:47 a.m. and transported to Buena Vista, where they were transferred to a Reach helicopter for transport to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Denver. The hiker arrived at the hospital by 8:11 a.m. for advanced medical care.
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 rescue team members were safely flown back to the CCSAR-N bay by 9:07 a.m., marking the successful completion of the two-day mission.
Lessons Learned and Safety Tips:
- Navigation and Communication: Always carry a reliable satellite communication device, such as a Garmin InReach, when hiking in remote and technical areas.
- Emergency Preparedness: Ensure you have proper gear for an unexpected overnight stay in case rescue is delayed.
- Plan for Recovery: Technical routes like Ellingwood Ridge require advanced skills. Assess your physical condition and preparation before tackling such routes.
This complex rescue highlights the critical work performed by search and rescue teams and the importance of being prepared for emergencies in the backcountry. Support your local SAR team by purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) card: https://cpw.state.co.us/backcountry-search-and-rescue-program.
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