SILVERTON, COLORADO — A 65-year-old hiker who tumbled an estimated 80–100 feet down a cliff near the summit of the popular Ice Lakes Trail was plucked from steep wilderness Tuesday by a volunteer rope team from Silverton Medical Rescue (SMR) after a seven-hour operation hampered by thunderstorms that twice grounded the incoming air ambulance.
According to a Facebook statement from SMR and San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, the emergency beacon was triggered at 12:15 p.m. on July 1. Thirteen SMR technicians reached the victim on foot and by helicopter, stabilized him, then rigged a multi-pitch lowering system through loose scree to a meadow landing zone below. Mercy Hospital’s Flight For Life crew, idled for two hours by lightning, finally lifted the patient to Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango; his condition has not been released.
“Rescues of this type are complex, dangerous, and take an incredible effort from multiple agencies,” Incident Commander Tyler George said. He thanked Flight For Life, La Plata County Search & Rescue, and local deputies for support.
SMR reminded visitors that summer storms frequently delay aviation rescue in the San Juan Mountains, where response times stretch as call volumes climb. “Be prepared. Be self-reliant. Your safety starts with you,” the post read.
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Ice Lakes has become an Instagram darling, drawing hundreds daily to its turquoise basin at 12,250 feet. The dramatic rise in inexperienced visitors has pushed San Juan County’s all-volunteer rescuers to a record 87 calls last year—double the total a decade ago. Mid-afternoon monsoon cells, like Tuesday’s, are the leading cause of helicopter stand-downs in the range, forcing rescuers to haul injured parties out on foot or by rope.
Lessons Learned for Safer High-Country Hikes
Start early, finish early. Summer thunderstorms typically build after noon; aim to be below treeline by then.
Know the trail’s exposure. Ice Lakes involves cliff bands and slippery scree; a fall can be fatal.
Carry reliable comms. A satellite messenger shaved precious minutes off Tuesday’s response.
Pack storm layers & a warm kit. Hypothermia sets in quickly at 12,000 feet when storms stall a rescue.
Brush up on lightning safety. Review the National Weather Service’s tips for mountain recreation at weather.gov/safety/lightning-sports.
Support the Rescuers Who Save Lives
Purchase a CORSAR card or opt-in to the $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass when you register your vehicle—easy ways to fund the volunteer teams that stand ready when things go wrong.
