BOULDER COUNTY, COLORADO – A 60-year-old woman was found safe after being reported missing during a hike near Eldorado Springs on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. The hiker, who set out around 6:00 p.m., had intended to return by 7:30 p.m., but after failing to come back on time, her family reported her missing around 8:43 p.m.
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office received the call and immediately initiated a search operation with the Rocky Mountain Rescue Group (RMRG) deploying small teams to scour the area. After several hours of searching the Goshawk Trail area, rescue teams located the woman just before 1:00 a.m. on October 23. She was found in good condition, without any injuries, and was escorted safely back down to the trailhead where she was evaluated as a precaution.
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 Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Boulder County Emergency Services, City of Boulder Open Space Rangers, Boulder Emergency Services, and Front Range Rescue Dogs provided critical support during the operation.
This incident underscores the collaborative nature of Boulder County’s search and rescue operations, with multiple agencies coming together to ensure a positive outcome. The Goshawk Trail, located near Eldorado Springs, is a popular hiking destination, but as this case illustrates, unexpected delays or incidents can occur even on familiar trails.
Lessons Learned and Safety Tips for Hikers:
- Always let someone know your hiking plans, including your expected return time.
- Bring appropriate gear for changing weather conditions and darkness, even for short hikes.
- If you find yourself lost or delayed, staying put can help rescue teams locate you faster.
This successful rescue also highlights the importance of supporting local search and rescue teams. Consider purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) card to assist SAR efforts across the state.
Visit https://cpw.state.co.us/backcountry-search-and-rescue-program for more information.
RECENT MOUNTAIN NEWS
