Missing woman on 'spiritual' quest found after 4 days in Colorado wilderness

DENVER (KDVR) — A Canadian woman was found alive in the Colorado wilderness after participating in an excursion where hikers were discouraged from bringing their cell phones and eating, authorities recently announced.

The woman from Victoria, Canada, had joined a group of 11 campers who set off on solo treks from the Lone Cone trailhead outside of Norwood on Wednesday, Aug. 14, according to the San Miguel County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities said organizers with the the Animas Valley Institute discouraged the campers from bringing electronic devices on their quests and advised them to fast to help "maximize a spiritual experience with nature." To ensure their safety, organizers reportedly implemented a "buddy system," requiring pairs to check in with each other upon arriving at the main camp on Aug. 15.

The missing hiker had not checked in, and guides who searched her campsite found that she had not stayed there the previous night and that her daypack was also missing.

Rescuers used aircraft resources, K-9 teams and on-foot teams to search for the woman. She was found alive and uninjured in the targeted search area on Sunday.

“Obviously, this is the outcome we were all hoping for, and we couldn’t be happier for (the hiker) and her family," said San Miguel County Sheriff Bill Masters in a Facebook post. "You should always bring technology for communications. Furthermore, you should not starve yourself even if a 'guide' service suggests the opposite of these basic safety rules. Nature does not care about your safety and will kill you, especially if are not properly prepared."

The Animas Valley Institute posted a message to its website thanking search crews who helped locate the missing hiker.

"The Institute is immensely grateful to the team of professionals and volunteers who led the search. Their commitment and dedication have been exemplary," the organization wrote. "The Animas Valley Institute has run backcountry programs in Colorado since 1980 with no serious incidents. The safety of our participants remains our highest priority. We have been in direct contact with the participant’s family during this immensely difficult time and remain committed to supporting them over the coming days and weeks."

Numerous agencies assisted with the search, in addition to private citizens, according to the San Miguel County Sheriff's Office.