Mesa County Search & Rescue

Mesa County Search & Rescue For Rescue Assistance Call 911 | Non-profit organization with highly trained volunteers focused on saving lives. These Include Advanced Medical Training.

The Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team is a highly trained nonprofit professional rescue organization comprised of over 40 skilled volunteers. On average we receive anywhere from 55 to 60 search and rescue missions a year in various locations throughout Mesa and neighboring counties. We are on call 24/7 to support the Mesa County Sheriffs Office with any and all search and rescue efforts, f

rom safely carrying out injured mountain bikers to finding lost individuals in the mountains. Our goal, to help out those who are just having a bad day! All ground team members must complete a 10 week training class, hold a current CPR/Basic First aid certification, pass an annual knot test, fitness hike, back country navigation test using a map and compass and meet weekly training standards. The ground team is also capable of deploying and supporting many other resources into the field depending on our mission. Swift-Water Rescue Swimmers, Technical Rope Rescue Techs, ATV, Boat and Helicopter specialists and evidence search personnel.

On Saturday, August 15, Mesa County Search & Rescue (MCSAR) was paged at approximately 9:55 PM to assist a lost hiker in...
08/21/2026

On Saturday, August 15, Mesa County Search & Rescue (MCSAR) was paged at approximately 9:55 PM to assist a lost hiker in the area around Cameo.

MCSAR responded, sending teams into the field navigating steep terrain to reach the top of a cliff area, where they made contact with the hiker at approximately 1:00 AM.

After a medical assessment confirmed the hiker was uninjured and able to hike out, rescuers safely escorted the hiker back to staging, arriving at approximately 2:45 AM.

During the response, rescuers learned that another hiker who had been hiking with the initial subject had not returned home and was potentially lost as well.
MCSAR continued the search, deploying UTVs & a drone to search the surrounding area.

At approximately 4:30 PM on August 16, the second hiker was located safely along Highway 65. The hiker was hungry, thirsty & tired but otherwise okay. After being assessed, the hiker was safely returned home.

MCSAR is a team of highly trained, professional volunteers fully funded through community support. To learn how you can contribute to our efforts, visit mesacountysar.com or click the link in our bio. ❤️💛

✨ EARLY REGISTRATION IS OPEN✨❤️Register here💛: https://runsignup.com/Race/CO/Fruita/MesaCountySearchRescue5KCome join us...
08/17/2026

✨ EARLY REGISTRATION IS OPEN✨

❤️Register here💛: https://runsignup.com/Race/CO/Fruita/MesaCountySearchRescue5K

Come join us Saturday, Sept 26 at Fruita Fall Festival for a fun community race supporting our all-volunteer Mesa County Search & Rescue team.

Every dollar raised goes right back into training, gear and resources.

On Thursday, August 6, Mesa County Search & Rescue (MCSAR) was paged for a river rescue involving two individuals strand...
08/14/2026

On Thursday, August 6, Mesa County Search & Rescue (MCSAR) was paged for a river rescue involving two individuals stranded on the south side of the Colorado River after their float tubes were damaged.

MCSAR responded and quickly launched a boat to reach the subjects. The team located both individuals and safely brought them downstream to an accessible takeout point.

MCSAR is a team of highly trained, professional volunteers fully funded through community support. To learn how you can contribute to our efforts, visit mesacountysar.com or click the link in our bio. ❤️💛

On Tuesday, August 4, Mesa County Search & Rescue (MCSAR) was paged to assist a hiker on the Liberty Cap Trail who was e...
08/14/2026

On Tuesday, August 4, Mesa County Search & Rescue (MCSAR) was paged to assist a hiker on the Liberty Cap Trail who was experiencing symptoms of possible dehydration.

Our team quickly responded and reached the hiker on the trail. Once on scene, MCSAR conducted a medical assessment and provided water & electrolytes.

After resting and improving, the hiker was able to safely hike out with rescuers. MCSAR teams continued to monitor them throughout the hike down until everyone was safely back at the trailhead.

As summer temps continue, remember to carry plenty of water & electrolytes and know your limits. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911. Dispatch will direct the appropriate resources to you, including Search & Rescue if needed. 💛❤️

Our deepest condolences go out to the family members, friends and all those affected by the tragic loss in our community...
08/11/2026

Our deepest condolences go out to the family members, friends and all those affected by the tragic loss in our community this weekend.

