Authorities in Big Horn County, Wyoming, are still actively searching for a missing hiker, Grant Gardner, a Minnesota resident who disappeared during a solo hiking trip in the Cloud Peak Wilderness.
Gardner was reported missing on August 1st after embarking on a planned three-day hike in the Big Horn Mountains. He had started his journey at the West Ten Sleep trailhead, a popular starting point for hikers heading toward Cloud Peak, the highest point in the range. Search crews later located his vehicle in the parking lot, confirming where he had entered the wilderness.
According to the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office, Gardner reached the summit of Cloud Peak and called his wife around 7 p.m. that evening. During the call, he shared that the climb had been more exhausting than he had anticipated and that he was feeling extremely tired. He said he planned to descend the mountain to find a place to camp for the night. That was the last time anyone heard from him.
The Sheriff’s Office noted that the late time of his summit was worrying to search and rescue teams. Reaching the summit that late in the day increases the risks of descending in darkness and bad weather, making it harder to navigate and find a safe camping spot.
Since his disappearance, search and rescue crews have been working tirelessly in the rugged terrain of the Big Horn Mountains to locate him. Teams made up of trained professionals and volunteers have been covering large areas by foot, horseback, and helicopter, using drones and rescue dogs to assist in the effort. The Sheriff’s Office has emphasized that this remains a search and rescue operation and that they are doing everything possible to bring Gardner home safely.
Recently, there was confusion after another missing person was found deceased in Big Horn County, but in Montana—not Wyoming. The discovery led to false reports that Gardner had been found. Authorities were quick to clarify that the person found was not Gardner and that his search is still very much active in Big Horn County, Wyoming.
“With the discovery of the subject in MONTANA, it has been erroneously reported the subject was Mr. Gardner, who is still missing in Big Horn County, WYOMING,” said the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office in a statement. “The search for Mr. Gardner in Big Horn County WYOMING is a search and rescue operation that is still active and ongoing. We appreciate the continued support of the family and for the searchers.”
Gardner’s family, friends, and community continue to hold out hope for his safe return. Many have expressed gratitude for the work of the search teams and the support they’ve received during this difficult time. Social media posts and online groups have also been spreading awareness and encouraging people to share any information that could assist in the search.
The area around Cloud Peak is known for its breathtaking views and challenging terrain. The weather can change quickly, and hikers often face steep climbs, rocky paths, and sudden storms. These conditions make search efforts even more difficult and dangerous.
Authorities are urging anyone with information or who may have been in the area around the time of Gardner’s disappearance to come forward. Every detail could help.
As the search continues, the community remains hopeful. The Sheriff’s Office has vowed to keep the public updated and is committed to continuing the search for as long as necessary.
If you have any information regarding Grant Gardner’s whereabouts, please contact the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office in Wyoming.