Florida hiker lost in dark found uninjured in Boulder County
Deputies with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office found a lost hiker in an overnight search, it was announced Tuesday.
Officials were made aware of an overdue hiker about 11:30 p.m. Monday.
A 20-year-old man from Tampa, Florida went hiking during the day but was unable to locate his vehicle after dark, deputies said.
The hiker was unfamiliar with the area and not prepared for cold overnight temperatures.
Deputies found his vehicle parked near the Coulson Gulch Trailhead northwest of Lyons but the hiker was not in the area.
After three hours of searching using all-terrain vehicles and unmanned aerial systems, officials found the hiker uninjured.
Officials remind the public that it gets dark early this time of year and to check when open spaces and trails close, which is usually at sunset.
Officials also recommend carrying extra clothing, water and food when hiking, and to tell someone where you will be and when you should return.
Agencies included in the search were Big Elk Fire, Lyons Fire, Pinewood Springs Fire, Boulder Emergency Squad, Rocky Mountain Rescue Group and Colorado Search and Rescue.