CHAFFEE COUNTY, COLORADO — A hiker stranded near the summit of Mount Huron at 13,800 feet was rescued after a complex search and rescue mission by Chaffee County Search & Rescue North (CCSAR-N) on August 27. The hiker had wandered off the established trail into steep, loose terrain and was too exhausted to continue after struggling to regain the standard route.
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CCSAR-N responded to the call at 1:21 p.m., advising the hiker to rest and attempt to make their way back to safer ground. However, the hiker reported they were unable to move due to extreme fatigue. A five-person team was dispatched at 2:37 p.m. and made auditory contact with the hiker at 5:48 p.m., reaching them by 6:28 p.m.
Upon arrival, one of the rescuers kicked loose a rock while searching for an anchor point. The falling rock posed a serious threat to the stranded hiker, but a team member acted quickly, using his hand to shield the hiker from a potential injury. In doing so, the rescuer injured their hand but prevented a much more severe outcome.
With the rescuer injured and the hiker still unable to descend on their own, CCSAR-N requested air support. By 9 p.m., a helicopter from Flight For Life Colorado dropped off additional rescuers on the mountain, including a technical team trained for high-angle rescues. With assistance and encouragement, the hiker eventually gained enough strength to walk with the team back toward the ridge.
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
Despite the long and arduous operation, both the hiker and the injured rescuer were able to walk down the mountain with the rescue team. The mission concluded successfully at 4:18 a.m. the following day.
CCSAR-N expressed gratitude for the support of their partner agencies, including Flight For Life Colorado, REACH Air Medical Services, and the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office.
Lessons Learned:
- Know your limits: Always assess your energy and ability before continuing in difficult terrain.
- Stick to the trail: Venturing off the established route can lead to dangerous situations, especially on steep and unstable terrain.
- Carry extra supplies: Ensure you have enough food, water, and gear to handle unexpected delays or challenges.
- Call for help early: If you’re unsure of your ability to continue, it’s better to request assistance sooner rather than later.
If you’d like to support search and rescue efforts, consider purchasing a COSAR card. You can find more information here.
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