Family of 5 hiking to summit gets trapped in snow without food, Colorado cops say

Helena Wegner
·3 min read
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A family of five visiting Colorado from Chicago became trapped on a snowy mountain for hours without food, deputies said.

Three adults and two children set out to hike the summit of Greenhorn Mountain from the Greenhorn Trailhead on Nov. 22, the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.

But as they neared the summit, they became stranded on the mountain when the altitude and “unexpected snow” slowed their hike down, deputies said.

They realized they had a “quite a long” way to go, and it was getting dark, deputies said.

The group also didn’t have food or proper clothing for the cold, so they called 911, authorities said.

Rescuers found the family and gave them “food, water and warmth” before helping them down the mountain in a rescue that took nearly seven hours, deputies said.

Family’s thinking helps rescuers save them

Although the family needed to be rescued, deputies said they did a few things right.

First, deputies said they told other family members about their hike beforehand. They also called 911 before it got dark and before they were in a “life-threatening emergency.”

The family then stayed in one spot until rescuers found them.

“We remind hikers or anyone going on trails or in the mountains to be prepared and aware of conditions and abilities before going out, especially this time of year when conditions can change rapidly, and the sun sets earlier,” deputies said in the post.

The Greenhorn Mountain has an elevation of 12,347 feet. It has the highest peak in the Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness, which spans 23,087 acres, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The mostly forested area includes steep and rocky slopes, small canyons, “sharp ridges” and no lakes.

One of the Greenhorn trails is about 7.8 miles long and includes an elevation gain of 3,880 feet, officials said.

How to be prepared while hiking

If you’re planning to hike, the National Park Service says there are 10 essentials you should take:

  • Navigation: Pack a map, compass and a GPS system. Make sure you study your route beforehand and understand how to use the tools.

  • Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat can help protect your skin and eyes from UV rays.

  • Insulation: A jacket, hat, gloves, raincoat and thermal underwear can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.

  • Illumination: A flashlight, lantern and headlamp can create light if you get stuck in the dark — and don’t forget to pack extra batteries.

  • First-aid supplies: It’s a good idea to have a first-aid kit on hand while hiking. Check the expiration date on items before you pack them.

  • Fire: Matches and a lighter can help start fire to act as an emergency signal in times of need.

  • Repair kit and tools: Duct tape, a knife, screwdriver and scissors can be helpful if items break during your hike or you need assistance.

  • Nutrition: You should pack an extra day’s worth of food in case something goes wrong. Park officials recommend having “salty and easy to digest snacks.”

  • Hydration: You should drink water often and before you feel thirsty if you’re hiking in hot weather. Keeping your body hydrated is “of utmost importance,” park officials said.

  • Emergency shelter: Packing a tent, space blanket, tarp and bivy can help you be prepared if severe weather breaks out or your plan takes a turn.

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