CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, COLORADO – A 50-year-old hiker was rescued and airlifted from Silver Creek Trail on Tuesday after being found injured and stranded overnight, according to the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office.
The rescue operation began early Tuesday morning when officials discovered that the man, who had planned a hike the previous day, did not return to his vehicle or retrieve his personal belongings from the trailhead. Although searchers were able to reach the hiker by phone, locating him on foot proved difficult and took several hours.
The hiker had suffered a serious injury that prevented him from continuing on the trail. Rescuers, including Alpine Rescue Team, Clear Creek EMS, and the Clear Creek Fire Authority, hiked to the man’s location and stabilized him before calling for an air evacuation. Flight for Life Colorado responded with a helicopter, transporting the injured hiker to a medical facility for further treatment.
It is not immediately clear what caused the injury or how long the hiker had been stranded before contacting rescuers.
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This rescue highlights the importance of preparation and caution in Colorado’s backcountry. The Silver Creek Trail, located near the Continental Divide, offers rugged terrain and remote areas that can pose risks for even experienced hikers. Search and rescue (SAR) missions like this are not uncommon in the region, especially during the fall season when shorter daylight hours and changing weather increase the dangers for those trekking in the wilderness.
Lessons Learned and Safety Tips
- Always carry essential gear, including a map, flashlight, and extra food, even for day hikes.
- Inform someone of your hiking plans and estimated return time.
- In remote areas, consider bringing a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator.
- Injuries can happen to anyone—be prepared with basic first aid supplies and know how to call for help.
Colorado’s SAR teams, including Alpine Rescue Team, rely on public support. Purchasing a COSAR card helps fund these lifesaving missions. You can get a card here: https://cpw.state.co.us/backcountry-search-and-rescue-program.
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