Rescue Crews Search for Missing Hiker in Cloud Peak Wilderness, Public Asked to Help

The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help tracking down a missing hiker in Wyoming’s rugged Cloud Peak Wilderness. Grant Gardner, originally from Minnesota, hasn’t been heard from since summiting Cloud Peak late on July 29. He was expected to return home by August 1 but never showed.

According to the sheriff’s office, Gardner told his wife he reached the 13,000-foot summit last Monday evening around 9 p.m. via a text message that also noted he was exhausted from a hike that turned out tougher than planned. He had mapped out a three-day backpacking trip through the Misty Moon Lake area before reaching the summit.

When Gardner didn’t return, the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office launched a large-scale search operation. His vehicle was found parked at the West Ten Sleep trailhead — right where he said he’d start.

The trailhead log confirms he entered the wilderness as planned. Phone data backs up the story, showing he was at the summit on July 29 and preparing to descend that evening.

But since then — silence.

Now, multiple search and rescue teams from Big Horn, Sheridan, Johnson, Washakie, and Park counties have joined forces to find him. Air support has been deployed from First Flight of Wyoming, the Wyoming Army National Guard, and even private pilots. Teton County Search and Rescue has jumped in too, bringing helicopters, K9 teams, and high-tech tracking equipment.

It’s a massive effort — and a dangerous one. Two rescuers have already needed medical attention due to the extreme terrain and brutal conditions. The weather hasn’t helped either, with high-altitude storms, wind, and lightning slowing down progress.

The sheriff’s office says it’s doing everything possible — but now it’s turning to the public. If you were hiking or camping in the Cloud Peak Wilderness recently and think you saw Gardner — or even if you saw something unusual — call 307-568-2324.

They also ask that visitors to the area be extra cautious and respectful of the search teams operating in the wilderness.

“This is a beautiful but unforgiving place,” the sheriff’s statement said. “Our hearts go out to Grant’s family. We ask for your thoughts and prayers — for them, and for the crews working tirelessly to bring him home.”

Gardner’s family has shared several photos to help searchers and hikers identify him.