The search for Minnesota hiker Grant Gardner, who disappeared in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains earlier this month, has officially been suspended after 20 days of intense efforts.
Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn announced the decision on Wednesday, describing it as “heartbreaking and difficult.” He said the choice was made in agreement with Gardner’s family, after search teams spent nearly three weeks combing through the rugged mountain terrain without success.
According to Sheriff Blackburn, rescuers had used every resource available, including search teams, specialized equipment, and updated survival models, but the chances of finding Gardner alive had run out. “With weather conditions and other factors updated in our search models, we have to face the reality that the most optimistic survival odds have run out,” he said in his statement.
Grant Gardner, 39, was a husband and father of two from Lakeville, Minnesota. He had traveled to Wyoming in late July to hike Cloud Peak, one of the highest points in the Bighorn Mountains at over 13,000 feet. On July 29, Gardner texted his wife after reaching the summit, telling her the climb was more challenging than he had expected. That was the last time anyone heard from him.
The next day, authorities found his car parked at a trailhead, but despite extensive searches by ground crews, helicopters, drones, dogs, and volunteers, no sign of Gardner was discovered.
Throughout the search, dozens of volunteers and outdoor enthusiasts joined professional crews, showing support for Gardner’s family and determination to help. Sheriff Blackburn said many of the searchers were emotionally affected by the outcome. “Many team members feel like they have lost a battle by not finding Grant at this time,” he said, “however, it was not for a lack of effort on anyone’s part.”
Blackburn explained that while the official search is suspended, the case will shift from a rescue to a recovery mission. He added that many local volunteers and outdoor community members are continuing to keep an eye out for any signs of Gardner as they hike the area.
Family and friends described Gardner as an experienced hiker who often took solo trips and carefully planned his routes. A family friend, Becka Lyke, shared earlier this month that Gardner was meticulous in preparing his hiking itineraries. Despite that, the Bighorn Mountains are known for their steep terrain, unpredictable weather, and remote conditions, which can quickly make a hike dangerous even for seasoned adventurers.
The Gardner family, though devastated, expressed their deep gratitude to everyone who helped in the search. Sheriff Blackburn said the family is “humbled and grateful beyond words” for the tireless efforts of both professionals and volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to finding Grant.
The sheriff also expressed his personal hope that new evidence might eventually provide answers. “While grieving, [the family] is humbled, and grateful beyond words,” Blackburn said. “I hope clues will surface that will help bring a final closure to this tragedy in due time.”
The decision to suspend the search is especially painful because it marks the end of the hopeful stage, when rescuers believed they still had a chance of bringing Gardner home alive. For now, the focus shifts to recovery and providing closure for his loved ones.
Grant Gardner leaves behind a wife and two young children. While his story is marked by heartbreak, it has also highlighted the strength of community, with strangers and friends alike joining together in the mountains of Wyoming to try to bring him home.
