In recent days, a hiker was rescued from an area closed by the Gold Mountain fire, which has now reached 27,698 acres northeast of Ouray.

According to a July 4 release from the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team, they were dispatched to assist a cliffed-out hiker near County Road 14B on June 28. The hiker had traveled up into a gully that was within an active closure area, becoming stuck when reaching a point where the hiker’s retreat was blocked in all directions. Above the hiker was a mine shaft, with steep walls flanking both sides of the area.

After discussion with fire command, the decision was made for search and rescue personnel to enter the closure zone. While the crew was able to quickly locate the hiker via voice command, the hiker was still hidden from view amid the rugged terrain.

Due to what was described as sharp edges and steep drop-offs in the area of the mine shaft, the team utilized a double-rope system for the rescue, securing the hiker in a harness and belaying them up to the county road and to safety.

“What began as a standard rope rescue was significantly complicated by the active Gold Mountain Fire,” wrote the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team. “We urge the public to respect all posted closures—disregarding them places our responders at unnecessary risk. Stay safe out there!”

Around the time of the rescue, the Gold Mountain Fire was about 7,000 acres. It has since nearly quadrupled in size with closure areas expanding, as well. Find information related to closure areas and evacuations here.

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