A recent Uber trip in Summit County will likely become something four unfortunate passengers will laugh about years down the road. That said, it must have been very frustrating at the time it all went down.

According to a report from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, four riders and their Uber driver became stranded on the snowmobile-only Georgia Pass after the driver’s GPS unit reportedly told him to take the route during a trip to Bailey. Prior to getting stranded, the passengers reportedly told the driver that his GPS was wrong multiple times, but he continued, insistent on following the navigation unit’s instructions.

Prior to getting stuck on the snowy road, the driver passed three large signs that noted the route was closed to wheeled vehicles. That didn’t stop the driver though, who eventually slid off the groomed portion of the road and into a ditch while approaching Middle Fork.

No one was injured, but the vehicle was immobilized until a deputy with a tow rope arrived at the scene. The driver was ultimately issued a citation for his actions – but the problems with vehicles on Georgia Pass in recent days didn’t stop there.

On the same recent evening, a juvenile snuck out of his home for a late-night drive to “clear his head.” He, too, made the unfortunate decision of attempting to travel the snowmobile-only Georgia Pass, which ends up reaching an elevation of about 11,598 feet.

After driving several miles up the road, his vehicle also became stuck. Amid a lack of cell phone service, he opted to embark on an hour-long walk to Tiger Road, eventually getting enough signal to call his mother for help.

Due to poor connection in the area, however, his mother was unable to make out what he was saying, though she did realize that he sounded distressed. She reported him missing. Eventually, a driver encountered the juvenile with the juvenile requesting help. The driver contacted authorities, who arrived to find the boy walking down Tiger Road.

The juvenile was given a courtesy ride home and plans were made to recover the vehicle the next morning.

Both of these situations go to show that it’s crucial to respect winter road closures in Colorado, as snowy conditions can make typical summer routes extremely difficult-to-impossible to navigate – even on a low-snow year like this one. Thankfully, temperatures over recent days have been relatively mild compared to typical Februarys, though it’s still easy to see how getting stuck in a place with harsh weather and limited connectivity can be dangerous.

Follow all posted signage and if signs don’t match up with your GPS unit, the signage should take priority.

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