Lost 74-Year-Old Hiker In Colorado Rescued 30 Miles From Where He Intended To Go

A 74-year-old hiker who got lost in the mountains of Colorado was found 30 miles from the trailhead where he had intended to end his journey, officials said.

Grand County Search and Rescue said crews responded at around 3:56 p.m. on June 2 to a report of a lost hiker in the Vasquez Peak Wilderness Area. After losing the trail while trying to avoid snowfields on the route, the 74-year-old man climbed up to a taller peak to find cell phone reception to call 911.

Thanks to the 911 call, Grand County Sheriff’s Office dispatch was able to obtain his coordinates. The man was instructed to remain where he was until rescuers could reach him.

A team of six rescuers reached the man’s location at around 8:01 p.m. They guided him back to the nearest trailhead where additional rescuers were standing by, and everyone was out of the field by 10 p.m.

From there, the man was transported back to his vehicle at another trailhead, where he had intended to finish his hike. That trailhead was about 30 miles from where he was rescued.

Grand County Search and Rescue is reminding hikers that many newer cell phones allow users to text 911 via satellite even where there is no cell reception.

The agency is also reminding backcountry visitors to carry the essentials, including a map, extra clothing, emergency shelter, and water.

“Have an emergency plan in place in case you find yourself lost without a cell signal. Tell a friend where you plan on hiking and what time you intend to return,” rescuers said. “Stay safe out there!”