http://www.MountainRescueAspen.org/

Mountain Rescue Aspen, 37925 Highway 82, Aspen, CO (2026)

08/31/2026

Pitkin County, Colorado – On Saturday, August 29, 2026 Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) responded to a report of three hikers stranded at approximately 11,000 feet in the Avalanche Creek area.

The group, a parent and two juvenile children, reported being unable to safely descend and had limited food, water and communication capabilities. CareFlight of the Rockies located the hikers and assisted with their evacuation from the area.

MRA and Sheriff’s Office personnel coordinated the rescue response, with rescuers meeting the helicopter at the Redstone Coke Ovens.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office reminds backcountry users to be prepared for changing mountain conditions and to carry adequate food, water, navigation equipment and reliable emergency communication devices.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the all volunteer team of Mountain Rescue Aspen and CareFlight of the Rockies for their assistance.

08/17/2026

On Sunday, Aspen Fire responded to Aspen Mountain for a reported midair collision between a hang glider and a paraglider. Crews performed a raise of more than 1,000 feet to reach an injured pilot who was unable to self-extricate, and transferred the patient to Aspen Ambulance for care.

"It was a smooth operation and a coordinated effort," said Lieutenant Lewin.

Aspen Fire Protection District extends its appreciation to Aspen Ambulance, Mountain Rescue Aspen, and Aspen Mountain Patrol, and to the volunteers and support staff who made this operation possible.

08/16/2026

Pitkin County, Colorado – On Sunday, August 16, 2026, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of an injured climber who had fallen approximately 500 feet while climbing on the north face of North Maroon Peak.

Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) was notified and mobilized two field teams to assist with the technical rescue. The climber sustained several injuries from their fall.

MRA ground teams traveled into the North Maroon Peak area carrying medical and technical rescue equipment. A helicopter from the High-Altitude Army Aviation Training Site (HAATS) was requested to assist with the evacuation.

At approximately 2:36 PM, the climber was reported to be aboard the helicopter. The patient was subsequently transferred to an ambulance at the airport for continued medical care. Mountain Rescue Aspen fielded a total of 34 members in assistance with the mission and all members were out of the field by 4:30pm.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office reminds climbers to carefully assess route conditions and their abilities before entering technical terrain. Climbers should carry appropriate equipment, have a reliable means of communication, and be prepared for the possibility of an injury or other emergency in remote mountain terrain.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the all volunteer team of Mountain Rescue Aspen, HAATS and Aspen Ambulance assisted with the evacuation for their work during this rescue.

08/16/2026

Pitkin County, Colorado – On Sunday, August 16, 2026, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of two injured individuals following a midair collision between a paraglider and a hang glider in the Aspen Mountain area.

Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) was notified and mobilized rescue personnel to assist with the evacuation. An Aspen Mountain ranger made patient contact at approximately 10:56 AM. One subject sustained minor injuries and was able to walk uphill to the road. The subject declined further medical care after being evaluated by an ambulance.

Rescuers continued the evacuation of the second subject using a litter and rope system. The subject was transported uphill to the road and then loaded into a side-by-side vehicle before being transferred to an ambulance for further medical care.

A total of 34 MRA team members were involved and completed the rescue operation at approximately 1:22 PM.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office reminds individuals participating in paragliding, hang gliding, and other mountain aviation to maintain appropriate separation from other aircraft, and carry reliable communication and safety equipment. Participants should also be prepared to manage injuries and other emergencies until outside assistance can arrive.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the all volunteer team of Mountain Rescue Aspen, Aspen Fire Department, Aspen Mountain Rangers and Aspen Ambulance for their assistance during this rescue.

08/11/2026

Pitkin County, Colorado – 08/09/2026 – Today at approximately 5:55 PM, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of an injured climber in the Maroon Bells area. The subject had injured their right ankle while climbing and was able to communicate with 911 by cell phone.

Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) was notified and deployed multiple teams to assist with the rescue. At 8:50 PM, rescuers made contact with the injured subject. The subject was assessed by MRA medical personnel and the ankle was stabilized, allowing the subject to walk with assistance down the trail.

The two uninjured members of the party were escorted out with their camping gear, while rescuers continued with the injured subject. All MRA teams were back at the trailhead parking area by approximately 11:32 PM.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office reminds backcountry travelers to carry reliable communication and navigation equipment, keep devices fully charged, and be prepared for injuries or delays when traveling in remote mountain terrain.

16 MRA members were part of the mission that lasted 6 hours. The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the all volunteer team of Mountain Rescue Aspen for their work in assisting the injured subject and safely evacuating the party.

08/09/2026

Pitkin County, Colorado – The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) assisted Gunnison County in a mutual aid response to rescue an injured climber on Maroon Peak.

The Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a request at 5:41 PM for mutual aid after a report that a climber had suffered a significant fall at approximately 13,550 feet on the standard route. The subject was unable to walk and reported to have a significant ankle injury.

MRA coordinated with CareFlight of the Rockies (CareFlight) and began mobilizing ground rescue teams. Four MRA members were inserted by helicopter onto a ridge approximately one mile from the subject while additional team members remained staged at Crater Lake.

MRA team members made contact with the subject at approximately 10:42 PM. The subject reported taking an approximately 15-foot tumbling fall while wearing a helmet. The subject remained with four MRA rescuers overnight to support the subject until a hoist rescue could be performed at first light.

