If you need a reminder of just how wild and dangerous the mountains can be, here’s a thing or two you can learn from this lost hiker who survived 2 nights alone in the backcountry of the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness.

According to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, Neil James Brosseau lost his way on the trail when he separated from his hiking group to summit Pyramid Peak on Sunday afternoon, September 15. The 14,026-foot mountain peak is located in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness, just 12 miles southwest of Aspen.

Here’s how it all unfolded. 

After a 13-hour search on Monday, rescue crews were unable to locate any signs of the missing 66-year-old hiker from Denver. The search continued on Tuesday, with assistance from the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and nearly 20 members of Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA). Brosseau was found Tuesday afternoon.

After taking a wrong turn, Brosseau descended the eastern part of Pyramid Peak. He was left stranded that night, leaving him no choice, but to sleep on a mountain ledge. The second night, Brosseau used a tree for shelter. He stayed warm both nights by wrapping himself up in his t-shirt and parka. On the third day, Brosseau bumped into a group of hunters.

MRA search and rescue team members located the missing hiker along the trail with the escorting hunter party at about 3:50 p.m. Wednesday, Septemeber 18. Brosseau escaped the wilderness nearly two and a half days after he went missing, with minor injuries, including some scratches and bruises.

According to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, voluntary separation is one of the most common reasons hikers get lost in the backcountry.

Editor’s Note: Here’s a  quick piece regarding why we’ve decided to include accident and death coverage in our collection of content. 

Special thanks goes to the rescue crews involved including the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Rescue Aspen, The Colorado National Guard High-Altitude Training Site (HAATS), Careflight, Flight for Life, Aspen Ambulance and the group of hunters who helped walk Brosseau safely out of the wilderness.

Never wander off the trail. Hiking in groups and researching the trail in advance are just a few simple ways to reduce your chance of getting lost in the mountains. If you do happen to get lost, do not panic. Stay where you are and observe the trail for any familiar signs or markings. If you have to spend the night, find shelter before it gets dark. It’s important to remember the 4 tiers of priority when it comes to survival – health comes first, then exposure, then water, then food. Read more about why that’s the case here.