Hinsdale County Search and Rescue

03/07/2026

Four members of the Hinsdale County Search and Rescue team recently completed Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Winter Skills Training Academy at Steamboat Lake State Park. The academy brought together federal, state, and county personnel from across Colorado for a mix of classroom and hands-on field training.

Participants focused on snowmobile operation, training, and maintenance; avalanche education, awareness, and rescue techniques; and essential winter survival skills.

Our team is bringing back valuable takeaways to share with the rest of the group, including recommendations for avalanche and snowmobile survival gear, training opportunities, and useful weather and mapping apps.

It was a great experience all around, and the connections, teamwork, and camaraderie built during the academy were truly invaluable.

02/02/2026

Hinsdale County Search and Rescue 🤝 Flight For Life
Sharpening skills, strengthening teamwork, and preparing for the toughest calls.

01/13/2026

🎣❄️ Reel in more than fish this winter! Prizes, bragging rights, and a great cause await on the ice. Join us for our Ice Fishing Derby benefiting Hinsdale County Search & Rescue.

A huge thank you to Alpine Outfitters Colorado for hosting this incredible event! 🙌

👉 Register now: https://www.alpineoutfitterscolorado.com/ice-derby/

📍 See you on the ice!

11/17/2025

10/28/2025

Here we go again! 🚨
On Monday, October 27, a couple from Texas, along with two dogs, became stranded west of the summit of Engineer Pass.

Two Hinsdale County Search and Rescue members departed Lake City around 7:40 p.m. and drove to the top of the pass before continuing on foot due to deep, unsafe snow drifts. The stranded party was safely located, guided back to the SAR vehicle, and transported to Lake City.

Hinsdale SAR would like to remind everyone to check current road and weather conditions before heading into the backcountry. Always carry proper cold weather gear when traveling in the high country — snow drifts are already forming above 12,000 feet.
If you encounter deep snow, please be prepared to change your plans and turn around safely.

10/26/2025

Training with Flight For Life Colorado to keep our rescue skills sharp and our response time even sharper. 🚁

10/24/2025

At 6:50 PM on Thursday, October 23, Hinsdale Search and Rescue was called to assist neighboring counties (San Juan and Ouray) in rescuing stranded motorists west of the summit of Engineer Pass.
By 9:45 PM, HCSAR teams made contact with the stranded party — a father and son visiting from Florida. Their Jeep had become stuck in about two feet of snow around 4:00 PM, as weather conditions worsened.
We’re grateful for the quick coordination between county teams and for a safe outcome for all involved.

10/21/2025

Over the past 3 days, our Search & Rescue members took their skills to new heights during a Rope Rescue Technician course with
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This intensive training pushed everyone to be sharper, safer, and stronger.
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Putting in the work and staying rescue-ready 💪

08/16/2025

Training in Action
Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently partnered with Hinsdale County Search and Rescue to spotlight the essential work of SAR teams across the state, with a special focus on Women in SAR
As part of a larger effort to promote the CPW Pass, this project highlights the dedication, strength, and skill of the incredible volunteers who help keep our wild spaces safe.
Here are a few stills and the final video from the training scenario. A powerful reminder of the real work that goes into being ready for the call.

Production: .film
Photos:
Videos:

08/05/2025

August 3 at approximately 14:30, SAR assisted with the logistics of an injured party following an ATV rollover. The team established a landing zone, coordinated with CareFlight, supported EMS with patient carry, and provided location guidance.
Great teamwork by all involved.

07/09/2025

Rescue on Thompson Trail

On Saturday, July 5, Hinsdale County Search and Rescue responded to a call for an injured hiker on Thompson Trail. A team of eight SAR members hiked approximately one mile to reach the individual, who had sustained a non-weight-bearing ankle injury.

The team assessed the situation, stabilized the injury, and safely transported the hiker off the trail using a litter. The individual was then transferred for further medical care.

We’re always here to help ensure everyone makes it back down safely. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers for their swift and skilled response!