Two separate rescue missions. Two injured women. One rugged trail. Over the weekend, San Miguel County’s Search and Rescue crews were called out twice to Bridal Veil Trail—and both times, they brought someone home.

It’s a sharp reminder of how even popular hiking paths can turn treacherous with one misstep. And it also shows the kind of grit and coordination it takes to pull off rescues in the high country.

Friday: A Fall, a Knee, and a Long Carry Out

The first call came in Friday afternoon, June 20. A 39-year-old hiker from Ohio was stuck, unable to move after injuring her knee somewhere along the steep switchbacks of Bridal Veil.

She had a friend with her, thankfully, who helped her call for help. San Miguel County’s Search and Rescue (SAR) team responded immediately.

Ten SAR members, along with a Telluride Fire crew, loaded up gear and hiked the trail to reach her. They found her around midway up—alert, in pain, but stable.

What followed was a three-hour rescue operation using a litter-wheel system to navigate the rocky path and get her down safely.

She was then driven by a friend to Telluride Medical Center for evaluation. Her condition hasn’t been released.

Saturday: Second Rescue, Same Trail—Different Trouble

Barely 24 hours had passed when another call came in from the same trail system.

This time, it was a solo hiker in her mid-30s who had gotten lost after venturing off-path near one of the upper switchbacks. She had no major injuries but was unable to descend safely.

Temperatures had dropped, and light rain was starting to fall. Hypothermia wasn’t out of the question.

SAR crews again geared up, this time deploying teams with headlamps and ropes to reach the stranded woman. She was located near a cliffside around 8:45 p.m.

They guided her out slowly and safely, reaching the trailhead shortly after midnight.

“She did the right thing calling for help,” said one SAR responder. “If she’d tried to downclimb in the dark, it could’ve gone very wrong.”

Why Bridal Veil Is Beautiful—and Brutal

Bridal Veil Falls is a favorite for hikers and tourists. The view is unmatched—sheer cliffs, waterfalls, alpine meadows. But the trail itself isn’t forgiving.

Here’s what makes it tricky:

• Steep elevation gain: Over 1,300 feet in just 1.8 miles

• Loose rock underfoot: Especially dangerous when wet

• High altitude: Thin air and quick fatigue

• Unmarked detours: Tempting off-trail routes that often mislead

For newcomers or out-of-state hikers, the beauty can be deceptive. You don’t need to be reckless to end up in trouble.

SAR Crews Juggle Weather, Gear, and Time

Both rescues this weekend required serious coordination. It’s not just a hike up and back.

SAR members carried medical gear, communication tools, water, food, and patient transport rigs. They often hike in shifts—some hauling, others stabilizing, others guiding.

Here’s a glance at how Friday’s rescue played out:

Saturday’s response was similar, though more focused on guiding rather than lifting.

Lessons from the Weekend

Officials aren’t blaming the hikers. But they do see teachable moments here.

“These weren’t reckless people,” one SAR leader said. “They were just unprepared for how quickly conditions can change and how strenuous Bridal Veil gets.”

SAR and the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office offered a few reminders:

• Don’t hike alone, if you can help it

• Always check the forecast before heading out

• Bring a map or GPS—not just a phone

• Stay on the trail, even if a side path looks faster

• Call for help before it’s too late—don’t wait until dark

And perhaps most importantly—don’t underestimate familiar trails. Even local favorites have their risks.