Three Rescues in One Day: Just Another Day For Rangers in Rocky Mountain National Park

Published Date

August 11, 2010

What's a day in the life of a national park ranger like? Well, for those at Rocky Mountain National Park, it can mean heading out in the park frequently to rescue visitors.

For instance, here's a report of ranger responses in the park on Tuesday:

* At 9:00 a.m. rangers were notified by cell phone that a 22-year-old female was 200 feet below the summit of Longs Peak at roughly 14,000 feet with a knee injury. Andrea Soden from Boulder, Colorado, was assisted by visitors and park staff to the Boulderfield where she was flown by a helicopter to Upper Beaver Meadows at 4:00 p.m. She was taken by ground ambulance to Estes Park Medical Center.

* At noon, park rangers were notified by satellite phone of a 55-year-old female who had fallen and injured her leg on the Tonahutu Trail on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Elizabeth Williams of Lexington, Kentucky, was roughly 10 miles from the trailhead. Park rangers on horseback reached Williams at 5:15 p.m. She was brought out of the backcountry by a horse. Rangers reached the trailhead at 8:15 p.m. She left with family members in a personal vehicle.

* At 2:15 p.m., park rangers were notified by a cell phone that a 62-year-old female had fallen and broken her ankle on the Gem Lake Trail. Rangers carried Barb Smith of Denver, Colorado, roughly one-quarter mile with a wheeled litter. She was taken by ground ambulance to Estes Park Medical Center.

And when Wednesday dawned, they were back at it:

* This morning at approximately 5:30 a.m. park rangers were notified of a single vehicle rollover accident near the Colorado River Trailhead on Trail Ridge Road. The single occupant, a 45-year-old man, from Denver, Colorado, had numerous injuries and was flown by Flight for Life at 7:30 a.m. to St. Anthony Central. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Story Categories:

Visiting the Parks

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add new comment

Comments

Submitted by admin on August 11, 2010 - 4:36pm.

Looks like maybe men should walk, women of all ages should drive.

Submitted by Connie Hopkins on August 12, 2010 - 8:25am.

Two of the most enjoyable books I have read this year are by Nancy Eileen Muleady-Meacham title "Park Ranger" & "Park Ranger Sequel". Her experiences in the Grand Canyon are a large portion of the books but it was interesting to read of the many different hats that Park Rangers wear! I think the RMNP Rangers are not getting much down time this summer considering there was an airplane crash there this season as well!

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks