APD Open Space Officers Make Life-saving Rescue

Thurs. Jan. 6, 2022

ALBUQUERQUE – On the evening of Wednesday, January 5, Albuquerque Police Open Space Officers made a life-saving rescue in the Sandia Mountains.

Three hikers got turned around on the La Luz trail because the snow had gotten so deep.

Upon arrival, Open Space officers located one male and two female hikers. Their boots and pants were frozen to their bodies and were freezing due to the temperatures plummeting to around 20 degrees.

The officers got the hikers dry socks and clothing and started a fire to keep them warm and dry off their boots. 

The team then traversed the way they arrived due to all the ice to get towards the tram house. They then strapped snowshoes to the hikers and assisted them down to the Ellis parking lot where the rest of the rescue crew were waiting.

It is likely, had the officers not been in the area training, or the hikers had to wait for another rescue, they would have likely been hypothermic if not worse. 

This is a reminder to the public to prepare for the inclement weather when you’re hiking this time of year. The mountains are covered in snow and make following trails extremely challenging. It’s best to wear the appropriate clothing and gear especially footwear.