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Rock climber rescued in Cracked Canyon near Ophir

Man took a 30-foot fall in remote area
An injured climber was rescued Monday in Cracked Canyon near Ophir after taking a 30-foot fall. (Courtesy San Miguel County Sheriff's Office)

A rock climber was rescued at Cracked Canyon near Ophir Monday, according to the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office.

The experienced local climber was injured in a 30-foot fall about 3 p.m.

A four-hour technical rescue operation was required in rugged, mountainous terrain, and involved three dozen staff and volunteers from multiple agencies.

The climber was transported from the scene by ambulance to a nearby Careflight helicopter and flown to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction.

Cracked Canyon is a remote climber’s crag in the vicinity of the Ophir Wall off Colorado Highway 145.

During the rescue effort Monday, Cracked Canyon was closed for the day. Ophir Road was limited to one lane of traffic, but has opened to two lanes of traffic.

Agencies involved included San Miguel Search and Rescue, Telluride Fire Protection District, and San Miguel Sheriff’s Office deputies.

Cracked Canyon near Ophir is a destination for experienced rock climbers. (Courtesy San Miguel Sherrif's Office)