ASPEN - Snow poured down and applause roared as a woman and three children were reunited with anxious family members at the Lost Man trailhead Tuesday afternoon, following a night out above timberline in a freezing storm.

Stephanie Sakson, 48; her daughter, Andra; schoolmates Jillian Wentzel and Matt Palomino, all 9 years old; and a Jack Russell terrier named Nik became disoriented while hiking the Lost Man Loop Trail Monday afternoon east of Aspen near Independence Pass.

The children hugged their parents and cuddled in blankets as they were taken away to be treated at Aspen Valley Hospital. None suffered any serious injuries.

"We're just the happiest parents," said Jim Wentzel, father of Jillian. He didn't sleep Monday night as he waited inside his car near where the hikers began their trek. "To go through that was the scariest thing in the world."

Stephanie Sakson left the children huddled under a tarp Tuesday morning and set out in search of help. A short time later, about 10 a.m., she heard searchers' whistles. The children were a 15-minute walk away.

Sakson and the children, all from Carbondale, spent the night at about 12,000 feet elevation in 30 degree temperatures and 40 mph wind.

They hunkered under a blue tarp for protection and were carrying only enough food for a two-hour hike. Drew Sakson, father of Andra, said the group was wearing rain coats and layered clothing.

"They are very lucky," said Tom Grady, director of operations for the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office. "Once you get out of the city of Aspen, it is wilderness everywhere. You can be an hour away and be totally lost."

Snow had been on the sometimes steep trail for several days and new snow was beginning to fall.

"The weather can change in a blink of an eye," said Grady.

The hikers were expected back from a day hike about 3 p.m. Monday, and when they didn't return by 6 p.m., a parent called authorities.

Six search teams made up of 25 people went out Monday night and Tuesday morning looking for the hikers, but conditions turned them back about 2:30 a.m.

Deputies found their vehicle at a trailhead and searched with the Aspen Mountain Rescue Team and a search dog.

The Pitkin County Sheriff's Office receives about 100 missing persons reports in the area each year, Grady said.

"There are many hazards for anyone not prepared for the wilderness," said Grady.

The kids, all students at the private Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork, were all smiles as they were led out of the woods on Tuesday.

Wentzel hugged his daughter and said, "It's so wonderful to see you."