Rescue teams sprang into action in Park County on July 7 after two 17-year-old hikers got lost and separated without food, water, and proper clothing to brave the elements.

According to the Park County Sheriff’s Office, an initial call for help was received from one of the hikers at about 6:04 p.m. The caller reported that the pair had become separated and neither had food or water and tthey weren’t dressed for the elements.

Rescue crews were immediately dispatched, including deputies of the Park County Sheriff’s Office, personnel from Park County Search and Rescue, a human tracker from the Fairplay Police Department and the drone team of the Hartsel Fire Department, as well as members of the Lake George Fire Department, Southern Park County Fire Protection District, and Teller County Search and Rescue. Notably, the group also included the Park County K-9 team and a dog named Rip.

The location of the teens was determined to be just outside of Lake George, in the area of County Road 77 and Forest Service Road 210. This location was further narrowed with the discovery of the vehicle belonging to the missing teens.

K-9 Rip, a black German Shepherd, kicked off a key component of the search effort, able to smell the door handle of the vehicle and start tracking the teens.

With the work of Rip and the help of a drone team, one of the hikers was located at about 9:10 p.m. Meanwhile, a team that had been deployed elsewhere ended up finding the second teen, located about four miles from where the first teen was found and on a different trail.

While the hikers were experiencing dehydration and exhaustion when discovered, they are expected to make a fully recovery. Each teen was safely reunited with their respective families.

“We are incredibly grateful to all agencies involved for their swift response, teamwork, and dedication to bringing these two young individuals home safely,” wrote the Park County Sheriff’s Office about the search.

This situation highlights a number of important safety lessons for Colorado’s outdoor enthusiasts as peak summer recreation season begins.