Colorado Search and Rescue and Grand County Search and Rescue: Heroes of the Outdoors

Colorado Search and Rescue (CSAR) is a statewide organization that provides search and rescue services to people in need in the Colorado wilderness. CSAR is composed of over 2,000 volunteers from all over the state, and they are trained to respond to a wide variety of emergencies, including lost hikers, injured climbers, and stranded snowmobilers.

Grand County Search and Rescue (GCSAR) is a local CSAR team that serves Grand County, Colorado. GCSAR is composed of approximately 60 volunteers, and they are highly trained in backcountry rescue. GCSAR responds to over 100 calls each year, and they have saved countless lives over the years.

Here are some examples of the types of rescues that CSAR and GCSAR perform:

• Rescuing lost or injured hikers and climbers

• Rescuing stranded snowmobilers and skiers

• Rescuing people who have fallen into rivers or lakes

• Rescuing people who are trapped in avalanches

• Rescuing people who are missing in the wilderness

 

CSAR and GCSAR volunteers are highly trained and skilled, and they are dedicated to helping people in need. 

These are just a few examples of the many rescues that CSAR and GCSAR perform each year. These volunteers are essential to keeping people safe in the Colorado wilderness.

Here are some ways that you can support CSAR and GCSAR:

• Donate to CSAR and GCSAR. Both organizations rely on donations to fund their operations.

• Volunteer with CSAR or GCSAR. Both organizations are always looking for new volunteers.

• Take a wilderness safety course. This will help you stay safe in the wilderness and reduce the chances that you will need to be rescued.

• Be prepared when you go into the wilderness. Make sure to tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. Bring plenty of food and water, and dress appropriately for the conditions.

Thank you to the brave men and women of CSAR and GCSAR for all that you do!

Additional information about CSAR and GCSAR

CSAR: Colorado SAR

• CSAR was founded in 1965.

• CSAR is a non-profit organization.

• CSAR is funded by a combination of state and federal grants, donations, and fundraising events.

• CSAR volunteers are trained in a variety of skills, including first aid, CPR, wilderness navigation, and search and rescue techniques.

• CSAR volunteers use a variety of equipment to perform rescues, including helicopters, snowmobiles, and search and rescue dogs.

GCSAR: Grand County SAR

• GCSAR was founded in 1975.

• GCSAR is a non-profit organization.

• GCSAR is funded by a combination of Grand County government funds, donations, and fundraising events.

• GCSAR volunteers are trained in a variety of skills, including first aid, CPR, wilderness navigation, and search and rescue techniques.

• GCSAR volunteers use a variety of equipment to perform rescues, including helicopters, snowmobiles, and search and rescue dogs.

 

 If you are rescued by one of Colorado’s all-volunteer search and rescue teams you won't be charged for the cost of your rescue.  You’ll only incur charges for two things:

1. Medical care by ambulance service personnel, if you need it
2. Medical transport, by ambulance or helicopter