Imagine being lost in the wilderness, the sun setting, and the temperature dropping. Panic sets in, but then your phone lights up with a call. Relieved, you reach for it, only to freeze when you see an unknown number. Do you answer? One hiker faced this exact dilemma and chose not to, leading to an unexpected 24-hour ordeal on Colorado’s highest peak. This story delves into the surprising events that unfolded and the lessons learned from ignoring those crucial calls.
The Incident: What Happened?
On October 18, 2021, a hiker embarked on a journey to Colorado’s highest peak, Mount Elbert, at around 9 a.m. The hiker’s adventure soon took an unexpected turn when he strayed off the main path and became lost. As evening approached and the hiker did not return, his friends and family grew concerned and reported him missing to the Lake County Search and Rescue (LCSR) at 8 p.m.
Efforts to contact the hiker began immediately, but all attempts to reach him via his cell phone were unsuccessful. The hiker, unaware that rescuers were trying to contact him, ignored repeated calls because they came from an unknown number. This reluctance to answer unknown calls significantly hindered the search efforts.
A five-team search party was deployed at 10 p.m., but the initial search concluded at 3 a.m. the following morning without success. Another search team resumed efforts later that morning, focusing on areas where hikers typically lose the trail.
Despite the rescue team’s extensive efforts, the hiker remained oblivious to the situation. He spent the night attempting to navigate back to the trail. The next morning, approximately 24 hours after he had started his hike, he managed to find his way back to his car. The hiker returned home around 9:30 a.m., completely unaware that a rescue operation had been underway to find him.
LCSR later issued a statement emphasizing the importance of answering unknown calls in such situations. They noted, “One notable takeaway is that the subject ignored repeated phone calls from us because they didn’t recognize the number. If you’re overdue according to your itinerary, and you start getting repeated calls from an unknown number, please answer the phone; it may be a SAR team trying to confirm you’re safe”.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by search and rescue teams and underscores the importance of communication and awareness during outdoor activities.
The Search and Rescue Efforts: Inside the Search Operation
When the hiker was reported missing on October 18, 2021, at 8 p.m., the Lake County Search and Rescue (LCSR) team promptly launched a search operation. A team of five officials was deployed at 10 p.m. to locate the missing hiker. Despite their efforts, the team had to suspend the search at 3 a.m. due to the challenging conditions and the hiker’s unresponsiveness to phone calls.
The next morning, at 7 a.m., a second team of three officials resumed the search, focusing on areas where hikers commonly lose the trail. The LCSR teams faced significant difficulties, as the trail was obscured by snow above the treeline, and high winds had erased any footprints, making it hard to track the hiker’s movements. These conditions are typical for Mount Elbert during this time of year and add to the complexity of search and rescue operations.
The hiker had started the hike from the South Mt. Elbert Trail, known as the standard winter route to the summit. This 12-mile trail, featuring 4,800 feet of climbing, is considered the easiest trail up Elbert but still presents substantial challenges, particularly in winter conditions.
At approximately 9:30 a.m. on October 19, the search teams were informed that the hiker had returned to their lodging site, having found their way back to their car. The hiker had spent the night attempting to navigate back to the trailhead, unaware of the ongoing rescue efforts due to ignoring calls from unknown numbers.
LCSR emphasized the importance of answering unknown calls in such situations: “If you’re overdue according to your itinerary, and you start getting repeated calls from an unknown number, please answer the phone; it may be a SAR team trying to confirm you’re safe.” They also noted that what seems like common sense in hindsight is often not obvious to someone lost and panicking. They urged the public to be respectful and understanding of the hiker’s situation.
Hiker’s Perspective: The Moment Everything Went Wrong
After the hiker was located, he shared his experience with the rescuers. He explained that he had lost the trail around nightfall and spent the entire night trying to find his way back to the correct path. Throughout this ordeal, he encountered multiple intersecting trails, which added to his confusion and delayed his return.
The hiker’s decision not to answer calls from unknown numbers stemmed from not realizing that rescue teams were trying to reach him. This behavior highlights the need for better communication and understanding during emergencies.
This incident serves as a reminder of how easily panic and disorientation can impair judgment in critical situations. Despite the hiker’s missteps, he managed to find his car the following morning, approximately 24 hours after he had started his hike. This successful return, albeit delayed, underscores the importance of preparedness and awareness while exploring the outdoors.
Social Media Speaks Out
The story of the hiker who ignored rescue calls because they were from an unknown number has sparked a variety of reactions on social media. Many users expressed disbelief and humor at the situation. One Facebook user commented, “Every now and then it’s good to answer an unknown caller,” while another joked, “It just goes to show you how bad the spam calls are getting”.
However, not all reactions were lighthearted. Some users empathized with the hiker, pointing out the panic and disorientation that can occur when lost in the wilderness. A user remarked, “Have any of you ever been lost? The survival brain takes over, and unless you have practiced STOP – stop, think, observe, and plan, it’s really hard to do”.
Lake County Search and Rescue (LCSR) also addressed the public response, urging people to be considerate. They highlighted that what might seem like common sense in hindsight is not always apparent to someone in a state of panic. LCSR emphasized, “In an emergency, common sense isn’t always that common” and reminded people to answer their phones in such situations, as it might be a rescue team trying to help.
What Every Hiker Should Know
The incident involving the hiker who ignored rescue calls underscores the importance of preparedness and awareness while hiking. Experts recommend several key safety measures to ensure hikers are well-prepared and can handle unexpected situations effectively.
- Always Share Your Itinerary: Before heading out on a hike, it is crucial to inform someone of your plans, including your expected route and return time. This allows for timely alerts if something goes wrong. The hiker in this incident had shared his itinerary, which helped prompt the search and rescue operation when he did not return on time.
- Carry Navigational Tools: Hikers should always carry reliable navigational aids such as maps, compasses, and GPS devices. These tools are essential for staying on track, especially in areas where trails can become obscured by snow or other environmental factors. In the case of Mount Elbert, snow and high winds often cover trails, making navigation challenging.
- Stay Calm and Think Clearly: Panicking can exacerbate the situation when lost. Instead, hikers should follow the STOP principle: Stop, Think, Observe, and Plan. This approach helps in assessing the situation calmly and making informed decisions about the next steps.
- Answer Your Phone: If you are overdue and start receiving repeated calls from an unknown number, it is likely a search and rescue team trying to reach you. Answering the phone could provide you with critical information and assistance. The hiker in this story ignored multiple calls from rescuers because he did not recognize the number, which delayed the rescue efforts.
- Be Prepared for Emergencies: Carry essential items such as extra food, water, a first aid kit, and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. These items can be lifesaving if you need to spend an unexpected night outdoors. In addition, carrying a whistle and bright items can help make you more visible to rescuers.
- Understand the Terrain and Conditions: Research the trail and be aware of current conditions. For Mount Elbert, for example, trails above the treeline can be obscured by snow, and high winds can quickly erase footprints. Knowing these conditions can help in planning and preparing for the hike.
By following these safety tips, hikers can significantly reduce the risks associated with outdoor adventures and ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.
When Common Sense Isn’t So Common
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and communication in outdoor adventures. Simple actions, such as answering unknown calls and sharing your itinerary, can make a significant difference in ensuring safety. The hiker’s experience highlights how easily panic and unfamiliarity can lead to potentially dangerous situations, emphasizing the need for awareness and readiness.
As more people venture into nature, it’s crucial to understand and respect the protocols that can help save lives. By learning from this hiker’s story, we can better prepare for our own adventures, ensuring that we not only enjoy the beauty of the wilderness but also return safely to share our experiences.