A stranded hiker missing in the foothills of Jefferson County was found late Friday night by search and rescue responders who used thermal imaging to pinpoint her location.
The hiker went missing at about 6:45 p.m. in Genesee Park, between Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 6, according to Fire Information Duty Officers of western Jefferson County.
More than 40 responders searched for the woman, who had been hiking alone, as the sun went down and cold weather blew into the area on strong, gusty winds.
Search personnel used a dog on park trails hoping to pick up a scent. Scant cell phone service in the mountainous area hampered search efforts.
At about 10 p.m. searchers made verbal contact with the hiker after finding her with thermal imaging. Crews then began efforts to safely help the hiker from the park.
