Custer County SAR

08/07/2026

We had the pleasure of discussing one of CCSAR's July missions with Outside Magazine. A day hike that turned into an all-night rescue, how a hiker's preparation for the unexpected kept her safe, visible and warm until CCSAR could reach her.



https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/hiking-and-backpacking/broken-hand-pass-colorado-hiker-rescue/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTJJ4RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeUpZaxb5e6lNZXE6hKOpuZsAMzbQzJDU8huSanfVME9yE0JH4RGPRRnCKzcg_aem_3fd84oFWqTA7I8InwtnbdQ

When a seasoned hiker injured her knee on Colorado’s chossy Broken Hand Pass, her 13-hour rescue in the dark became a testament to why prep isn't just for beginners.

07/26/2026

Yesterday afternoon, 7/25/26, Custer County SAR was called out to assist a subject experiencing altitude related issues on his descent from Humboldt Peak. Our ground teams were able to make contact with the subject and bring him down for evaluation from REACH Air Medical Services Guardian One team. It seems our monsoonal moisture has arrived and temps drop quickly up high. With all the heat we've been experiencing, the contrast up high is real. Be prepared for rain, lightning, hail, wind and cold. Have fun out there.

07/20/2026

Custer County SAR hosted and participated in a multi-agency joint training with 35 personnel from Colorado National Guard and 6 handlers and 6 K9s from Colorado Urban Search and Rescue Task Force One. Our scenarios involved ground and air searches for multiple injured subjects in a backcountry environment. Integrating three different teams gave us a great opportunity to collaborate and dial in our systems. Big thanks to all three agencies for the stellar work this weekend!

07/17/2026

After months of planning, Custer County SAR will be conducting a joint training with Colorado National Guard on Saturday 7/18/26 and Sunday 7/19/26. Expect personnel and helicopter activity at our Search Base at 710 Rosita Ave and in the southwest part of Custer County on both days. Please avoid the area near the Search Base for safety reasons. We are in contact with officials with the Aspen Acres fire and have a solid deconfliction plan.

07/14/2026

On Sunday 7/12/2026 at 1645 Custer County SAR was activated for a hiker with a knee injury just below Broken Hand Pass. Given the location in the injury, we immediately called in mutual aid from Chaffee County Search and Rescue - South. Our partners Flight For Life Colorado were able to assist flying in four technical team members plus 125 pounds of gear while 15 ground team members headed in on foot.

While help was on the way, our Operations team maintained communication with the subject and her friends by cell phone. This person has extensive experience climbing 14ers and even though the plan was a day trip, she was prepared for the emergency situation with warm clothing, food, water, a phone, battery bank, a headlamp, helmet, emergency bivy, and a Garmin inReach. All of these things were critical for the duration of the rescue as it took several hours to complete the mission. What was planned as a day trip turned into nearly 48 hours in the backcountry.

After an all-night trek all team members and the subject were out of the field by 0600. This mission is a reminder that as in life, unexpected things happen even to experienced and prepared people. How we respond to those unplanned events is up to each one of us. Big thanks to our friends Chaffee SAR South and Flight For Life for their assistance.

07/13/2026

Custer County SAR is currently responding to a mission. Expect helicopter activity at our Search Base and please avoid the area.

07/09/2026

Wildfire "season" is here. Our usual safety messages are still accurate along with factoring in SMOKE issues. Systems that work other times of year may not be the same now. Carrying extra food, water, electrolytes is critical especially if something unplanned happens. Smoke is no joke! One moment, everything is clear and the next, the wind shifts and it's in your lungs and throat. Please take this into consideration when you head out! Keep yourself healthy, properly hydrated and safe. And pack a headlamp... you never know when you might need it!

07/05/2026

Custer County SAR sent an amazing team to help the damage assessment team access the burned areas along Highway 165.

They brought chainsaws and ATVs to help access difficult areas.

Thank you so much.