Search and Rescue

In the last two years, the state has shifted most of its grant funding in its Persons Who Wander Program to a new technology that’s bringing more buzz, along with some concerns about privacy rights and the reactive nature of the devices.

The monsoon season is here, and anyone exploring the backcountry needs to be prepared for potential heavy rain.

At least 10 Colorado 911 dispatch centers have received emergency texts from iPhones saying people were trapped, lost or on fire. Listen to "Morning Edition" host Michael Lyle, Jr. discuss this story with Colorado Sun reporter Jason Blevins and then read the entire Colorado Sun story at the link below.

A record number of “helicopter hoists” have been performed this year to rescue people stranded on high mountain peaks. Many of them have been from peaks at 14,000 feet of elevation or higher. The hoists require dangerous maneuvering of helicopters near rocky cliffs.

The Colorado backcountry rescue organization is reporting 10-15% more calls than a typical year. It’s had at least 75 so far in 2025.

Colorado relies on search and rescue groups to keep people safe in the backcountry, but officials say they're struggling to keep up with recent changes at the federal level.

Boulder County officials say two people died this week while hiking and climbing around the Flatirons. The two deaths are separate incidents.

When a hiker goes missing in the backcountry, every hour makes a big difference. A new technology could give search and rescue teams a powerful new tool to find people fast. Today on In The NoCo, we hear more about how this technology could help transform search and rescue.

When a hiker goes missing in the backcountry, every hour in the search to find them matters. Now, a new technology could give search and rescue teams a powerful new tool to find people fast. On In The NoCo, we hear more about how this technology can help search and rescue teams.

A new law taking effect Jan. 1 is projected to offer more financial support to the hundreds of search and rescue volunteers who brave dangerous conditions to save lives in Colorado’s backcountry.