Hiker rescued from East Snowmass Creek Trail

A hiker experiencing a medical issue who had difficulty walking was successfully rescued from the East Snowmass Creek Trail Tuesday.

At approximately 4:42 p.m. Tuesday, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of the hiker, who was approximately three miles from the trailhead, according to a press release. The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office notified Mountain Rescue Aspen, and multiple field teams were deployed to the area.

Mountain Rescue Aspen made contact with the subject approximately 2.35 miles from the trailhead at 6:37 p.m. The subject was able to walk with assistance, according to the release, and rescuers traveled with them down the trail.

Additional Mountain Rescue Aspen members responded with all-terrain vehicles and evacuation equipment, the release confirms.

The subject was then transferred to an ATV near a creek crossing and transported to the Ditch Trailhead, where they arrived at approximately 7:34 p.m. and were transported by ambulance to Aspen Valley Health for further medical care.

All Mountain Rescue Aspen members were out of the field by 7:53 p.m., according to the release, with the mission closed at 8:21 p.m.

“Mountain Rescue Aspen and the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office remind hikers to prepare for changing mountain conditions, carry adequate food and water, remain with their group, and bring a reliable two-way communication device when traveling in areas without cellular service,” the release states.

In total, the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, the all-volunteer team of Mountain Rescue Aspen, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center and responding ambulance personnel all assisted in the rescue.