When a Colorado family set out to hike Torreys Peak in early July 2023, they never imagined their day would end in heartbreak — or that it would take a mountain rescue team to save their beloved dog’s life.
Their 3-year-old pup, Zola, had been happily exploring the trail when she slipped and fell off the steep east side of the 14,000-foot mountain. One second she was at their side, and the next she had vanished into the rocks below.
“The family reported that Zola had fallen from the top of Torreys,” said Angela Widler, a member of the Alpine Rescue Team. “They saw her head briefly about 30 feet down before she fell farther — and then she was gone.”
The family called 911, terrified that Zola hadn’t survived the fall. Within hours, more than two dozen rescuers from the Alpine Rescue Team were on their way up the mountain. Seven climbed all the way to the summit to reach the devastated family and begin the search.
“When we first met the family, the mood was understandably heavy,” Widler said. “Our goal was to find Zola — even if only to bring them closure.”
After nearly an hour of climbing, the rescuers finally spotted something unusual far below: a faint black speck against the snow.
“At first we weren’t sure,” Widler said. “But it didn’t look like any natural part of the mountain — and a few of us thought we saw movement. That was all the motivation we needed.”
As they drew closer, hope turned to joy.
“Imagine our surprise and absolute delight when we peeked over the edge — and there she was, alive and wagging her tail,” Widler said.
Zola had fallen nearly 600 feet and somehow survived, clinging to a narrow ledge just below a wall of snow and rock. She’d been there alone for eight hours, waiting.
To reach her, the rescuers anchored ropes and lowered Widler down the steep couloir. Carefully, she made her way across the snow until she was close enough to touch Zola.
“She was shaking and crying,” Widler said. “She even grunted at me like she wasn’t sure I knew what I was doing! But once I got her into the rescue bag, she calmed right down.”
Zola had deep scrapes on her stomach and hind legs and couldn’t put weight on one leg, but she was alive. Once Widler reached flat ground again, another rescuer placed Zola into his backpack and carried her down the rest of the mountain.
“Once she was in the backpack, she was as cool as a cucumber,” Widler said. “She didn’t make a sound the whole way out.”
When Zola was finally reunited with her family, there were tears all around — of gratitude, relief, and disbelief that she had made it.
Widler hopes Zola’s story reminds other hikers to be cautious with their pets. “Know your pup’s limits,” she said. “Use a leash in high-risk areas, and if you notice they’re tired or anxious, don’t push it. Always be prepared for the unexpected.”
Because thanks to one brave rescue team — and a dog who refused to give up — Zola and her family now have many more adventures ahead of them.
