On February 15, 2024 just before 11:30 AM, 911 dispatch received a call for an injured hiker on the Domingo Baca Trail that was unable to make the trip down the mountain. The hikers were well prepared and were able to provide exact coordinates which helped responders quickly locate the injured hiker. A mutual aide response from Bernalillo County Fire Rescue, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and Albuquerque Police Department’s Open Space officers all converged at the Cottonwood Springs, Elena Gallegos Trailhead for the hike in. Crews hiked 2.2 miles up the Domingo Baca trail to an elevation of 7100’ where the hiker was located. The hiker was assessed, treated for a lower leg injury and packaged for the hike out. Albuquerque Mountain Rescue, Cibola Search and Rescue and New Mexico Search and Rescue also responded and had teams on the trail to support the rescue efforts and scout the best route out. Due to the complexity of these mountain rescues coordinated responses by multiple agencies are necessary to ensure safe and efficient operations. Thanks to all the agencies that responded.
Drone footage provided by Brad Berry.