A hiker who went missing for 24 hours caused a stir after revealing that he ignored multiple calls from rescuers—simply because they came from an unknown number.
Many of us are guilty of declining calls from numbers we don’t recognize, assuming they’re spam, telemarketers, or robocalls. But for one stranded backpacker, this habit took a dangerous turn, delaying his own rescue and sparking a conversation about common sense and survival instincts.
The Hiker’s Mysterious Disappearance on Mount Elbert
The unidentified hiker had set off on a solo journey at 9 a.m. on Colorado’s Mount Elbert, the state’s highest peak. But as the sun began to set and he failed to return home, concerned friends and family members raised the alarm.
By 8 p.m., the Lake County Search and Rescue (LCSR) team was mobilized, launching an effort to locate the missing backpacker. Given the treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, time was of the essence. But there was one problem—the hiker wasn’t answering his phone.
Rescue Efforts Complicated by Unanswered Calls
The search team attempted to contact the lost hiker multiple times, hoping he would pick up his phone and provide his location. However, each call went unanswered, making it even more difficult to track him down.
The reason?
He didn’t recognize the number, so he chose to ignore it.
The Moment of Realization
After an entire night of wandering, the hiker finally managed to find his way back to his car at 9 a.m. the following morning—completely unaware that a search-and-rescue operation had been underway for him.
Once found, the hiker explained that he had accidentally strayed from the main path, becoming disoriented and struggling to navigate his way back. Rather than calling for help, he spent the night attempting to retrace his steps, convinced that he could find his way alone.
Search Team Issues a Statement on the Incident
Following the unexpected rescue, Lake County Search and Rescue released a public statement detailing what had happened and offering a crucial lesson to future hikers.
“One notable takeaway is that the subject ignored repeated phone calls from us because they didn’t recognize the number,” the statement read.
“If you’re overdue according to your itinerary and you start getting repeated calls from an unknown number, please answer the phone. It may be a search-and-rescue team trying to confirm your safety!”
The team also urged the public to be mindful that common sense isn’t always clear when someone is lost and panicking.
“Please remember that what seems obvious in hindsight is not always clear to someone who is lost in the moment and experiencing fear,” they wrote.
The statement also noted that not everyone is familiar with the search-and-rescue protocols, adding:
“In Colorado, many outdoor enthusiasts understand that SAR [Search and Rescue] infrastructure exists to help them, but this is not always the case in other areas. Please keep your comments respectful.”
Social Media Reacts to the Bizarre Rescue Story
As soon as the story went viral, people on social media had plenty to say about the unusual situation.
One person commented:
“Maybe it’s time to start answering unknown numbers. You never know when it might be someone saving your life!”
Another joked:
“This just proves how bad robocalls have gotten. Dude thought rescuers were trying to sell him an extended car warranty.”
Others took a more sympathetic approach, with one person writing:
“If you’ve ever been lost, you know your brain doesn’t function normally. Fear takes over, and logic sometimes goes out the window. I hope he learned his lesson!”
Lessons for Hikers: What to Do If You Get Lost
While this story may sound humorous in hindsight, it serves as an important reminder that getting lost in the wilderness can be life-threatening.
Even the most experienced hikers can make mistakes, which is why proper preparation is crucial.
Outdoor experts recommend following the STOP method if you ever find yourself lost:
- Stop – Don’t panic. Take deep breaths and remain as calm as possible.
- Think – Assess your situation. What was the last landmark you saw? How long have you been lost?
- Observe – Look around. Check your surroundings for signs of the trail, markers, or other hikers.
- Plan – Decide your next move. If you have phone service, call for help immediately. If not, consider whether staying put is safer than moving.
Additional Survival Tips for Hikers
- Always carry extra food, water, and warm clothing in case you get stranded.
- Download offline maps or carry a physical map and compass for navigation.
- Let someone know your hiking route and estimated return time before setting out.
- Answer your phone if you’re lost—even if it’s an unknown number.
A Lesson Learned the Hard Way
While the lost hiker was lucky to make it out safely, his story is a reminder of how small decisions can have big consequences.
Ignoring calls from an unknown number may seem harmless in everyday life, but when you’re lost in the wilderness, it could mean the difference between a swift rescue or an extended survival ordeal.
Hopefully, this bizarre incident will encourage more people to pick up their phones—especially when lost in the wild.