Mountain Rescue Aspen responded to a call for help on August 12 related to an injured hiker who was trying to reach Conundrum Hot Springs.

According to a report about the situation, the team received a report around 6:10 p.m. that a female hiker had sustained a leg injury and was unable to bear weight during her ascent to the popular hot spring destination.

A total of 18 team members mobilized and found the woman about 5.7 miles up the 8.5-mile (one-way) trail at an elevation of about 10,500 feet under the cover of darkness at about 8:20 p.m.

The woman’s injury was stabilized and she was ultimately carried back down the trail in a litter, with the group reaching the trailhead by 11:25 p.m. The subject ended up opting out of ambulance transport.

The rescue team urged those entering the backcountry to have means of two-way satellite communication as cell phone connection may not be adequate to call for help should an injury occur. Being able to communicate effectively is crucial in improving response times, with longer response times meaning more exposure in the backcountry and a lower chance of a positive outcome.

Additionally, it’s important to bring along the 10 essentials during a hike, as these items can make braving the elements when immobilized much easier.

If you’re interested in supporting Colorado’s volunteer-powered search and rescue operation, one way to do so is through the purchase of a CORSAR card. It’s cheap, at only $5 per year.