MESA COUNTY, Colo - A group of backpackers were rescued today after getting lost in Dominguez Canyon.
The hikers, all in their 50's, were using maps and plans they had for their trip. They quickly realized all the water sources listed on the maps were dry, so they had been without water since yesterday afternoon. The trail they were on rimmed out and they were now surrounded by deep canyons. All of the hikers are from the Front Range and not familiar with the area.
The Mesa County Sheriff's Office responded, along with 17 members of Mesa County Search and Rescue. Search teams used ATVs to get within 2 miles of the hikers, then hiked the rest of the way in, which included an elevation change of 1,000 feet.
The hikers were found safe. Rescue crews gave them water and helped them hike back out to the waiting ATVs. The rescue mission lasted 9.5 hours with search team traveling approximately
20 miles each way.
Do you have a CORSAR Card?
If you ever need the free services of Search and Rescue, it helps reimburse this volunteer organization for the cost. By purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card you are contributing to the Search and Rescue Fund, which will reimburse these teams for costs incurred in search and rescues across the State of Colorado. The CORSAR card is available for $3 for a one-year card and $12 for five-year card. Click here to get yours today.
