A search and rescue is operation for a lost hiker in the Hermosa Creek area, about 15 miles north of Durango, ended late Thursday when the man was found in town.

La Plata County Search and Rescue mission coordinator Ron Corkish said emergency crews were notified around 3:30 p.m. Thursday that a 52-year-old man was lost on the Hermosa Creek Trail.

The man was reportedly on a day hike with a friend, who were both from the area, but the two became separated around 11:30 a.m.

The friend was able to make it back to the car at the Hermosa Creek Campground, Corkish said, alerting authorities a few hours later after his friend failed to show up.

For more than two hours, emergency crews, which included a Flight for Life helicopter, a number of search-and-rescue personnel and even three good Samaritans combed the Hermosa Creek area.

About 6 p.m., Corkish said the man was located in town in Durango.

“It’s a tremendous use of resources,” Corkish said. “But the training will make us better for the next live mission.”

jromeo@durangoherald.com