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Injured motorcyclist rescued in La Plata Mountains near Mancos

Classic Air Medical, based at Southwest Memorial Hospital, rescued an injured motorcyclist in the La Plata Mountains Monday. (Courtesy Southwest Health System)
Man suffered broken leg in July 4 crash on Aspen Loop Trail

A motorcyclist injured July 4 in a crash in the La Plata Mountains was rescued by the Mancos Fire Protection District and Classic Air Medical helicopter.

The man suffered a broken leg when he was ejected from the motorcycle on the Aspen Loop Trail on Forest Road 560 about 1 p.m., said Chief Tony Aspromonte of the Mancos fire department.

A fellow rider rode to cellphone range and called 911, then met rescuers to guide them to the location.

EMTs drove a rescue truck to the site of the crash on a rough trail section in the Lost Canyon area about 15 miles north of Mancos.

The crash victim, who was not identified, was conscious and in relatively good spirits despite his serious injury, Aspromonte said.

“He was grateful to see us and kept up a sense of humor,” he said.

His injured leg was stabilized in a traction splint, and he was transported by vehicle to a landing zone at Forest Roads 560 and 561.

Classic Air Medical helicopter, based at Southwest Memorial Hospital in Cortez, picked up the patient and took him to Mercy Hospital in Durango.

The injury was not life-threatening, Aspromonte said.

About 10 people participated in the rescue effort. Southwest Health System EMS, stationed in Mancos, and a Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office deputy also responded.

The Aspen Loop Trail is a 39-mile multipurpose trail popular with ATVs and motorcycles. The trailhead is at the Transfer Campground, northeast of Mancos in Montezuma County.