On Monday, August 1, 2022 at 1:20 PM Gallatin County Dispatch received a call from a hiker on the M Trail.  The hiker advised that they had become separated from one of the members in their party and requested assistance from Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue to locate the missing juvenile hiker.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley, along with AMR and Bridger Canyon Fire, responded to the M Trailhead.  Several search and rescue teams were deployed up the many trails of the M to attempt to locate the lost child.  While working the search, it was learned that the missing hiker possibly went past the M and continued on a trail above.  One search and rescue team proceeded to this area and located the hiker just under the M, descending the trail.  Volunteers provided the hiker with water and assessed their condition.  The juvenile was escorted down the trail to the trailhead parking lot and reunited with their group.  The group and the hiker had no further needs.

Sheriff Springer would like to remind recreationalists that even a quick hike may not go as planned.   Especially with the rising temperatures, bring plenty of water, a first aid kit, and extra supplies to support staying on the trail longer than you had planned.  It is also recommended that, if with a group, establish a point to meet if anyone becomes separated.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.