A woman and three children missing on Independence Pass since Monday were found safe this morning.
Stephanie Sakson, 48, 9-year-olds Andra Sakson, Jillian Wentzel, Matthew Palomino and a Jack Russell terrier named Nik Nik Nik were found above treeline off the Midway trail at about 10:30 a.m., according to Pitkin County authorities.
They were cold, tired and hungry, but otherwise in good shape, searchers said.
Rain, snow and fog made conditions difficult for searchers, and aircraft were unable to participate. Twenty-five people from six regional search teams joined in the effort.
They were reported missing at 6 p.m. Monday. They had been expected to return at 3 p.m., authorities said.
