GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – A weekend hiking trip turned into a harrowing overnight ordeal for six hikers—one adult and five minors—rescued from a remote section of Greenhorn Mountain in southern Colorado after being lost for nearly 25 hours.

The group, all visitors from Texas, was located and rescued by Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Search and Rescue volunteers after an intense multi-agency operation that began Friday evening and stretched into late Saturday.

“They Were Disoriented, Wet, and Surrounded by Dense Vegetation”

According to officials, the hikers lost the trail near Graneros Creek, an area known for its steep inclines and thick brush. After hours of struggling to find their way out, the group made a distress call to 911 around 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

What followed was an all-night search, made exponentially more difficult by worsening conditions.

“It was steep terrain, it was raining, and visibility was limited,” said Gayle Perez, spokesperson for the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office. “Our searchers were navigating some of the most challenging rescue conditions we’ve seen this year.”

Despite the terrain, members of the PCSO Emergency Services Division’s volunteer Search and Rescue (SAR) team launched the operation without delay, heading into the forested slopes around Greenhorn Mountain shortly after receiving the call.

One Rescuer Injured, Others Press On

During the night, one SAR team member sustained non-life-threatening injuries while navigating the rugged ground. Officials said he continued to assist with the search until he was physically unable to proceed and had to be escorted out.

“It speaks volumes about the dedication and grit of our volunteers,” Perez said. “Even injured, he stayed in the field as long as he possibly could.”

Other rescuers continued through the night and into the next day, supported by additional personnel, thermal imaging tools, and GPS tracking devices to narrow the search zone.

Location Confirmed Saturday Evening

The turning point came Saturday afternoon, when searchers spotted visual clues and confirmed the group’s location via GPS triangulation. The hikers were found near a ravine several miles from the original trail, in a densely wooded area where cell reception is unreliable.

They were cold, wet, and exhausted—but physically unharmed.

“The group did the right thing by staying together and calling for help as soon as they realized they were lost,” said SAR team leader Jeff Cordova. “That gave us a critical head start before nightfall.”

A Reminder of How Fast Things Can Change Outdoors

Though Greenhorn Mountain is not among Colorado’s most treacherous peaks, local officials emphasized that even “moderate” trails can become dangerous quickly—especially for hikers unfamiliar with alpine terrain.

“People from out of state often underestimate the weather and overestimate their route knowledge,” Cordova said. “Once you’re off-trail in the backcountry, everything looks the same, and it doesn’t take long to become completely disoriented.”

Rainfall on Friday night made conditions worse, soaking underbrush and limiting visibility even further. Officials also noted that the hikers had limited supplies, including no overnight gear.

Search and Rescue Resources Under Pressure

Colorado’s volunteer SAR infrastructure is considered among the most experienced in the country, but 2025 has already brought a wave of high-profile rescues across the state.

“We’re seeing more rescues earlier in the season,” said Perez. “That’s partially due to increased tourism and more people exploring remote areas.”

In 2024, Pueblo County conducted over 70 SAR missions, many involving out-of-state visitors unfamiliar with local terrain.

Investigation Closed, But Caution Urged

Authorities say no citations or further investigations are expected in this case. The hikers have since returned to Texas and were released after brief medical evaluations.

Still, officials are using the incident as a teaching moment.

Hiking Safety Tips from PCSO:

• Always carry a map, compass, or GPS device — and know how to use them

• Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return

• Bring extra water, food, and warm clothing even for day hikes

• Check weather forecasts before setting out

• Don’t rely solely on smartphones — cell service may be unreliable in remote areas

• If lost, stay put and call for help immediately

“Preparedness saves lives,” Cordova said. “This rescue had a positive outcome because people acted quickly. But that’s not always the case.”