Be Prepared & Stay Safe in the Backcountry

Before You Go:

  • Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return

  • Sign in at trailhead registers

  • Check weather and avalanche conditions (if relevant)

Take With You:

  • Map / navigation tools

  • Food

  • Water

  • Extra clothes

  • Emergency bivy

  • First Aid kit

  • Bathroom kit (Ziplock baggie with TP, hand sanitizer, and extra Ziplock baggie to bring home used TP)

  • Signaling device, such as whistle and/or flashlight

  • Cell phone (but don’t expect it to work everywhere!)

  • Portable satellite communication device (e.g. Garmin inReach Mini or ZOLEO)

  • Other safety equipment as needed by your activity (e.g. avalanche beacon and shovel for backcountry skiing)

While You Are Out:

  • Pay attention to your surroundings

  • The best way to avoid a rescue is not to get hurt or lost

  • Know where you are

  • Put your smartphone in "airplane mode" to preserve battery life

If You Become Lost or Injured:

  • Stay in one place!

  • Dial 911 and request an emergency response from the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team.

  • Use your portable satellite communication device to send an emergency alert (this also reaches 911 dispatch and activates our rescue team).