A hiking trail in the snowy mountains turned into a tale of horror for this family of five from Chicago. The enthusiastic bunch set out for a hike in the Greenhorn Mountains of Colorado, where the high altitudes and unpredictable snowfall sit ready to greet every visitor. As time went on and the sunset beckoned, the family of five – three adults and two children sensed danger.

As they inched closer to the summit, the temperatures reduced to freezing numbers and visibility started becoming an issue. With nightfall around the corner and their supplies dwindling, the family dialed 911 before things took a turn for the worse.

Hiking in the mountains takes a dark turn

Walking up the icy mountain roads, the higher altitudes brought its own sweet challenges. Relentless snowfall and dropping temperatures, coupled with fatigue and low supplies, was a recipe for total disaster. They were completely ill-equipped to handle themselves in those extreme conditions, but did the right thing by calling authorities early.

In most cases, people wait till the absolute last moment, when there is no turning back to call for help. It becomes an even more challenging and anxiety inducing activity to pull off a rescue effort after that. A swift, prompt action paved the way for a successful rescue mission.

Pulling off a rescue mission in 11,340 foot high mountain was not going to be a cakewalk by any means. It needed a multi-agency operation to bring back the stranded. The rescue effort was underway seconds after the phone call.

Team work made the dream work, as rescuers rejoice safe return

The Pueblo County Sherrif’s Office volunteer Search and Rescue were airlifted atop the North Peak. They managed to locate the family in distress using GPS signals. Food, water and extra clothing were provided to everyone in order to make survival easier.

The Search and Rescue team accompanied the family as they dragged their tired bodies for a mile, where they met up with waiting members of the fire department. They made their way from the Bartlett Trailhead.

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The entire group then marched together towards the Ophir Creek, where emergency service vehicles were patiently waiting for them. After a gruelling hiking voyage, the family made it back safe and sound.

Authorities praised the family for their quick thinking and presence of mind in a state of duress. The level of preparedness the family showed also impressed them, stating they had an outdoor survival kit and also informed their relatives of their whereabouts. The family will certainly remember this for years to come and will narrate the story of their survival and how they defied mother nature, with quick thinking.

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