ASPEN, COLORADO — Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) has surpassed a significant milestone, responding to more than 100 calls for service in 2024—a record-breaking figure for the team. As of September 30, the volunteer rescue team has answered 101 calls, shattering their previous high of 91 missions in 2022 and outpacing last year’s 88.
September 2024 alone saw an unprecedented 30 missions, marking the busiest month in the team’s history. This surge in demand follows an already active summer, with 23 missions in August and 21 in July, the highest consecutive three-month period Mountain Rescue Aspen has ever recorded.
“With three months left in 2024, we’re hoping to NOT break any more records! Stay safe out there, everyone!” the team shared in a post reflecting on the uptick in calls.
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- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
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Some of the major incidents that Mountain Rescue Aspen has responded to this year include dramatic rescues across the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. In autumn alone, the team successfully saved a hiker stranded near Castle Peak after a rockslide and rescued another who had fallen 100 feet on the West Maroon Trail. Other recent missions included evacuating an injured hiker from East Maroon Trail and assisting a sick hiker on Mount Sopris.
During the summer, MRA was called to Snowmass Lake on the Four Pass Loop to help stranded hikers and responded to an injury on the Cathedral Lake Trail. These are just a small sample of the types of incidents the team handled this summer.
This marked rise in emergency calls highlights the increasing challenges faced by backcountry adventurers in Colorado. With outdoor activities surging in popularity, search and rescue (SAR) teams like Mountain Rescue Aspen are experiencing heightened demand for their services. This trend is echoed statewide, raising important questions about backcountry safety and preparedness.
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 team’s milestone serves as a reminder to hikers, climbers, and skiers to take proper precautions when venturing into the wild. More traffic in the backcountry often leads to more accidents, particularly in areas like the Elk Mountains, where technical terrain and rapidly changing weather can catch even experienced adventurers off guard.
Lessons Learned for Backcountry Safety
- Plan ahead: Always research the trail and current conditions before heading out.
- Be prepared: Carry essential gear like navigation tools, extra layers, and first aid supplies.
- Stay on the trail: Avoid venturing into unfamiliar or hazardous areas, particularly where rockslides or other natural hazards may occur.
- Know your limits: Turn back if conditions worsen or you’re unsure of your abilities to safely continue.
Consider supporting search and rescue teams by purchasing a COSAR card. Learn more and buy one at https://cpw.state.co.us/backcountry-search-and-rescue-program.
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