A Colorado High Altitude Aviation Training Site (HAATS) helicopter arrived with two hoist rescue techs from MRA and successfully evacuated the subject and all rescue personnel. Subject was transported to AVH by Aspen Ambulance. All MRA members were out of the field by approximately 8:18 AM, and the mission was subsequently closed.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office reminds climbers and backcountry travelers to be prepared for the physical demands of the terrain, changing mountain conditions, and the possibility of injury or delayed evacuation. Individuals traveling in remote and technical terrain should carry appropriate equipment, communication devices, and emergency supplies, be knowledgeable in the proper use of their equipment, and should be prepared to spend an extended period in the field if outside assistance is delayed.

08/05/2026

Pitkin County, Colorado – On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at approximately 4:42 PM, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of a hiker experiencing a medical issue and difficulty walking on the East Snowmass Creek Trail. The subject was reported to be approximately three miles from the trailhead.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office notified Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA), which deployed multiple field teams to the area.

At approximately 6:37 PM, MRA made contact with the subject approximately 2.35 miles from the trailhead. The subject was able to walk with assistance, and rescuers began traveling down the trail. Additional MRA members responded with all-terrain vehicles and evacuation equipment.

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

All MRA members were out of the field by approximately 7:53 PM, and the mission was closed at 8:21 PM.

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 Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the all volunteer team of Mountain Rescue Aspen, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center, and responding ambulance personnel for their assistance with this rescue.

07/31/2026

Pitkin County, Colorado – 7/30/2026 – On Thursday morning at approximately 9:24 a.m., the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of an injured hiker on Trail Rider Pass above Snowmass Lake. The incident occurred in a remote and challenging section of the backcountry.

Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) responded to the call and requested assistance from a Flight For Life Colorado helicopter while simultaneously assembling a rescue team to support the mission if needed.

Flight For Life was able to safely land near the injured hiker, provide immediate care, and transport the patient to Aspen Valley Health for further medical treatment. The rescue was completed, with all personnel out of the field by 11:28 a.m. A total of 13 Mountain Rescue Aspen volunteers participated in the response.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the all-volunteer members of Mountain Rescue Aspen and the Flight For Life Colorado crew for their swift response, which contributed to the successful outcome of the mission.

As summer recreation continues, the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office reminds backcountry users to be prepared for emergencies by carrying a dedicated two-way satellite communication device, traveling with appropriate safety equipment, and ensuring they have the knowledge and supplies necessary to respond to medical emergencies in remote areas where cell phone service may be unavailable.

07/25/2026

Pitkin County, Colorado – On Saturday, July 25, 2026, at approximately 10:55 AM, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received information via a call to 911 of a person experiencing severe abdominal pain and unable to move.

Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) was already at the CB Cameron Rescue Center completing the previous mission and was immediately alerted to the new mission. Flight for Life Colorado was still at the Aspen Airport and was requested for assistance.

Multiple rescuers deployed by foot and ATV to access the patient. Additionally, Flight crew directly to the coordinates of the injured person. The helicopter was able to find a landing spot approximately one-half mile below the subject. They were able to hike up the trail to and transport the patient with the assistance of bystanders on scene down to the helicopter. The Mountain Rescue Aspen field teams also arrived on scene and assisted. The patient was subsequently flown directly from the scene for further care at Valley View Hospital.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the all-volunteer team of Mountain Rescue Aspen for their work on this rescue, which was the fourth request in a 24-hour stretch. All backcountry users are reminded that one of the most important backcountry skills is knowing when to turn around. If weather conditions worsen, daylight is fading, the route becomes more difficult than expected, or someone in your group is becoming fatigued, changing your plans is often the safest decision. The mountain will still be there another day. Mountain environments place additional stress on the body, even for healthy individuals. High elevation, steep terrain, and changing weather can contribute to fatigue and medical issues. Pace yourself, take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and recognize that symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or shortness of breath may indicate the need to descend or seek medical attention.

07/25/2026

Pitkin County, Colorado – On Friday, July 24, 2026, at approximately 6:49 PM, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received information from the Garmin Emergency Rescue Center that they received a message via InReach satellite that stated a person was lost and required assistance. This was a second mission that happened concurrently with the Hayes Creek hiker incident; however, this incident carried on throughout the night.

Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) was immediately alerted and worked to establish communications with the subject. The subject appeared lost in the Pierre Lakes basin southwest of the Capitol Peak summit. Flight for Life Colorado was requested to assist at first light by performing a flyover of the subject and to help assess the situation. The subject was located on the steep eastern slope south of the summit. During the flyover, the subject was waving his arms, apparently requesting assistance. Flight for Life was not able to land in the general adjacent area of the subject but reported back the conditions. Flight for Life then returned to base for a crew change.

Through messaging to the subject via his satellite Garmin Inreach device, the subject was instructed to move east, downhill towards Pierre Lakes. Over the next hour and a half while waiting for Flight for Life to return, the subject made their way towards Pierre Lakes.

Flight for Life was utilized to fly a flight crew member and Mountain Rescue Aspen rescuer into the basin to extract the subject, who was exhausted and unprepared for spending the night out and the terrain. The subject was transported back to the Aspen Airport for further evaluation and care. All responders were out of the field at 10:40 am, almost 16 hours after the incident began.

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