APD Open Space Unit Helps Rescue Women on La Luz Trail

Aug. 30, 2020

APD’s Open Space Unit worked with the Bernalillo County Fire Department and New Mexico State Police overnight to rescue two women who were lost on La Luz Trail.

The two women, ages 29 and 59, were lost about 3 miles down the trail. They did not have lights, food, rain gear, or water. The weather was 50 degrees and raining. Open space officers immediately responded and hiked through the rain to the area of the phone GPS. They located the women with a couple who stumbled upon them. The couple had given them some supplies and helped them continue up the trail. Officers also provided warm clothing, food and water to them. They helped the two women up the trail until one could no longer walk.

Officers hiked with one woman to the top and set up a small camp and fire to wait for more resources. BCFD arrived with a wildnerness litter and loaded her up and continue hiking her up the mountain. The first female was hiked out to the Tram where she was treated by medical personnel. BCFD and APD continued hiking the other female up the trail and carried her through some very rugged terrain. State Police Search and Rescue was called to assist with teams to get her safely to the top for the last rugged ¼ mile.