A New York man was rescued Thursday evening after spending five nights lost in southern Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
Bryan Skilinski was found just over a mile south of the park’s visitor center. The National Park Service says he was in relatively good health “considering he had spent five nights out in the elements with little winter gear.”
After becoming disoriented during his first day at the park while hiking in deep snow, the park service says, Skilinski spent the remaining time trying to find his way back to his vehicle. He covered many miles of terrain while exposed to snowstorms, high winds and below-freezing temperatures at night.
Search and rescue efforts began on Thursday after an unattended vehicle belonging to Skilinski was found in the park’s horse trailer parking lot along Medano Road. It had been there since Saturday.
“We could not have asked for a better outcome and I want to personally thank all of the staff and search and rescue team members who provided their expertise in helping to locate Bryan” Acting Park Superintendent Scott Stonum said in a statement.
