Mountain Rescue Aspen

Mountain Rescue Aspen We are a 100% all volunteer, 501c3 organization, dedicated to saving lives through backcountry rescue and mountain safety education.

If you need immediate assistance please call 911 or 970-920-5310 to talk to a Pitkin County dispatcher.

Ropes, ridgelines, and a lot of teamwork. Our all volunteer team puts in hundreds of hours of training every year to be ...
11/09/2025

Ropes, ridgelines, and a lot of teamwork. Our all volunteer team puts in hundreds of hours of training every year to be ready for the moment a call for rescue comes in.

At approximately 11:00 am on Wednesday morning,rescuers located the missing female who had been reported the previous da...
11/05/2025

At approximately 11:00 am on Wednesday morning,
rescuers located the missing female who had been reported the previous day in the Watson Divide area, approximately 7 miles West of Aspen, CO. She was treated on scene, then transported to Aspen Valley Hospital for further care.

Approximately 26 hours earlier, Pitkin County Deputies were notified of a missing person at a residence in the Watson Divide area. It was reported that the subject had left her cell phone, car, and other identifying belongings at a residence in the area, then left on foot. Deputies scoured the area, but as the day progressed, it became apparent that more resources would be needed.
Volunteers from Mountain Rescue Aspen responded to the location, and Drone and Foot Teams were deployed. That search continued until nightfall, but it was decided to resume it the following day.

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, Mountain Rescue Teams began their search again, this time joined by numerous partners from across the state. Rescuers from Colorado Search and Rescue (CSAR), West Elk Search and Rescue, Gunnison, Vail Mountain, Eagle County, Summit County, Lake County, and Garfield County Search and Rescue, as well
as Front Range Rescue Dogs, participated. They were joined by local partners, including Roaring Fork Fire Rescue and the Aspen Ambulance District. In all, over 36 Volunteer Mountain Rescue personnel responded, along with three separate dog teams, as well as members of the public.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the safe rescue of this individual and express sincere gratitude to our public safety partners who contributed to the positive outcome.

Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and MRA are seeking help from the public for an overdue person in the area of Watson Divi...
11/05/2025

Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and MRA are seeking help from the public for an overdue person in the area of Watson Divide and Old Snowmass. If you have any information or have seen her, please contact the Pitkin County Sherift’s Office at (970) 920-5300.

Any information, no matter how small, could be beneficial.

Castle Peak conditions check ✅
10/29/2025

Castle Peak conditions check ✅

Making the most of the last days before winter snows start, to train with a guiding line in the terrain on Independence ...
10/27/2025

Making the most of the last days before winter snows start, to train with a guiding line in the terrain on Independence Pass.

Evening search training.
10/22/2025

Evening search training.

On Friday, October 3, 2025, at approximately 2:40PM, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center (PCREDC) recei...
10/04/2025

On Friday, October 3, 2025, at approximately 2:40PM, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center (PCREDC) received a report of an 80-year-old hiker who sustained a rib injury while hiking on the lower part of the Thomas Lakes Trail. The injury was called in via cell phone to Garfield County and then transferred to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and Mountain Rescue Aspen was requested to respond.

Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) responded promptly after it was determined the injured hiker could not walk out on their own. The hiker was transported to the trailhead on an ATV where their hiking partners assisted them.

A total of 14 Mountain Rescue Aspen members were involved in this mission, and all personnel were out of the field by 5:20 PM.

Also during the previous mission at approximately 3PM, the PCREDC received a report of a lost hiker near Mormon Lake in the upper Fryingpan drainage.The hiker had become separated from their group and was off trail. They contacted PCREDC via text 911 and the dispatcher was able to get the location of the lost hiker. From their location MRA was able to provide directions and direct the hiker back to the trail. MRA sent a field team to assist but the hiker was able to find the trail before the team got to the trailhead.

A total of 8 MRA members were involved in the mission and all personnel were out of the field by 4:40 PM.

The all-volunteer team of Mountain Rescue Aspen and the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office remind adventurers that carrying a dedicated emergency communication device and/or knowing how to use emergency Satellite texting can significantly speed up the rescue process. If you are in need of help, don’t hesitate to press the SOS button—these devices can provide direct communication with emergency services to coordinate a timely response. Keep in mind that Satellite texting goes through a 911 Dispatch Center.

MRA sends a big thank you to the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center for their constant assistance during missions.

Team terrain familiarization on Pyramid Peak, 14,025’ ⛰️
10/02/2025

Team terrain familiarization on Pyramid Peak, 14,025’ ⛰️

At approximately 6:49 PM on Monday evening, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of a ...
09/30/2025

At approximately 6:49 PM on Monday evening, the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of a hiker who had become disoriented and was unable to safely descend the Coleman Creek drainage, near Independence Pass.

