On Friday, January 30th, Mesa County Search and Rescue (MCSAR) in Colorado responded to a report of an injured climber in Colorado National Monument at approximately 1:00pm. The subject, who had been climbing Mosaic Tower, had fallen and required assistance.
MCSAR mounted an immediate response, deploying an initial hasty team of four MCSAR members and two Grand Junction Fire Department medics upon arrival at the staging area. A National Park Service ranger was already on scene, proceeding into the canyon and making initial contact with the climber.
The team met up with the NPS ranger and climber, who had begun walking out of the canyon on their own, and conducted a medical assessment. The climber had fallen around 15 feet, indicating some mild discomfort but ultimately being able to continue on their own.
The rescue team continued to assist the subject through the rest of the hike while other MCSAR responders staged near the top of the canyon with rope systems in case the climber’s condition deteriorated and a litter became necessary. Fortunately, the individual managed to walk the entire way up out of the canyon without requiring addition equipment.
Mesa County Search and Rescue, in addition to all other backcountry Search and Rescue teams in the state of Colorado, never charges for services provided.
