First Due Gear

06/05/2026

Stop by, be prepared for the weekend out!

On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at approximately 5:20 PM, Rio Grande County Search and Rescue was advised of an overdue female hiker.

The subject, a woman in her 60s visiting from Texas, had left her residence around 7:30 that morning to hike the Palisade Trail. Friends reported her missing after she had not returned at the time expected. It was reported that she was unfamiliar with the area and lost her way back to her vehicle.

The friends reporting her missing did not know what equipment she had with her, how she was dressed, or if she had taken any water or food.

Crews searched the area unsuccessfully on Wednesday evening and resumed the search early Thursday morning. Her location was established after a successful text message was sent to 911 that generated coordinates mid-morning on Thursday.
Twelve responders worked the search using drones, ground teams on foot, and 4-wheelers. She was located by drone, and contact was made with her at 12:59 PM in Raven Park. She was dehydrated, but otherwise uninjured.

Rio Grande County Search and Rescue was assisted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Mineral County Emergency Manager, and the U.S. Forest Service.

A few reminders for anyone heading out on the trails this season:
Tell someone your plan. Share where you're going and when you expect to be back. Keep your phone charged and consider taking a battery pack or a solar charger.

Dress for the conditions, take layers and pack food and water, even if you only plan to be out for a short time. Plans change quickly on the trail, and what you carry can matter more than you expect.

Respect our elevation. If you're visiting from a lower altitude, your body needs time to adjust. Heading out before you're acclimated puts added stress on you in terrain and weather you may not be used to. Take it slow your first few days.

Know that it's okay to call. If you're turned around or running out of daylight, reach out early. We would always rather respond sooner than later.

Rio Grande County Search and Rescue

Photo from previous Search & Rescue incident

05/14/2026

05/14/2026

04/15/2026

Professional Grade Boots and Accessories for Everyone!

04/09/2026

I’m here but exact cash only!

Update at 10:36 AM: All this time, all meters are back in power! Thank you all for your understanding.

Update at 10:31 AM: We are down to 3,681 meters without power and are continuing work to restore power to the remaining meters.

Update at 9:15 AM: The cause has been determined to be construction equipment that went through a transmission line south of Pagosa. Crews are working to repair the line right now.

At 8:26 AM: LPEA members are experiencing a power outage in the Pagosa Springs area. Crews are responding and will be working to restore power as soon as safely possible. Approximately 7,692 meters are out, and the details about the cause and length of the outage are unknown at this time. We will provide updates as they come.

Live updates: https://outage.lpea.coop/

03/04/2026

11/19/2025

Wondering what to get that special someone in your life for Christmas? How about an annual pass to Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park? For only $80, a family of four can come visit the animals all year long; it pays for itself in only two visits! For a more personal experience, sign up for one of our "Up Close and Personal Tours," where your group can accompany one of our zookeepers for a backstage pass and get to interact with the animals and get a little closer for premier photo opportunities. These are done by reservation only, so please call 970 946 6938 for more information.

10/06/2025

I will be CLOSED the 7th- 14th to travel to Quantico VA for Kaids Marine Corps TBS graduation!!💪🏼💚🇺🇸