Lost in the Beartooths, Found by Teamwork on Both Sides of the Border

The original story by Caleb McGever for NonStop Local Billings.

A Sunday evening rescue in the Beartooth Mountains turned into a cross-state team effort after a group of travelers got stranded near Emerald Lake and two of them set out on foot to find help — only to get lost themselves.

Park County Sheriff’s Office took the call around 6:45 p.m. on October 20, according to Park County Search and Rescue. One person stayed with the vehicle on the Forest Service road, while the others wandered off into the high-country maze as daylight faded. Park County SAR rolled out with a side-by-side and coordinated with Guardian Flight Wyoming to scan the route. Given the tricky terrain and the clock, Montana’s Carbon County Search and Rescue in Red Lodge was looped in and sent a team up as well.

Carbon County’s crew located the two hikers who’d left the car and walked them back without incident. With everyone reunited and safe, Park County SAR used the moment to tip its hat to their neighbors up the pass, saying the mission may have been in Wyoming, but the relationship with Carbon County remains a lifeline.

“They are always willing to help out and their support is always appreciated,” the foundation wrote.

It was a clean, cooperative finish in terrain that doesn’t forgive many mistakes — a reminder that in the Beartooths, the fastest way home is often through teamwork.