PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO — A hiker was rescued from Mt. Sopris on Sunday after falling ill during the descent from the summit. The incident took place on the popular Mt. Sopris trail, located in the White River National Forest.
The two hikers, both in their twenties, had camped overnight at Thomas Lakes campground before beginning their ascent early Sunday morning. They successfully reached the summit but encountered trouble during their descent when one of the hikers became too sick to continue.
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At 9:25 AM, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a call reporting the situation. The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office immediately requested assistance from Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA), who deployed a team of four rescuers on foot at 10:43 AM.
A second team of two rescuers followed shortly after at 11:06 AM, equipped with two ATVs to expedite the evacuation. By 11:33 AM, MRA had located the sick hiker and their companion on the trail. Following an initial medical assessment, the decision was made that helicopter evacuation would not be necessary.
The rescue team used an ATV to transport the hiker down the trail to the trailhead, where paramedics from Roaring Fork Fire Rescue (RFFR) were waiting. The hiker was then transported to Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs for further medical evaluation.
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 Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office extended their gratitude to all the responders, including Mountain Rescue Aspen, CareFlight of the Rockies, and Roaring Fork Fire Rescue, for their swift and effective response.
Lessons Learned: Staying Safe on the Trails
- Know Your Limits: Always assess your physical condition and energy levels, especially when attempting challenging hikes like Mt. Sopris.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Carry essential items such as a first-aid kit, extra food, and water, and always have a means of communication.
- Start Early: Begin your hike early in the day to allow plenty of time for unexpected delays or emergencies.
Support the vital work of search and rescue teams by purchasing a COSAR card. Learn more and buy one at this link.
For more information about Mountain Rescue Aspen, visit their website here.
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