Search and rescue in the California Alps.
A volunteer team who assist law enforcement to help lost or injured people in the backcountry of Alpine County, California.
What we do
Help lost or injured hikers
In the summer months, our most common missions are to assist hikers who have gotten lost or injured on the trail. With the Pacific Crest Trail running through Alpine County, we get calls to find day hikers and through-hikers who need our help.
K9 support
Some of our volunteers are trained handlers of search and rescue dogs. They dramatically increase our ability to track and find people.
Winter missions
We operate year-round in adverse mountain conditions. Alpine County is home to some of Tahoe's best backcountry skiing and snowmobiling.
Working with emergency services
Due to the remoteness of Alpine County we often require air support from CHP and Army National Guard to insert volunteers or evacuate injured people to medical care.
Partnership with the Sheriff's Office
Volunteers operate under the direction and supervision of the Sheriff's department. We coordinate training, resources, and activities in partnership with law enforcement.
Mutual aid
We provide assistance, as requested, to other agencies for large searches or natural disasters. We are grateful to work closely with El Dorado SO SAR, Douglas County SAR, and Tahoe Nordic SAR.
Donate
We rely on donations to fund team equipment, rescue and medical training. Please consider supporting us.
Alpine County Search and Rescue is a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) California corporation · TIN/EIN 88-0577632 · Donations processed securely by Stripe
Volunteer
Residents of Alpine County and adjacent counties, who are at least 18 years old, can become members of Alpine County SAR. All members are volunteers.
We respond to
- Searches for lost and missing people
- Rescues for injured or incapacitated people
- Evacuations
- Mutual aid to other counties to assist in operations
- Helping at community events