Amid heavy snow that’s fallen around Colorado over recent days, most forms of outdoor recreation currently come with a bit of additional risk.

According to Manitou Springs Public Information Officer Mitchell Carter, a rescue is underway involving the Barr Trail and the Manitou Incline.

Earlier on Friday morning, emergency services were contacted about a hiker in distress and in need of rescue on the Barr Trail, which is a popular route that travels to the summit of Pikes Peak, located just outside of Manitou Springs.

After about two hours of hiking up the steep trail in snowy conditions, rescuers made contact with the patient at about 12:45 p.m.

It took about 30 minutes for crews to assess the situation and provide immediate aid once on site, with details regarding why the hiker needed help not made available at this time.

At about 1:15 p.m., the patient was transported to the Manitou Incline, which allows for a more direct and often less icy route down the mountain side. At that time, they expected to have the patient back to the trailhead in about two hours. At time of publishing, the rescue was ongoing.

The Manitou Springs area has gotten about 44 inches of snow in recent days. The Manitou Incline has stopped taking reservations as a result, not expected to reopen for reservations until Monday. No reservations are needed for Barr Trail.

Travel on many Colorado trails right now is extremely dangerous in much of the state due to heavy snow that has recently fallen. In addition to the heavy snow, a lower layer of ice exists in many shaded areas, which can pose a major slipping hazard. On top of that, avalanche risk is rated as a four-of-five ‘high’ on much of the Front Range, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

And don’t expect trails to be hazard free in days to come. A lot of mud and ice will follow all of the moisture that’s recently landed.

If you’re considering outdoor recreation this weekend, make sure you know the current conditions related to where you’re headed and be prepared for deep snow, slick conditions, and changing temperatures. Never be hesitant to turn back if pushing forward is unsafe.

Thanks goes out to Manitou Springs Fire and Rescue and El Paso County Search and Rescue for their involvement in the Barr Trail mission.

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.