A 48-year-old woman from Phoenix, Arizona, was found safe Tuesday night after becoming separated from her son while hiking near Telluride, prompting a multi-agency search and rescue response.
San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office said deputies and Search and Rescue personnel responded to the Woods Lake hiking trail Tuesday evening after the woman’s son reported her missing. He told authorities the pair had become separated and that she was not equipped for an overnight stay in the backcountry.
The trail sits roughly 12 miles west of Telluride in the Uncompahgre National Forest, within the Lizard Head Wilderness.
San Miguel County SAR launched the search with help from Dolores County SAR. After about two hours, crews located the woman around 11,200 feet at 10:33pm near the junction of the Woods Lake and Navajo Lake trails in Dolores County. She was uninjured but cold and disoriented.
Given her location and the late hour, SAR personnel escorted her out via the Navajo Lake trail to the trailhead parking area, where she was reunited with her son.
“I continue to be impressed by and very proud of our Search and Rescue team. We hope you enjoy recreating in the backcountry this summer and when you do, be sure to carry extra food, water, clothing, and a reliable light source in case an emergency leaves you without shelter for an unexpected extended period of time.” – Sheriff Dan Covault
The incident serves as a reminder for hikers heading into remote wilderness areas this summer. Even short day hikes can turn dangerous quickly when groups separate or conditions change, and proper gear can make the difference during an unplanned night outdoors.
