Thoughts of a Granola Girlie . . . 

Hiking in the Colorado backcountry can be exhilarating yet perilous, as demonstrated by the recent incident involving two women who became lost on a trail in Telluride, CO. Poorly prepared and needing search and rescue, these out of state outdoor adventurers were in for a surprise. One from Idaho and the other from Utah, both in their early 20s. On Saturday, June 13th 2026 around 6:30PM, these two women set out for the Telluride Via Ferrata. Via Ferrata means 'Iron Path' in Italian, and Colorado offers some of the best most popular, high altitude courses.

Located in Telluride, Ouray, Idaho Springs, Buena Vista, and Canon City.

Featuring steel cables, iron rungs, and suspension bridges fixed onto towering rocks; with a 200 foot drop at the start. Unless you are an experienced climber with gear, many people would recommend doing Via Ferrata with a local guide for safety and gear. Such emergencies underscore the need for preparedness, as statistically, over 200,000 search and rescue missions occur annually due to lack of planning around the globe. 3,000 to 3,600 annually are from Colorado.

Not only is it ill advised to begin a hiking trail in the late evening, but it is strongly advised to turn around if you have yet to reach the Sumit by noon. Neither of these women had ever done a Via Ferrata before and hopefully their won't approach it as lightly next time. According to Susan Lilly of the San Miguel County Sheriff's Office,  "We do know they were ill-prepared. They didn't have great footwear. They definitely didn't have appropriate clothing. One light source between the two of them. No food, no water."  If it weren't for the brave efforts of the Colorado SAR team, the two women could've potentially been stuck on the edge of the cliffs over night.

Safe hiking practices include carrying a map and compass, wearing appropriate gear, and informing someone of your itinerary. Whether an individual is going on a casual day hike, a weekend backpacking trip or pursuing a through-hike, every backcountry adventure should be approached with the same level of care and preparedness. I personally have spent countless hours of research into what to bring, what to do and not do on a hiking trail. There are rules, regulations and standards for a reason. Not only to preserve our beautiful land for decades to come but to ensure our own safety on the trails.

Humans have been hiking for thousands of years, however, how we have made major advancements since then. Technology being the biggest difference. Earlier mentioned, it is suggested to bring a map and compass along. Technology has made it so convenient for us that we can now use our phones, smartwatches and satellite messaging devices to aid us on the trail. It is strongly advised to still be familiar with and carry the analog versions as well for technology can always malfunction and fail in dire situations. It is also advised to carry a light source, not including your phone. Many hikers begin a trail in the early hours of the morning, typically it is very dark. Which is why many people use headlamps to light their way. It is suggested to have a seperate light source besides your cellphone flashlight because your phone should be dedicated to other tasks. For instance, if you end up finding a signal and are able to contact someone to inform them of your location in the case of an emergency. Each item on your person should have a designated job; shoes, clothes, food, water filters, cooking gear, a fire starter, alongside other essential items. 

Hiking is meant to be fun at the end of the day. Many hikers take along with them a 'luxury' item. This item doesn't have to be expensive like the word luxury normally alludes to, it just has to be an item you don't necessarily need but want to bring for extra enjoyment on the trail. For example: art supplies, a lightweight foldable chair, a camera, special food/cookware or a book. Just to name off a few.

At Colorado Health Coach, we not only emphasize physical wellness through intuitive eating and habit change, but also advocate for informed outdoor activities, ensuring you enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Colorado safely.

Source:

CBS News: Colorado

CO rescuers can't tell people enough about being prepared in the mountains

By Alan Gionet

https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/colorado-rescuers-prepared-mountains-searches/

Telluride Mountain Club Organization

Via Ferrata

https://www.telluridemountainclub.org/via-ferrata/

Colorado Via Ferrata

https://www.coloradoviaferrata.com/about-via-ferratas/colorado-via-ferratas/