On Sunday Aug 9, Mesa County Search & Rescue was called to assist alongside the Grand Junction Police Department, Grand Junction Fire Department and the Mesa County Coroner’s Office in responding to this incident.

As volunteers, we understand the importance of being there for our community during difficult and heartbreaking circumstances. We take our responsibility of recovering loved ones seriously and remain committed to serving families with compassion, professionalism and respect.

We are grateful for the partnership of the Grand Junction Police Department, Grand Junction Fire Department, Mesa County Sheriff's Office and Mesa County Coroner’s Office and honored that our community entrusts us to serve during some of its most difficult moments.

Our hearts remain with everyone affected by this loss.

On Monday afternoon, Aug. 3, our team was called to assist a mountain biker on the Palisade Plunge after a mechanical fa...
08/08/2026

On Monday afternoon, Aug. 3, our team was called to assist a mountain biker on the Palisade Plunge after a mechanical failure left them unable to continue riding. They made their way to the shade structure along the Plunge route, where they waited for help.

MCSAR responded with a Polaris and traveled up the trail to reach the rider. Once on scene, rescuers checked their condition, provided water and allowed time to rehydrate before transporting the rider and their bike back to staging.

The shade structure where the rider waited is part of a community memorial project created in memory of Jeff Higgins. Family & community members raised funds for the project, which was planned in partnership with the Town of Palisade, Bureau of Land Management, COPMOBA and the Higgins family.

We’re grateful this mission ended safely and that a space created in Jeff Higgins’ memory provided shade and comfort when it was needed. Our hearts are with Jeff’s family & loved ones and we hope it brings them comfort knowing his memory is helping others along the Plunge. ❤️💛

From July 25 through August 1, our team responded to five separate missions.As an all-volunteer professional backcountry...
08/04/2026

From July 25 through August 1, our team responded to five separate missions.

As an all-volunteer professional backcountry rescue nonprofit, we are proud to provide these services completely free of charge. Whether it’s a technical rope rescue, a remote backcountry search, or helping bring a loved one home after a tragic accident, we take the responsibility seriously.

Being ready for these missions doesn’t happen by chance. Our members train every Thursday & at least one Saturday each month, continuously developing the technical skills needed for backcountry rescue. Beyond our regular training schedule, team members pursue additional advanced courses and certifications to strengthen our abilities. We are committed to providing the highest level of service through ongoing training, teamwork & experience.

Every member of our team volunteers their time. We are never paid, and those we rescue are never charged. Our services are always free to those who need them.

Rescues don’t happen on a schedule. Calls come at every hour, in every season and in all kinds of weather. When they do, our volunteers leave their families, jobs & daily lives behind to answer because we care deeply about our community.

To everyone who supports our team through donations, encouragement & trust, thank you. Your support allows us to continue providing professional backcountry rescue whenever & wherever we’re needed. ❤️💛

A few of our team members are spending the day with Douglas County Search and Rescue & fellow SAR teams & first responde...
08/01/2026

A few of our team members are spending the day with Douglas County Search and Rescue & fellow SAR teams & first responders to learn more about applying UAS technological advances.

On the morning of July 25, Mesa County Search & Rescue (MCSAR) was called to assist a hiker suffering from heat exhausti...
07/29/2026

On the morning of July 25, Mesa County Search & Rescue (MCSAR) was called to assist a hiker suffering from heat exhaustion at the Upper Rattlesnake Arches Trailhead.

With temperatures forecast to potentially reach 107°F, MCSAR responded alongside Grand Junction Fire Department (GJFD) & quickly reached the subject. After evaluating the subject, rescuers provided water, electrolyte drinks, & active cooling. Once the subject was stable, MCSAR used a Polaris to transport both the subject & their hiking partner to a waiting Grand Junction Fire Department (GJFD) ambulance.

As temps continue to climb across western Colorado, remember that heat-related illness can develop quickly. Carry plenty of water, bring electrolytes, plan activities during the cooler parts of the day & know when it’s time to turn around. Even a short hike can become dangerous in extreme heat.

❤️💛 MCSAR is a team of highly trained, professional volunteers fully funded through community support. To learn how you can contribute to our efforts, visit mesacountysar.com or click the link in our bio.

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Grand Junction, CO
81502

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