PUEBLO COUNTY, COLORADO — A group of six hikers, including five juveniles, was rescued Saturday afternoon from the rugged slopes of Greenhorn Mountain following a grueling 25-hour search-and-rescue operation led by the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) volunteer SAR team.
According to a press release from the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, the hikers, all visiting from Texas, became lost Friday evening after they strayed off their designated trail near Graneros Creek. Disoriented by dense vegetation and worsening weather, they called 911 for help just before nightfall.
PCSO’s dedicated volunteer SAR team responded immediately, braving steep terrain, heavy rain, and limited visibility throughout the night. Tragically, one SAR volunteer was injured during the search but persisted until he could no longer continue.
The operation expanded Saturday morning with additional support from the Custer County Search and Rescue team and aerial assistance from Flight for Life. Despite locating the group, Flight for Life could not safely extract the hikers or the injured SAR member due to the rugged terrain.
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Underscoring the hazards faced by rescuers, the Colorado National Guard deployed a helicopter capable of high-angle rescues. By mid-afternoon, they hoisted the injured SAR volunteer to safety, who was then transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Meanwhile, searchers on foot located four of the hikers by 3:30 p.m. The two remaining juveniles, who had separated from the group to find a trail, were found about an hour later. All six were safely escorted back to the incident command post and evaluated for injuries, with no serious medical issues reported.
Pueblo County Sheriff David J. Lucero praised the collective effort and highlighted the dedication of SAR volunteers, saying, “This was a very long, difficult, and dangerous operation, and we are thankful for the positive outcome. Everyone was safely rescued, and although one of our SAR members was injured, we are grateful no one suffered serious harm.”
The Sheriff emphasized the importance of outdoor preparedness and staying on designated trails to reduce the risks not just to hikers but also to the volunteers who put their lives on the line during these missions.
The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office also provided a reminder for safe hiking practices, including never hiking alone, sharing plans with someone, and carrying emergency supplies. Full safety guidelines and more information on how to support or volunteer with the PCSO’s SAR team are available at Pueblo County Sheriff’s Response Teams.
Lessons Learned / Safety Tips:
Always share your trip plan and expected return time.
Stick to marked and designated trails.
Carry emergency gear, including food, water, a flashlight, and a fully charged cellphone.
In the event you become lost, stay in place and call for help immediately.
Remember: being prepared protects not just yourself, but also the lives of the rescuers who may be called to help you.
Support your local search and rescue teams and ensure you’re prepared for your next adventure—consider purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) card. Learn more and buy one at https://cpw.state.co.us/backcountry-search-and-rescue-program.
You can also support Colorado’s outdoor safety efforts by purchasing a Keep Colorado Wild Pass, which directly funds Colorado Parks and Wildlife, search and rescue teams across the state, and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. More details and purchasing options are available at https://cpw.state.co.us/keep-colorado-wild-pass.
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