Injured hiker rescued from East Maroon Trail

An injured hiker was rescued from East Maroon Trail on Thursday afternoon, according to a Pitkin County alert.

A random, unrelated hiker came across the distressed party, who was unable to walk due to a leg injury. The reporting party was able to gain cell service upon exiting the Maroon Bells Wilderness area, according to the alert. After gaining cell service, Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received the distress call shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday.

In response, the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from Mountain Rescue Aspen. By 4:47 p.m., two separate rescue teams were deployed into the field. The first team made contact with the injured hiker by 5:38 p.m. and immediately began the process of carrying the individual out of the wilderness. 

The rescue teams had successfully reached the East Maroon Portal shortly after 6 p.m., where they transferred the hiker’s care to Aspen Ambulance for transport to Aspen Valley Hospital.

The incident occurred on a section of the East Maroon Trail, a scenic three-mile loop that connects with Maroon Lake from the East Maroon Portal. 

This was second injured hiker rescued near the Aspen area on Thursday.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the all-volunteer rescue teams at Mountain Rescue Aspen, as well as the responders from the Aspen Ambulance District, for their swift and professional response, according to the release.

Pitkin County said that this incident serves as a reminder to hikers entering the backcountry to be well-prepared. Rescues in such remote areas can be time-consuming, and it’s crucial to carry appropriate supplies, clothing, and a device capable of emergency two-way communication to ensure safety during outdoor adventures.