GRAND COUNTY, COLORADO – A tragic incident unfolded in the Lone Eagle Peak area near Crater Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness when Grand County Dispatch received a report of an overdue climber at approximately 8:30 a.m. on July 23rd. Concurrently, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office also received a missing person report for a party overdue at Brainard Lake. It was soon determined that the individual’s planned route primarily traversed Grand County, covering Brainard to Pawnee Pass, Crater Lake, Lone Eagle Peak, and Apache Peak before returning to Brainard.
Grand County Search and Rescue (GCSAR) launched a search operation in the area, while Boulder County Sheriff’s Office conducted their search. At 12:15 p.m., hikers discovered a deceased male near Lone Eagle Peak. With the assistance of a Flight for Life helicopter, GCSAR relayed crews close to the site. Unfortunately, by 3 p.m., adverse weather and access challenges forced the suspension of search and recovery operations.
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- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
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The recovery effort resumed at 6 a.m. on July 24th, supported by Colorado Search and Rescue (CSAR) State Coordinators and a Colorado Division of Fire Protection and Control (DFPC) Helitac crew from Canon City. Given the technical terrain and the remote location, a ground-based recovery was deemed too dangerous. The DFPC crew transported four Rocky Mountain Rescue Group (RMRG) technical rope specialists to the base of Lone Eagle Peak. Additionally, four GCSAR rescuers departed from Monarch Lake Trailhead to provide backup and radio relay support.
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
By 1 p.m., the DFPC successfully recovered and transported the deceased male to the Grand County Coroner. All search and rescue personnel had exited the field by 1:30 p.m. The Grand County Coroner’s Office is coordinating with the victim’s family, and the identity and cause of death will be released at an appropriate time.
The Grand County Sheriff’s Office expressed deep gratitude to the numerous partner agencies that assisted in the search and recovery, including Grand County Search and Rescue, Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, Front Range Rescue Dogs, Colorado Search and Rescue Association, Civil Air Patrol Cellular Forensics Team, Flight for Life, Colorado Division of Fire Protection and Control, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Boulder Emergency Squad, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, and the Grand County Coroner’s Office.
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
Lessons Learned and Tips for Backcountry Safety
- Plan Your Route Thoroughly: Share your detailed itinerary with someone reliable before setting out.
- Weather Awareness: Always check weather forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes.
- Carry Safety Equipment: Ensure you have appropriate gear, including navigation tools, a first aid kit, and emergency supplies.
- Communication Tools: Carry devices such as a GPS locator or satellite phone in addition to a fully charged mobile phone.
- Understand the Terrain: Be aware of the technical challenges of your route and have the necessary skills and equipment.
Call to Action
Support the dedicated search and rescue teams who tirelessly work to ensure the safety of adventurers in the wilderness. Purchase a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) card to help fund these essential operations and keep them available for everyone.
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