Join us at @tacaw_org on Saturday from 11-5pm for the FREE Backcountry Symposium. As more people access the backcountry, learning how to safely and responsibly spend time in these spaces is a critical part of being prepared. Beginning with a Resource Fair of area organizations, this FREE event will convene local and visiting backcountry enthusiasts to learn about wilderness safety, decision-making, education and ecology from experts in the field. (fb)

Pitkin County, Colorado – 5/12/2025 – Today at approximately 4:40 PM, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center (PCREDC) and the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office were notified via a 911 call of an injured hiker on the South Rim Trail, about 1 mile up from the trailhead. The 911 caller also reported that the injured hiker, a 71 year old individual from California, had fallen and was suffering from a possible broken arm and head injury. The South Rim Trail is a popular, yet steep and difficult 4 mile long trail beginning in Snowmass Village, that connects with the longer Rim Trail after a 750’ ascent. Shortly after 5:00 PM, the Snowmass Village police officer made contact with the injured hiker and their hiking companion. The officer then began relaying pertinent information to incoming rescuers. At 5:15 PM, an RFFR paramedic also reached their location and began medically evaluating and stabilizing the injured hiker. Approximately 15 minutes later, the MRA hasty team and the second RFFR paramedic arrived at their location to assist in evacuating the injured hiker down to the trailhead. After paramedics completed their on-scene evaluation and stabilization, the injured hiker was carried out by stretcher to the trailhead. By 6:02 PM, all MRA and RFFR rescuers had reached the trailhead with the injured hiker and their hiking companion. The injured hiker was subsequently transported by ambulance to Aspen Valley Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. This search and rescue incident was then closed. The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and Mountain Rescue Aspen would like to thank the Snowmass Village Police Department and Roaring Fork Fire Rescue for their assistance and rapid response to this rescue. (fb)