High Alpine Rescue Saves Teen Hiker Misled By Google Maps in Colorado
A 15-year-old backpacker was rescued after sliding roughly 200 feet down a steep snowfield in Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with rescuers later saying the teenager had unknowingly entered a route primarily used for winter mountaineering after relying on Google Maps for navigation.
Teen Hiker Rescued From Outward Bound Couloir
On July 20th, 2026, the Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue team responded to assist with the rescue of an injured teenager in the Outward Bound Couloir near Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak.
According to the rescue team, Saguache Search and Rescue initially received the call but was already committed to multiple emergency medical incidents. Incident command was transferred to Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue, which immediately began organizing the mission.
Rescuers also requested assistance from the Colorado Army National Guard in case a helicopter hoist became necessary if the hiker’s condition worsened. Guardian 1, an aviation resource based in Alamosa, transported search and rescue personnel into the Willow Lake Basin so they could begin climbing toward the injured hiker.
Despite having no standard cellular service, the teenager was able to reach emergency dispatch through emergency 911 capabilities and provided updates approximately every 30 minutes while awaiting rescuers.
Rescue Team Lowers Injured Backpacker To Safety
Using GPS coordinates, rescuers located the teenager about halfway down the Outward Bound Couloir. After conducting a medical assessment, the team determined the injuries were serious but did not require a helicopter hoist.
Instead, rescuers built a technical lowering system and safely lowered the hiker about 200 feet through the couloir. Once below the steepest terrain, the teenager was able to walk under his own power to a nearby landing zone.
Guardian 1 then flew the injured hiker back to incident command, where another medical evaluation was completed before the teenager was transported to San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center for additional treatment.
The rescue team reported the hiker suffered deep lacerations to both hands and legs but remained in stable condition throughout the operation. Family members later met the teenager at the hospital.
Navigation Mistake Led To Dangerous Situation
Following the rescue, the teenager explained that the accident happened after dropping a backpack and attempting to retrieve it. During that effort, the hiker slid approximately 200 feet down a snowfield.
The teenager also told rescuers that Google Maps had been used for navigation during a planned three day backpacking trip. The hiker was unaware that the Outward Bound Couloir is considered a winter mountaineering route rather than a typical summer hiking route.
The planned itinerary included summiting Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak before camping at South Colony Lakes and attempting Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle the following day.
Rescuers said the incident highlights the importance of researching seasonal route conditions before entering the backcountry. Search and rescue officials encourage hikers and climbers to verify route difficulty, current conditions, technical requirements, and navigation resources before beginning any wilderness trip, especially in Colorado’s high alpine terrain.
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