Tragic End for 21-Year-Old Arizona Man Scaling Colorado’s 14ers

DOLORES COUNTY, Colo. — A tragic event unfolded in southwest Colorado as a 21-year-old climber from Arizona was found deceased on Wednesday.

The experienced climber fell roughly 800 feet into Upper Kilpacker Basin while navigating a challenging section between Mount Wilson and El Diente Peak. The regional peaks, located approximately 20 miles southwest of Telluride, pose significant challenges even for seasoned mountaineers.

The extensive search operation saw contributions from three different agencies, providing pivotal aviation support. These collaborative efforts underscore the difficulty and urgency of mountainous search and rescue missions.

The Dolores County Coroner’s Office will later release the man’s identity, withholding it for now to allow for family notifications and further investigation.

Mount Wilson, standing at 14,252 feet, ranks as Colorado’s 16th highest peak. It holds the distinction of being the tallest peak in the San Miguel Mountains and the second tallest in the expansive San Juan Mountain range.