The hiker had ventured off-trail while hiking the Midway Pass Trail and ended up approximately 800 vertical feet above Highway 82, in steep and rugged terrain where there is no established trail. Recognizing the difficulty of descending safely, the hiker contacted authorities for assistance.

Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA), was requested and promptly dispatched a field team to the area. Seven MRA members responded and deployed a Hasty Team up Coleman Creek to locate the individual.

Rescuers made contact with the subject at approximately 8:30 PM. The hiker was cold and hungry but uninjured however they required assistance navigating the steep terrain. MRA personnel accompanied the subject downhill to the staging area on Highway 82. All parties were safely out of the field by 9:50 PM.

This incident highlights the importance of being prepared for variable mountain conditions and knowing when to seek assistance. Outdoor recreationists are reminded to always carry a personal satellite communication device, have proper navigation tools, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions in the high country.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the dedicated, all-volunteer team at Mountain Rescue Aspen for their continued service to the community.

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, around 12:15 PM, Pitkin County Dispatch received an emergency text reporting that a bas...
09/28/2025

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, around 12:15 PM, Pitkin County Dispatch received an emergency text reporting that a basejumper crash landed at the base of the Grotto Wall climbing area on Independence Pass. The subject was reported to have landed roughly 200 feet above the parking area in a technical rocky area. Aspen Ambulance was dispatched to the scene but due to the terrain was not able to move the Basejumper.

Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) was alerted at 12:22 PM and immediately began mobilizing members and equipment necessary to perform a guided line lowering. Several MRA members responded directly to the trailhead in order to assess the terrain and best method to transport the basejumper from their landing location to the ambulance. A guided line system was quickly built and utilized to lower the basejumper to the ambulance.
A total of 13 Mountain Rescue Aspen members were involved in the mission, and all personnel were out of the field by 3:00 PM.
Mountain Rescue Aspen and the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office want to remind adventurers to
understand the minimum operational parameters of their equipment and choose appropriate terrain.

MRA also appreciates the communication and assistance of other climbers and bystanders in this operation.

At approximately 9:48 AM on 09/19/2025, the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a 54-year-old hunter who had s...
09/20/2025

At approximately 9:48 AM on 09/19/2025, the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a 54-year-old hunter who had sustained a broken ankle while hiking approximately four miles up Capitol Creek Trail, a popular but rugged route in the Elk Mountains. The injured subject, whose identity is being withheld, was unable to descend the trail under their own power due to the extent of their injuries.

After receiving the initial emergency page, a team of three Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA) members was dispatched at 11:30 AM to assess and assist with the rescue operation. Due to the challenging terrain and the subject’s location in a remote section of the trail, MRA coordinated with Flight For Life Colorado for air support.
At 12:05 PM, the injured hunter was airlifted from the scene by Flight For Life, and all teams had safely returned to base by 1:30 PM.

Fortunately, the hiker is reported to be in stable condition and will receive further medical treatment.

Safety Reminder:
This incident serves as a reminder to all hikers and hunters to remain vigilant in rugged terrain and to be aware of potential risks such as loose rocks, unstable footing, and weather conditions. It is critical to carry sufficient emergency supplies, including a phone with a charged battery, and to know your limits when venturing into the backcountry. Always let someone know your planned route and expected return time.

Acknowledgments:
The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the all volunteer Mountain Rescue Aspen, Flight For Life Colorado, and all responders involved for their swift and professional efforts in ensuring the safe recovery of the injured subject.

On Friday, August 29, 2025, around 1:30 PM, Pitkin County Dispatch received a phone call from an outfitter who reported ...
08/30/2025

On Friday, August 29, 2025, around 1:30 PM, Pitkin County Dispatch received a phone call from an outfitter who reported a 33 year old rider who was having a medical issue up the E. Maroon trail.

Mountain Rescue Aspen was dispatched to assist the individual who was experiencing a medical issue on the East Maroon Trail. The person was treated on scene and along the way as they were transported via litter to the trailhead. The team and the subject were met by Aspen Ambulance and Classic Air Medical for transport to Aspen Valley Health.

A total of 17 Mountain Rescue Aspen members, paramedics from Aspen Ambulance, deputies from the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, as well as medical personnel from the Classic Air helicopter were involved in the mission. All personnel were out of the field by 5:00 PM. The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the all volunteer members from Mountain Resue Aspen for their prompt, professional response.

Mountain Rescue Aspen and the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office want to remind adventurers to consider the effects of high altitude on existing medical conditions, especially for visitors from lower elevations.

Physical preparedness can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure. Stay safe and respect the mountains.

Address

37925 Highway 82
Aspen, CO
81611

Telephone

+19704293400

Website

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