Three rescue teams responded Saturday morning when a hiker on the Ute Trail in Pitkin County made an emergency call for help after becoming dizzy. The person was short of breath and wasn’t sure about being able to make it down the trail without help.
The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office asked for help from Mountain Rescue Aspen and Pitkin County Open Space and Trails. Three separate teams and a trails ranger contacted the hiker at 9:27 a.m.
The hiker was able to walk down the trail with assistance from the rescuers. The person declined further medical help.
The Ute Trail is a popular local hiking trail, but is steep with an elevation gain of 3,198 feet, according to the sheriff’s office. Round trip, the hike is 5.3 miles and takes an average of 5 hours.
The sheriff’s office said hikers should research routes before setting out. Visitors to are encouraged to acclimate to the high altitude and drink enough water.
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