PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO – A stranded hiker attempting to navigate the rugged Hell Roaring Ridge near Capitol Lake was successfully rescued by Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) on Monday, following a complex rescue operation. The hiker, who had become “cliffed out” in a remote and unmarked area, was reported to authorities via a satellite communication device early that morning.
The rescue effort began at approximately 7:00 a.m., when the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a concerned third party who had been in contact with the hiker using a Garmin inReach device. The hiker had set out the previous day to tackle Hell Roaring Ridge, a treacherous route located 12 miles southwest of Aspen. While the hiker had provisions and had made camp for the night, they were unable to continue due to the challenging terrain.
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Mountain Rescue Aspen swiftly mobilized a rescue team, using GPS coordinates to locate the hiker about a mile north of Capitol Lake. After establishing contact with the hiker at around noon, rescuers confirmed that the hiker had no medical issues and began assisting them back to safety. By the afternoon, both the rescue team and the hiker had returned to the Capitol Lake Trailhead without further incident.
The Sheriff’s Office and Mountain Rescue Aspen urge hikers to be aware of the hazards posed by unmarked and difficult routes like Hell Roaring Ridge, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and navigation skills in such rugged areas.
Lessons Learned & Safety Tips:
- Avoid venturing into unmarked trails without proper navigation tools and experience.
- Always inform others of your route and have a reliable communication device like a Garmin inReach for emergencies.
- Be prepared to shelter overnight with adequate provisions in case you are stranded or delayed.
To support the vital work of Mountain Rescue Aspen and other local search and rescue teams, consider purchasing a COSAR card: https://cpw.state.co.us/backcountry-search-and-rescue-program
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