Hinsdale County Search and Rescue

08/09/2026

Hinsdale County Search & Rescue Response – Alpine Gulch Trail

At approximately 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, Hinsdale County Search & Rescue responded to the Alpine Gulch Trail to assist a hiker in distress.

The hiker’s last known location was reported to be approximately three miles up the trail from County Road 20. A six-person HCSAR team deployed and intercepted the subject, an elderly male, approximately one mile up the trail.

After assessing the situation, SAR personnel assisted the hiker and the two other members of his party as they made their way back down the trail. Approximately a half-mile from the trailhead, the team determined it would be safest and most efficient to use a rescue litter that had previously been staged at that location. The subject was loaded into the litter and transported the remaining distance to the road.

The subject declined additional medical attention, and the call was concluded at approximately 7:00 p.m.

We’re grateful for the quick response and teamwork of our volunteers in helping this hiker and his party safely return to the trailhead.

08/01/2026

What a fantastic day at American Basin! 💙🏔️

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by to grab a cookie, enjoy some lemonade, and share a little bit of your adventure with us.

We had the pleasure of meeting outdoor enthusiasts from all over the US and even Italy!

Whether you were hiking, mountain biking, four-wheeling, camping, enjoying a picnic, or photographing butterflies, it was inspiring to hear what brought you to this incredible corner of Colorado.

One of our favorite parts of the day was making connections with so many people who share a love for the outdoors. Conversations about mountain adventures, favorite trails, and backcountry safety remind us that a little preparation—and a friendly conversation—can go a long way toward helping everyone get home safely.

We also want to give a special shoutout to our amazing local businesses who helped make the day extra special:

🍋San Juan Soda Company for keeping our drinks cold with plenty of ice.
🍪 Lake City Bakery for the delicious assortment of cookies.
🥖 The Herb Ranch for the incredible sourdough cookies that were a huge hit!

Thank you for spending part of your day with Hinsdale County Search & Rescue. We look forward to seeing you out on the trails—and remember, adventure starts with preparation. Stay safe and enjoy the mountains! 💛⛰️

07/31/2026

When the alert goes off, our volunteers leave their families, jobs, and plans behind to help someone in need. It’s a commitment made possible by the incredible support of our community.

Today, we want to recognize a special fundraiser happening in memory of Ben Brownlee. Ben’s brother, Ethan, is hiking the Koko Crater Trail in Hawaiʻi to honor Ben’s adventurous spirit while raising funds for the Ben Brownlee Memorial Fund—a fund that continues to support Hinsdale County Search & Rescue to make the outdoors safer for everyone.

We are deeply honored that Ben’s legacy continues to invest in our team. Donations from the memorial fund help provide essential equipment, training, and resources that allow our volunteers to answer the call, day or night, all year long.

To everyone hiking, donating, and cheering this effort on: thank you. Your generosity directly supports our mission and helps us continue serving our community and the visitors who come to enjoy these incredible mountains.

If you’d like to support this meaningful fundraiser, please consider donating or sharing the campaign. Every contribution helps carry Ben’s legacy forward while strengthening the work we do.

💙 Thank you for believing in our volunteers and in the mission of Search & Rescue.

Donations are OPEN! Click this link to donate directly to the Ben Bro… Ethan Brownlee needs your support for Hiking Koko Crater for Ben Brownlee Memorial Fund

07/28/2026

Come say hi to Lily and Caitlin!

This Friday, two Hinsdale County Search & Rescue volunteers will be stationed near American Basin with lemonade, water, and sweet treats for anyone heading out to enjoy the mountains!

Whether you’re hiking, running, off-roading, or simply exploring, stop by to:

• Grab a refreshing drink and a treat 🍪
• Learn essential backcountry safety tips 🏔️
• Ask questions about recreating safely in our high alpine environment

A little preparation goes a long way in helping ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day in the backcountry. We hope to see you there!

07/23/2026

🚗✨ The Colorado Grand is rolling into Lake City! Join Hinsdale County Search & Rescue as we welcome this incredible collection of vintage sports cars while supporting a great cause.

📍 Lake City Town Park
📅 Wednesday, September 16
🕘 Cars arrive between 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (best viewing: 10:00 AM – Noon)

Come enjoy the cars, the scenery, and help us celebrate an event that has raised millions for Colorado charities over the years. We hope to see you there! ❤️🏔️

07/12/2026

At approximately 10:49 a.m., Hinsdale County Search and Rescue was requested by HCEMS to assist with the extrication of an injured individual near Williams Creek Campground.

Upon arrival, HCSAR members received a briefing from HCEMS and quickly established a low-angle rope system to safely access and extricate the patient. The patient was packaged in a wheeled litter and carefully lowered using the rope system to a location accessible by EMS.

Once the extrication was complete, the patient was transferred to HCEMS and transported to Gunnison Valley Hospital for further evaluation and care.

We wish the patient a speedy recovery and would like to thank HCEMS for their teamwork and collaboration throughout the mission.

07/09/2026

🇺🇸 Thank You, Lake City! 🇺🇸

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who donated to Hinsdale County Search & Rescue during the 4th of July Parade. Your generosity directly supports our ability to respond when our community and visitors need us most.

Hinsdale County Search & Rescue is an all-volunteer organization. Every callout, training, late-night search, technical rescue, and mission is carried out by volunteers who give their time to serve our community. Donations help us maintain equipment, purchase lifesaving gear, provide training, and stay mission-ready.

Your support means that when someone needs help, we’re prepared to answer the call.

From all of us at Hinsdale County Search & Rescue, thank you for investing in the safety of our community.
❤️🤍💙

07/08/2026

🎉 Business Donor Spotlight! 🎉

Hinsdale County Search and Rescue would like to extend a huge thank you to our business donor, The Bar at Climb! 🙌

Running a volunteer rescue team in our rugged mountains takes a village, and local business support keeps us fueled, equipped, and ready to respond whenever a call comes in. We are incredibly grateful for their support, generosity, and partnership.

Next time you’re stopping in for a bite or a drink, join us in thanking them for supporting local search and rescue! 👏

07/07/2026

The mission starts long before the call for help. 🚁 Continuous helicopter training with Flight For Life keeps our team ready for the challenges of backcountry rescue, because when emergencies happen, preparation makes all the difference.

07/01/2026

See you at the Fourth of July Parade! 🇺🇸

Keep an eye out for Hinsdale County Search and Rescue (HCSAR) and help support your local Search & Rescue team by donating along the parade route.

HCSAR is a 100% volunteer organization responding 24/7/365 to backcountry emergencies in Hinsdale County. Your donation helps fund the training, certifications, and specialized equipment that keep our rescuers ready when the next call comes.

❤️ Donate at the parade
🔗 Or give anytime through the link in our bio

Every dollar helps us stay mission-ready and continue saving lives in every season.