La Plata County Search and Rescue

Regional News

Colorado’s volunteer search and rescue teams to get funding boost

Colorado Backcountry Search and Rescue Program fee will now be $1.25, up from 25 cents

November 14, 2025

Local News

Two bodies found southeast of Pagosa Springs believed by family to be missing elk hunters

Massive search and rescue effort had been underway

September 19, 2025

Local News

Durango man who went missing for two days found in Junction Creek area

‘Tom’ Gray reportedly walked away from an assisted living facility

September 18, 2025

Local News

Durango man’s invention helped others in crisis – then he faced his own

Levitator is a specialized gurney for backcountry search and rescue extractions

August 31, 2025

Local News

Another hiker falls near Ice Lakes. His iPhone SOS feature may have delayed the rescue

Smartphones don’t communicate same way as satellite devices

July 24, 2025

Local News

Search and rescue, law enforcement train while combing Animas River for evidence

Efforts were unsuccessful Monday to locate items linked to the 2023 fatal Santa Rita Park shooting

February 25, 2025

Local News

Injured hiker rescued by helicopter from Chicago Basin

64-year-old patient was transported to Mercy Hospital

August 29, 2024

Local News

Woman rescued after four days lost on solo ‘quest’ with Durango guide group

‘Nature does not care about your safety and will kill you,’ sheriff says, chastising Animas Valley Institute

August 19, 2024

Local News

Durango helicopter outfitter pilots new search and rescue technology

Lifeseeker, described as ‘game-changer,’ can locate cellphones with 100-foot accuracy

July 24, 2024

Local News

Hiker dies after falling off cliff at Snowdon Peak on Fourth of July

Officials say man stepped on loose rock

July 7, 2024

Local News

Finding balance: After a rough crash, paraglider and highliner Sean Englund reflects on risk

after crashing, he’s grappling with public perception of his activities as he tries to make them more accessible

February 26, 2024

Local News

La Plata County Search and Rescue finds community support

organization brought in over $14,500 in donations on Colorado Gives Day

December 8, 2023

Local News

Man pulled 212 feet up cliffside in La Plata Mountains

and rescue worked through night in snowy conditions

November 22, 2023

Local News

Family of missing Durango hiker Jim Shadid share thoughts about the search

Daughter says La Plata County Search and Rescue will have a map for volunteer search teams to follow

September 14, 2023

Local News

Search for missing Durango hiker continues

Montrose Helitack assisting in the search

September 7, 2023

Local News

Durango hiker goes missing between Elbert Creek Road and Little Creek Trail

79-year-old was 20 minutes away from finishing when communication with his wife stopped

September 5, 2023

Local News

National Night Out connects first responders and public

designed to facilitate positive interactions between the groups

August 2, 2023

Gallery

Search for missing runner Ian O’Brien

A flyer for missing runner Ian OBrien on a rock Thursday northeast of Mancos in the La Plata Mountains. (Jerry…

July 11, 2023

Local News

Search for missing hiker in La Plata Mountains carries on with community help

says search teams believe Ian O’Brien is no longer in La Plata Canyon

June 28, 2023

Local News

Search inconclusive for body reportedly seen floating down Animas River

Durango Police Department seeks information to help in recovery

June 27, 2023

Local News

Man drowns in Vallecito Reservoir

of 21-year-old victim has not been recovered

June 12, 2023

Local News

Novice rafters, tubers advised to take precautions this season on rivers

experts advise people to use life vests and water shoes, and scout routes before committing

June 6, 2023

Local News

Hiker slips, fatally hits head in La Plata Canyon

Russell Hill, 62, was rescuing his dog from swift-moving waterway

May 30, 2023

Local News

Annual Snowdown pancake breakfast returns with strong turnout

Residents pack La Plata County Exhibit Hall to share a meal with Search and Rescue team

February 6, 2023