Lost hiker rescued near Midway Pass

A hiker who became disoriented while hiking Midway Pass Trail near Independence Pass was rescued Monday evening by Mountain Rescue Aspen.

Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a self-report by the hiker at 6:49 p.m. as they were unable to safely descend the Coleman Creek drainage.

“The hiker had ventured off-trail while hiking the Midway Pass Trail and ended up approximately 800 vertical feet above Highway 82, in steep and rugged terrain where there is no established trail,” a press release states. “Recognizing the difficulty of descending safely, the hiker contacted authorities for assistance.”

Seven Mountain Rescue Aspen members responded to the request and deployed a “Hasty Team,” which Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione defined as a foot team that goes out in a “quick manner,” up Coleman Creek to locate the individual.

Rescuers made contact with the hiker at approximately 8:30 p.m., according to the release.

“The hiker was cold and hungry but uninjured,” the press release states, “however, they required assistance navigating the steep terrain. MRA personnel accompanied the subject downhill to the staging area on Highway 82.”

All parties were safely out of the field by 9:50 p.m.

“This incident highlights the importance of being prepared for variable mountain conditions and knowing when to seek assistance,” according to the release.

Outdoor recreationists are reminded to always carry a personal satellite communication device, have proper navigation tools, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.

“Any emergency may come up while you’re in the backcountry,” Buglione noted.