Missing hiker got separated from group in Colorado. Then rescuers hear a whistle

A whistle heard by rescuers led them to a missing hiker in Colorado, officials said.

On Sept. 20, Chaffee County Search and Rescue North got reports of a missing hiker in La Plata, according to a Facebook post by the team.

Initially, REACH Air Medical Services accepted the rescue mission but later declinedit because of the weather conditions, rescuers said.

Ground teams were in the area when they started “hearing a whistle in the drainage,” so they went to investigate it, officials said.

The hiker, who officials didn’t specify if they were injured, had continuously been blowing the whistle and was found 30 minutes after ground teams began hearing the sound, officials said.

Chaffee County is about a 130-mile drive southwest from Denver.

What to do if you get lost while hiking

If you think you’re getting lost, experts say it’s best to stop where you are and not panic. You should go over how you got to that point and if you’re able to see any landmarks around.

“Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step,” officials with the U.S. Forest Service said.

You should come up with a plan but stay put unless you are “very, very confident in the route.”

There are steps hikers can take to avoid getting lost and be better prepared for the unexpected:

Have more than enough food and water with you.

Take a compass that you know how to use, or have a GPS device on hand.

Don’t rely solely on your cell phone. It probably won’t work because of a lack of signal or a depleted battery.

Study the terrain and your route, and you should know how you’ll return.

Have the right clothing. Sturdy hiking boots and layers can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather.

Pack a blanket, flashlight and matches.

Check with a local ranger for special warnings. They can tell you about “fires in the area, bear sightings, flooding, trail or road closures.”