Authorities in Wyoming have confirmed that the body of a Minnesota hiker missing for nearly a month has been found in the Cloud Peak Wilderness, a remote and rugged area in north-central Wyoming.
The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office announced that 38-year-old Grant Gardner’s remains were located on Wednesday after an extensive search effort that lasted more than three weeks.
Sheriff Ken Blackburn expressed his condolences in a statement shared Thursday. “While it’s not the outcome we hoped for, we are hopeful this discovery will provide some peace and closure to Grant’s family,” he said.
The Disappearance
Gardner, an experienced hiker from Minnesota, was last heard from on July 29. That evening, he had successfully reached the summit of Cloud Peak, which rises to more than 13,000 feet above sea level and is one of the most challenging climbs in the Bighorn Mountains.
From the top, Gardner sent a text message to his wife, letting her know he planned to descend to a lower elevation before settling in for the night. After that message, he never made contact again.
When Gardner did not return as expected, authorities launched a large-scale search and rescue mission. The effort included ground crews, helicopters, and volunteers combing through steep and rocky terrain. Despite their best efforts, no signs of him were found in the weeks that followed.
Search Becomes Recovery
After 20 days of searching, the sheriff’s office announced they were shifting the mission from rescue to recovery, as hopes of finding Gardner alive had faded. Crews continued to monitor the area, waiting for new evidence or clues that might lead them to him.
That breakthrough came earlier this week. On Tuesday, a group of climbers camping near Cloud Peak spotted what looked like a reflection from a backpack tucked beneath a ledge, a few hundred feet above their camp. Because it was getting dark and the climb to investigate would have been dangerous, the group reported their sighting to authorities.
Discovery of Gardner’s Body
The next day, a search team was dispatched to the location. The same climbers who reported the sighting decided to cancel their own climbing plans and assist the search team. Together, they reached the ledge and found Gardner’s body near the backpack.
According to the sheriff’s office, the location had actually been searched before. However, Gardner’s clothing was similar in color to the surrounding rocks and terrain, making him nearly impossible to spot during earlier efforts.
The discovery brought an emotional end to a long and difficult search that had drawn concern and support from people both in Wyoming and in Gardner’s home state of Minnesota.
Cause of Death
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact time and cause of Gardner’s death. For now, officials believe he likely suffered a tragic accident, possibly related to a fall in the steep, rugged terrain.
Sheriff Blackburn emphasized the dangers of hiking in remote wilderness areas, even for skilled and experienced hikers. He praised the determination of search crews and volunteers who dedicated weeks to trying to find Gardner.
A Family’s Closure
While the outcome was heartbreaking, Gardner’s family now has some closure after weeks of uncertainty. Authorities and community members alike hope that recovering his body will provide the family with comfort during this painful time.
The Cloud Peak Wilderness, where Gardner was found, is known for its beauty but also its challenges — sharp cliffs, high elevations, unpredictable weather, and difficult trails. Officials remind all hikers and climbers to take extra precautions and prepare thoroughly when entering such areas.
For the Gardner family, the discovery closes a painful chapter, though the loss will be deeply felt. As Sheriff Blackburn said, “This is not what we had hoped for, but we pray that his loved ones can now find peace.”