Pitkin County, Colorado – Tragic news out of Colorado where an overdue climber was found deceased in the Maroon Bells area.
On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an overdue climber believed to be in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The subject’s intended route and itinerary were not initially known to authorities.
After further investigation, information and notes were discovered in the subject’s rental vehicle related to climbing the Maroon Bells. Based on this information, Mountain Rescue Aspen focused search efforts in the area of Maroon Bells.
On the morning of Thursday, September 3rd, Mountain Rescue Aspen coordinated with CareFlight of the Rockies to conduct an aerial search of the area. A member of Mountain Rescue Aspen accompanied the CareFlight crew to assist with the search.
“During the aerial search, the climber was located deceased and tentatively identified in very technical and difficult terrain to access.”
Recovery is planned for Tuesday, September 8th. To safely perform recovery operations, the United States Forest Service has issued a temporary closure of Maroon Peak. All climbing access to Maroon Peak (also called South Maroon Peak) will be closed all day Tuesday Sept. 8 from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., including the standard route from West Maroon Creek and the traverse from North Maroon Peak. The closure is being coordinated with the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office for public and emergency responder safety during a recovery operation. Confirmation and final identification of the climber will be conducted after the recovery is complete. The family of the missing climber has been notified.
Mountain Rescue Aspen and the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office remind those traveling in the backcountry to leave a detailed itinerary with a trusted person before departing, including the intended route, expected return time, and contingency plans. Backcountry travelers should also carry appropriate equipment, be prepared for rapidly changing mountain conditions, and carry a reliable two-way satellite communication device when traveling in areas without cellular service.
Our thoughts are with the victims family and friends.
