Florida Father and Son Heroically Rescued from Snowy Colorado Summit: Stranded Vehicle Sparks Dramatic Winter Rescue

DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado’s mountainous terrain continues to pose challenges for out-of-state drivers, with recent incidents highlighting the difficulties faced by those unfamiliar with the high-altitude conditions.

Earlier this month, a South Carolina man in a Kia Telluride inadvertently blocked Black Bear Pass for over a day, causing significant delays until his vehicle could be safely removed. This incident underscored the potential hazards for drivers not accustomed to the region’s roads.

Most recently, on Thursday night, a father and son from Florida found themselves in a similar predicament. Hinsdale County Search and Rescue reported on Facebook that their team was called to assist nearby San Juan and Ouray counties with a stranded motorist situation on Engineer Pass just before 7 p.m.

Adding to the challenge was the forecast of overnight snowfall, with the FOX31 Pinpoint Weather Team predicting up to 2 inches of snow from Thursday night into Friday. Engineer Pass, a part of Colorado’s rugged Alpine Loop, is especially demanding, requiring vehicles with 4×4 capabilities and high ground clearance.

Despite being equipped with a Jeep designed for such conditions, the Florida duo encountered difficulties as they became stuck in approximately two feet of snow by 4 p.m., with deteriorating weather making matters worse. Rescuers were able to reach the pair shortly before 10 p.m., ensuring their safety in the harsh conditions.

To the Florida duo’s credit, they were driving a Jeep with a fair amount of ground clearance. However, Hinsdale County Search and Rescue noted that the motorists got stranded in about two feet of snow at about 4 p.m. as weather conditions worsened. Rescuers made contact with the pair shortly before 10 p.m.

The Jeep was stuck in about two feet of snow, and photos shared by the search and rescue team highlighted the area’s remoteness, cold weather, and windy conditions.

No additional details were provided.

Outside Magazine, a publication that covers outdoor adventuring, gear reviews, and more, shared a list of basic equipment overlanders should carry while on the trail, especially during the winter. The list includes a recovery board, a tree saver for a winch, hitch receiver recovery points, and more items to safely recover a vehicle.

The Colorado Department of Transportation also advocates for drivers heading up into the mountains during the winter to carry essential items, like water, a snow scraper, blanket or sleeping bag, non-perishable food and jumper cables. More information on that can be found here.

Colorado’s search and rescue groups are staffed by volunteers and Hinsdale County’s group is operated through the county sheriff’s office.