BOULDER COUNTY, COLORADO — For the second time in a week, a hiker has been found dead near Boulder’s iconic Flatirons, prompting urgent safety warnings from local rescue teams about winter mountaineering risks.
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office reported that a 27-year-old man was found deceased near the Third Flatiron on December 18, a day after his sister reported him missing when he failed to return from a scrambling expedition. His vehicle was discovered near the Gregory Canyon trailhead, triggering a multi-agency search.
A drone operated by Boulder Emergency Squad located the man’s body in rugged terrain around 12:10 p.m. The Rocky Mountain Rescue Group (RMRG) deployed a technical team to the site, completing an 8.5-hour recovery mission to bring the man’s body down from the steep, rocky slopes. His identity remains undisclosed pending notification of his next of kin by the Boulder County Coroner’s Office.
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The tragedy follows a similar incident earlier in the week when another hiker was found dead near the Second Flatiron. Authorities believe he may have fallen, though the circumstances remain under investigation.
Winter Hiking Dangers on the Rise
Rescuers are emphasizing caution amid a surge in search-and-rescue (SAR) calls despite winter typically being a slower season for outdoor emergencies. Angela Tomczik, a field team leader with RMRG, said the group has responded to an unusual number of calls this December.
“The best rescues are when everyone comes out smiling—but that’s not always the case,” Tomczik noted. “We feel that as a team.”
The group stressed that even experienced hikers need to prepare for harsh winter conditions, which can turn dangerous quickly. Chris Wentz, RMRG’s operational director, highlighted that the majority of their rescues occur in the Flatirons due to its popularity among outdoor enthusiasts.
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: Winter Hiking Safety Tips
- Inform Someone: Always share your route, expected return time, and trailhead locations with someone you trust.
- Gear Up: Carry proper winter gear, including extra layers, navigation tools, a personal locator beacon (PLB), and an avalanche transceiver if traveling in avalanche-prone terrain.
- Plan for the Unexpected: Anticipate changing weather, earlier sunsets, and icy conditions.
- Call for Help Early: If trouble arises, seek help immediately to avoid worsening situations.
