Verde Search and Rescue-VSAR

10/05/2026

Mission #103 Boynton Canyon-Subway Cave Lost Dehydrated Hikers
Around 1:30 PM two visiting hikers notified 911 of being lost in the area of Subway Cave. The GPS coordinates showed them just off the trail, downhill from the cave. Our teams set out to contact the folks. We are lucky enough that Enchantment allows us to drive to the end of their property to begin our rescue hike. We appreciate their support. On a Sunday there is limited parking at the Boynton trailhead. The gals were in good spirits upon arrival. They were provided water, electrolytes, and snacks. These rescues are done by VSAR volunteers. Great job getting the gals to safety.
-Hike Safe
VSAR

09/21/2026

It’s been a busy year. Our current count is 96 with three months to go. In 2020 VSAR had over 120 mission calls.
-Hike Safe
VSAR

The Verde Search and Rescue Posse, which assists the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and other first responders in search and rescue operations in Sedona and the Verde Valley, has surpassed its 2025 mission count of 84. ■ Mission 82: Saturday, Aug. 22, 10:30 a.m. Aerie Trail. VSAR responded to a...

09/20/2026

COMMUNITY OUTREACH EVENT: OCTOBER 3

Join our Sedona Police Department for the annual free Community Outreach Event on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at The Hub, located at 525 Posse Ground Rd.

This family-friendly event strengthens partnerships between community and the police and focuses on crime prevention and public safety in a fun, positive way.

Formally known as National Night Out, this event brings organizations that work together to keep Sedona a safe place to live, work and visit. Participating in the event are the Sedona Fire District, Coconino and Yavapai County emergency management teams, Verde Valley Search and Rescue, the Verde Valley Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) unit, and more.

Along with meeting community public safety officials, information will be available on topics like law enforcement, firefighting, safety and rescue equipment, and ways to make homes and streets safer, among others. There will also be SWAT, K9, drone, traffic stops and DUI demos throughout the event.

FREE hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, and water will be served. A caricature artist will be there to draw fun pictures of people who attend. Other kid friendly activities are also planned.

Thank you to the Sedona Police Department volunteers for helping with this year’s celebration!

09/16/2026

Jeep Posse drone team was called out yesterday to conduct a search for a missing person. At the conclusion of our search the sun was setting and the desert came to life! Sometimes our searches take us to beautiful places😀

09/14/2026

Mission #93 Trail 17-West Clear Creek 9/13/26 0947 hrs.
One hiker in a group of 6 fell ill at the base of Trail 17. That is 2.5 miles and 1678’ in elevation from the trailhead at the top. They had camped overnight. A team combined of VSAR and Backcountry contacted the subject. As the wind picked up and a monsoon hit Sedona, the rain missed us. Whew!
DPS flew in to hoist the subject out. MCSO sent another helicopter to fly out our 7 rescue personnel at the bottom. The hike is no joke and the help was greatly appreciated. Agency cooperation in very important. Thank you again to our rescue partners.
-Hike Safe
VSAR

09/12/2026

This team utilized a drone to deliver a rope to a stranded climber. Very creative with a great outcome.

09/09/2026

Mission Call Out #90 -Woodchute (Mingus Mtn) 9/7/2026 1353hrs.
VSAR personnel were called to the Woodchute area to look for an over due rock-hounder. A husband and wife were hiking and looking for rocks in different areas. The husband did not return on time to the meeting place. Yavapai County SAR was notified and all teams responded. Personnel searched until 1030 hrs 9/8/26 when the subject was found by a water source a mile away from his car (as a crow flies). SAR members followed tracking sign through the woods. This is a tedious task that involves skill and patience. The subject flagged down a searching helicopter, Rescue 1 as a search team neared his location. Many miles were covered by foot, paw, OHV, and 4x4. Several K9s were out searching rough territory. The subject had hiked over the bluff and to an area not immediately designated. He was safely returned to his family on scene.
We are very happy for the good outcome.
-Hike Safe
VSAR