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Outdoor Education | Rescue Services | Volunteer Driven
Chaffee County Search and Rescue-North is a dedicated team of skilled volunteers trained to handle diverse outdoor challenges. We maintain top-notch equipment for missions in mountains, rivers, deserts, and lakes, while also promoting outdoor safety through public education.
Safety protocol for your Colorado 14er Summit
How to plan for your winter touring experience
From Backcountry First Aid to packing your backpack
Medically Trained
We are a highly skilled and diverse group comprised of an experienced ER doctor, paramedics, registered nurse, EMTs, Wilderness First Responders, and BFA/CPR-certified members. Our team brings a wealth of medical expertise and backcountry knowledge to every incident.
MRA Certified
Achieving Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) accreditation is a distinguished honor for any search and rescue team, signifying the highest standards of skill, dedication, and expertise in mountain rescue operations. This certification reflects countless hours of rigorous training in technical rope systems, avalanche response, wilderness survival, navigation, and medical care, ensuring teams are prepared to face the most challenging and hazardous environments.
Our History
Founded in 1964, the Chaffee County Search and Rescue Team was born out of necessity as outdoor recreation began to grow in the rugged landscapes of central Colorado. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Chaffee County boasts the Collegiate Peaks and a variety of wilderness areas that draw adventurers from near and far.
Where are we going?
We are an organization made up of volunteers who move at a moment's notice for rescue incidents.
Learn about our upcoming community events, outdoor trainings, and other educational experience.
Support, donate, or simply cheer us on from afar. We are a volunteer 501C3 organization.
The CCSAR Mission
Chaffee County Search and Rescue is committed to saving lives through expert search, rescue, and emergency response across the county’s rugged backcountry. With specialized training, teamwork, and unwavering dedication, we respond swiftly to those in distress during any outdoor emergency. Our mission is to serve with professionalism, compassion, and resilience, ensuring the safety of all who explore our rugged wilderness.
Since 1964, CCSAR-N has been serving Chaffee County
With some founding members still active today, and operating under the sheriff's office, the team handles around 60 incidents a year.
With 82% of Chaffee County’s stunning land open to the public, it draws visitors of all ages and skill levels to enjoy activities like hiking, climbing, biking, fishing, and more. But when backcountry adventures take an unexpected turn—due to falls, accidents, avalanches, or medical emergencies—CCSAR-N eagerly steps in to locate, stabilize, and transport those in need to safety.
CCSAR-N is entirely volunteer-run. Members not only respond to incidents but also raise funds through grants, donations, and events to support training and equipment. They cover their own fuel, vehicle costs, and backcountry gear, which is required for fieldwork.
Incidents often involve navigating long 4WD roads, making reliable vehicles essential for transporting members and gear. The team also relies on specialized equipment like ATVs, snowmobiles, and swiftwater vehicles to access remote areas. Technical and medical gear must be maintained and updated regularly to ensure safety for both rescuers and those they assist.
Chaffee County Search and Rescue (CCSAR) is a critical lifeline for those in need across the rugged terrain of central Colorado, with land missions forming the backbone of their operations. Given the county’s vast wilderness, high-altitude peaks, and extensive trail systems, the majority of CCSAR’s missions involve locating and assisting lost, injured, or stranded hikers, climbers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts. These land-based rescues demand a high level of expertise, endurance, and teamwork, as responders navigate challenging backcountry conditions, often in extreme weather. The team's deep knowledge of the region, combined with their specialized training in swift evacuation and medical aid, ensures that those in distress receive timely and life-saving support. As the primary responders to land-based emergencies, CCSAR plays an indispensable role in keeping outdoor adventurers safe, embodying the spirit of service and dedication that defines Colorado’s search and rescue community.
SPECIALIZED SKILLS
Land Rescue Operations
Community Partners and Valuable Resources
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