Alamosa Volunteer Search And Rescue

05/29/2026

UPDATE: The mission on little bear has concluded.

MMEDIATE NOTICE:
PLEASE AVOID THE HELIPAD AREA ON LAKE COMO RD
AVSAR IS CURRENTLY RESPONDING FOR A SAR MISSION.
THANK YOU

05/23/2026

The AVSAR Team thanks our friends at Worth the Drive Bakery & Deli for their ongoing support of Search & Rescue in the San Luis Valley.

Located at 5475 E County Rd 8 south in Monte Vista, Colorado! Stop by for Lunch or to Shop their FANTASTIC Baked Goods!

05/23/2026

Visit the AMAZING Zapata Falls and join AVSAR at the Trailhead Parking Area for a Quick Re-Charge as you Chat-Up team members and discover more about our local wilderness, outdoor safety, and how Search & Rescue helps save lives in the San Luis Valley.

We'll be at the trailhead parking area from 8am to 3pm, Saturday, May 23rd supporting our valley community!

Get FREE Cookies & Ice Water! Grab some Sun Screen. And, consider supporting AVSAR by purchasing some of our Merchandise!

Our sincere thanks to Worth the Drive Bakery & Deli, located at 5475 E County Rd 8 south in Monte Vista, for donating their AMAZING Cookies to our Event!

05/23/2026

Join AVSAR at the Zapata Falls Trailhead Parking Area and meet team members, get some FREE Cookies & Ice Water & Sun Screen. Chat us up about local terrain, weather, environmental conditions & wilderness safety, and find out more about Search & Rescue!

We'll be on-site from 8am to 3pm, Saturday, May 23rd supporting our valley community!

We will also be selling AVSAR Merchandise! Cookies donated by Worth the Drive Bakery & Deli, located at 5475 E County Rd 8 south in Monte Vista!

05/08/2026

As our Colorado weather goes from hot ... to cold ... to hot ... to cold ... okay, you get the idea ... it's ALWAYS important to stay Hydrated, no matter what you do. Healthy Hydration is Essential to staying safe on the trails, in the backcountry, when you exercise, or just running around town living your best life!

Understanding hydration is a key component to staying healthy. Learn more with resources like these:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/water-healthy-drinks/index.html

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/staying-hydrated-staying-healthy

https://www.physiology.org/publications/news/the-physiologist-magazine/2021/july/the-science-of-hydration?SSO=Y

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hydrate.html

What we drink, how often we drink, and how much we drink are all important numbers that help us stay hydrated everyday. Check out the above articles. Understand your hydration needs and work to stay healthy & safe everyday!

Want to know more about AVSAR? Check out our website at www.avsar.us and see what we're all about!

05/07/2026

August 15th! Suds4SAR 2026! Make it a Date!

We'll be there at Main & San Juan with LIVE Music, Food, Drinks, our Silent Auction, and loads of AVSAR Merch! Find out more about who we are and what we do! Need a volunteer opportunity? Check us out and see how you can help!

Find out more at our Facebook Event here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1311093770944839

Check Out the Team! Have some Fun! Hang Out with other Community Members & show some Love to the Team that works & trains to Save Lives in the Wilds of Colorado!

Find out more about AVSAR at: https://www.avsar.us/

05/06/2026

Getting ready to hit the trails? Don't forget to pack light & pack smart. What you carry can make the difference between a great hike and scary adventure! One of the most underrated questions is how much to pack. This Expert Advice article from REI can help you make smart choices and plan better for your outdoor journeys.

Check out the article here:
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-weight.html

Want to talk to local experts? Visit Kristi Mountain Sports in Alamosa, Colorado:
https://www.kristimountainsports.com/

Kristi Mountain Sports, LLC
Alamosa Volunteer Search And Rescue .co

05/04/2026

Meet Crystal Wilson!

Crystal has been a team member since April 2017, her boyfriend, Stephen, was passionate about joining a SAR team when they moved to Colorado from Tennessee. After hearing him speak about the local SAR team in Alamosa (AVSAR), she decided to attend a meeting with him and immediately joined the team.

The collaboration between agencies: Alamosa County Sheriff's office, DFPC, REACH, Flight for Life... and the list goes on ... shows how different offices can come together to serve the greater community. It's a prime example of how communities should function for the well being of all. The people in these agencies have quickly become family, along with her AVSAR team members.

"My passion project has been greatly advancing AVSAR's incident command abilities. Because of my time spent in Incident Command, I have, first hand, witnessed the impact of our SAR missions on the beloved families of those we have recovered. Because of this, one of my most meaningful projects on the team is connecting with the families of those AVSAR recovered. I love learning about who they were, what they loved, connect with the families, learn their personalities and quirks. This is very healing for me."

When not out with the team working to save lives and serve the community, Crystal works as the Team Lead at Humane Colorado's SLV Animal Center. She also volunteers for Greater Good Charities, traveling across the country providing High Quality, High Volume Spay and Neuter services in underserved communities, that lack access to veterinary services.

Crystal is a former AVSAR President, enjoys Wild Flower Photography, adventuring with their two dogs, Jett and Stella, and playing in waterfalls.

Her top safety tip: TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING! Give details to a trusted person on where you are going, your plans, and when you expect to be back. Set communication time!

Favorite outdoor snack: A large block of Muenster Cheese and an avocado.... (cheese is life... I grew up in WI).

"I'm highly caffeinated at all times. And the spicier the chihuahua, the better!"

04/18/2026

04/02/2026

The Team uses merchandise sales to support the costs of missions, training, equipment, and administration throughout the year. It may seem like just another tee-shirt, but with your help these shirts help saves lives!

In addition to helping others, these tee-shirts can help you on your many adventures in life. Check out these links and see how important extra clothing can be in the wilderness:

https://www.survivalsullivan.com/survival-uses-for-t-shirts/

https://www.universalclass.com/articles/self-help/the-role-of-clothing-for-wilderness-safety.htm

Want to support AVSAR? Check out our merchandise at Kristi Mountain Sports, LLC in Alamosa! While you're there, chat with the KMS team about your planned outings and see how they can help your wilderness adventure be safe & successful!

Alamosa Volunteer Search And Rescue
Kristi Mountain Sports, LLC