Embarking on a long walk at a high-elevation while intoxicated isn’t a great idea, as was put on display in a recent situation that unfolded in the area of 11,543-foot Hoosier Pass.

In recent days, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report related to a man who appeared to be intoxicated and was walking southbound toward Park County near the top of Hoosier Pass. Law enforcement made contact with the man, who confirmed he was under the influence and told authorities that he was dropped off at the top of the pass to make his way to his home located in the area of Boreas Pass Road.

The start of Boreas Pass Road, however, is found about 10 miles from the summit of the pass – about a 3.5-hour walk – and getting there would mean heading north, not south. This road also stretches miles into the mountains to the east of Breckenridge, and depending on where exactly the man was headed, it could have meant a much longer walk.

The deputy that responded let the man know he was walking in the wrong direction and gave him a courtesy ride to his home.

Thankfully, the situation was reported. Given the high elevation of Hoosier Pass and the dangerous and frigid weather that this elevation can bring, the situation could have brought tragedy had law enforcement not been made away of the man’s situation.