Nine lost hikers rescued near Agnes Vaille falls

by | Aug 2, 2011 | Previous Missions |

7/18/2011 9:42:00 AM  Email this article • Print this article 
Nine lost hikers rescued near Agnes Vaille fallsby Cailey McDermottNine lost hikers were successfully rescued and returned to lower altitude about 4 p.m. Friday after spending Thursday night in rugged terrain near Agnes Vaille Falls west of Nathrop.

Chaffee County Sheriff Pete Palmer reported dispatch was notified late Thursday of an emergency alert from a hiker’s beacon about a half mile above Agnes Vaille Falls.

Relatives of the hikers called the sheriff’s office requesting an immediate search and rescue mission, he said.

Because of the late hour and hazardous terrain, a search couldn’t be initiated until 7 a.m. Friday.

The nine men, ranging in age from 38-42, from Denver and Indiana had planned a four-day hike starting at Grouse Canyon trailhead.

Palmer said they apparently took a wrong turn leading them into difficult terrain beyond their hiking abilities.

Palmer said 15-18 Chaffee County Search and Rescue volunteers began hiking to the area about 7 a.m. They made first contact with one of the hikers about 8:50 a.m.

No injuries were reported, but one hiker showed signs of apparent altitude sickness, Palmer said.