Hikers Dressed in Just Shorts and T-Shirts Airlifted Out of Steamboat Springs, CO Wilderness After Weather Changed

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Stock image of a helicopter rescue. Credit: MRA

Routt County Search and Rescue volunteers spent ten hours rescuing a couple in the Steamboat Springs, CO wilderness on Sunday after the weather changed and they were stranded in just shorts and t-shirts.

The hikers started at Mad Creek trailhead, and by 4:30 pm were about halfway between there and Elk Park trailhead, reports the Steamboat PilotThey called for help after they had trudged through deep snow for a while, and were cold, wet, and tired.

Crews reached the pair at around 10:30 pm, and due to how they were dressed, and how long they and rescue teams had already been out, it was decided to send in a helicopter to haul them and some of the rescuers out. Four rescuers walked back, returning to base at 2 am.

“Look at your weather forecast; be properly dressed for the weather to turn in a heartbeat. Maybe think sooner than later, ‘Is this a good idea to continue?’”

– Kristia Check-Hill, incident commander with Routt County Search and Rescue

The weather in Steamboat Springs on Sunday ranged from a high of 78º to a low of 36º, and featured rain, sun, and snow.

mad creek trailhead, steamboat springs, colorado
The hikers set off from Mad Creek trailhead, Steamboat Springs, CO in shorts and t-shirts.

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