Hiker rescued in remote area of Colorado backcountry

Saguache Search and Rescue responded to a spot beacon activation on the Colorado Trail in a remote part of Saguache County on Monday.

Six personnel were deployed to the area, according to a Facebook post from Saguache County Search and Rescue. The search and rescue members traveled to the location by 4x4 vehicles and then by UTV. The crew continued on foot for approximately a half-mile to the spot beacon location.

The team made contact with the survivor, who thought they had drunk contaminated water that caused their weakened state and dehydration. The person activated the spot device when they realized they could not continue the hike.

The survivor and search and rescue personnel hiked back to the UTV and then drove to the 4x4 vehicles.

Saguache County Search and Rescue used the incident to remind hikers of the importance of water purification capability in the backcountry. The Facebook post also states that it's important to clean your hands before eating and purifying water to avoid cross-contamination.

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