About the Foundation
Supporting the Volunteers serving the backcountry
Southwest Colorado is home to some of Colorado’s most challenging terrain. Across 11 contiguous counties that span 16,000 square miles, there are (20) Fourteeners comprising more than 35% of the entire State’s highest peaks. Increasing numbers of residents and tourists enjoy the thrill of unforgiving mountains, backcountry trails, treacherous snowscapes and rushing white water rivers. This is leading to increases in volume - and complexity - of search and rescue missions around the region.
Backcountry adventurers in peril are essentially on their own, except for the Search and Rescue volunteers. These dedicated professionals assist each County’s Sheriff’s Department in search and rescue operations in high-altitude backcountry and challenging technical settings. SAR teams also deliver education and community programs to build safety awareness.
Every SAR team around the region shares the same need – to have the necessary equipment, training and support infrastructure to be able to quickly locate and save individuals in peril. SWSARF is dedicated to helping these teams share solutions and skills, leverage experience and utilize economy of scale in the acquisition of expensive assets that will serve the region.
When Minutes Matter.
Together, we create an association that works to keep Southwest Colorado’s residents and visitors safe in the backcountry 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
We rely on private donations for the majority of our funding, which goes to support SAR volunteers with meals, advanced training, safety equipment, and mental/physical wellness.
Contact Information
Southwest Search and Rescue Foundation
P.O, Box 1482
Durango, CO 81302
