Sick hiker rescued on Mt. Sopris

A sick hiker was rescued from the Mt. Sopris trail on Sept. 1, according to a press release from the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office.

At 9:25 a.m. on Sept. 1, dispatch received a call about a Search and Rescue (SAR) on Mt. Sopris trailhead. It was reported that two 20-year-olds had camped overnight at Thomas Lakes campground before starting their hike this morning to summit Mt. Sopris. After summiting the peak and making their ascent back down, one hiker became sick and was unable to continue on the trail, the release states.

After being notified of the sick hiker, The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA). A rescue team from Mountain Rescue Aspen of 4 members entered the field at approximately 10:43 a.m. on foot. Another rescue team of 2 members entered the field at approximately 11:06 a.m. with 2 ATVs.

Mountain Rescue Aspen located and made contact with the sick hiker and their friend at approximately 11:33 a.m., according to the release. After assessing the hiker it was determined that a helicopter was not needed. At 12:06 p.m., the ATV team took the sick hiker down the trail. They were met by paramedics with the Roaring Fork Fire Rescue at the trailhead. The patient was transported to Valley View Hospital.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all the members of Mountain Rescue Aspen, CAREFlight, and RFFR who were ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice.