A lost hiker prompted a June 2 search and rescue mission in Colorado’s Vasquez Peak Wilderness Area, which is near Winter Park.

According to Grand County Search and and Rescue, a call for help was received around 3:56 p.m from a 74-year-old man who had lost the trail. The man lost the trail while hiking and attempting to avoid some snowfields that were found on his intended route.

After leaving the trail to avoid the snow, he was unable to find the trail again, deciding to climb a nearby peak to find enough cell phone signal to call 911. Via the 911 call, the Grand County Sheriff’s Office was able to pinpoint his location, telling him to stay put until help could arrive.

Grand County Search and Rescue personnel were able to find the man by about 8:00 p.m., guiding him back to a trailhead where additional crew members were located. The hiker and all rescue personnel were out of the field by 10 p.m., with the rescue subject then driven to his vehicle, which was located at the trailhead where he planned to finish his hike – about 30 miles away from where he ended up.

In a press release about the mission, Grand County Search and Rescue noted that while cell phone reception can be limited in remote parts of Colorado, many newer cell phones will allow texts to be sent to 911 via satellite when cell reception isn’t present. That said, it’s still crucial to follow best practices in terms of telling people where you’ll be and when you’ll be back, also bringing along the ‘10 essentials‘ so that you’re able to survive backcountry conditions for an extended period of time.

As seen in this situation, rescue crews knew where the hiker was for about four hours before making contact. Compared to many cases, that’s actually a pretty quick response time. Be prepared to wait it out with food, water, shelter, and layers of clothing that will keep you warm overnight.

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