IDAHO SPRINGS, COLORADO – In a dramatic rescue operation late on June 12, 2025, two hikers were struck by lightning near the summit of Torreys Peak (14,300 ft), triggering what is believed to be the highest-altitude helicopter hoist rescue in Colorado history.
According to the Alpine Rescue Team, the hikers—both from New York—went off-route on Kelso Ridge and contacted rescue dispatchers around 5 p.m. Mission leaders stayed on the line, guiding them back onto track and eventually to the summit an hour later .
Moments after reaching the top, the hikers entered a sudden storm front. One reported, “We’ve been hit by lightning. My partner’s down. He’s not responsive, he’s foaming at the mouth. Do I start CPR? What do I do?” . Multiple ground teams were dispatched immediately.
Thunderstorm conditions grounded standard rescue helicopters, but a Colorado National Guard Blackhawk managed to fly into the weather to reach the summit. Around 11 p.m., at approximately 14,200 feet, a Vail Mountain Rescue Group tech was inserted and successfully hoisted the critically injured hiker—the highest such rescue on record in the state . The second hiker was airlifted by midnight.
The critically injured hiker was taken to a Denver hospital with burns and trauma, while the other was treated and released .
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
This rescue brought together more than 30 responders from Alpine Rescue Team, Clear Creek EMS, Clear Creek Fire Authority, Colorado National Guard, Vail Mountain Rescue Group, and the Colorado Search and Rescue Association—coordinated by Jeffcom dispatch . An Alpine Facebook post praised the “massive team effort” and highlighted the importance of carrying the Ten Essentials and preparing for extended evacuations .
Torreys Peak, the 11th or 12th tallest in Colorado, is a popular climbing objective yet especially vulnerable to afternoon thunderstorms. According to Alpine Rescue Team President Jake Smith, “storms make an almost daily appearance between 2–3 P.M.” Summit routes from the east can leave climbers unable to see storms until too late .
This incident underscores the dangerous combination of route-finding mistakes, post-peak storm exposure, and ill timing. While the victims reached the summit by afternoon, they had left it too late—the delay reduced their window to seek shelter before the storm hit. The successful high-altitude hoist highlights both advances in rescue capability and the critical necessity of timing and preparedness in alpine environments.
Safety Lessons & Tips
Start–early, descend early: Plan summits to be completed well before typical afternoon storms (2–3 P.M.).
Bring the Ten Essentials: Including shelter, navigation aids, communications devices, and extra layers .
Monitor weather closely: In Colorado’s high country, conditions can change swiftly.
Call for help without delay: Alpine Rescue Team emphasized, “Don’t wait to call … If you think you need help, we are happy to answer that call” .
Follow weather safety guidance: Prioritize descending if thunderstorms appear. Learn more at Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s weather safety tips.
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
When facing rapid weather changes—especially thunderstorms and lightning—call upon trained rescuers immediately.
Support Colorado’s Search & Rescue: Consider purchasing a Colorado Search & Rescue (COSAR) card to fund rescue efforts: https://cpw.state.co.us/backcountry-search-and-rescue-program.
And when registering your vehicle, support public land stewardship with a Keep Colorado Wild Pass: https://cpw.state.co.us/keep-colorado-wild-pass.
Let’s equip ourselves responsibly and keep Colorado’s mountains safe for everyone.
RECENT MOUNTAIN NEWS
