PRESS RELEASE

Lizard Lake Rescue

On August 1, 2023, at 1:20 pm, Gallatin County Dispatch received a call for an injured horseback rider on Lizard Lake Trail approximately 2.5 miles from the Cache Creek Trailhead. The injured rider was bucked from the horse and then stepped on. The rider reported injuries to the hip, lower back, leg, and hand.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue Big Sky Section deployed a hasty team on e-bikes as well as ground litter teams. The Heli Team was also requested to access and evacuate the patient. The helicopter was able to land near the patient, load them in the helicopter, and fly to the Sage Creek Trailhead where they were transferred into the care of Big Sky Fire Department for ground transport to Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center.

Sheriff Springer wants to remind residents and guest of Gallatin County that horse accidents can be a common occurrence in the backcountry. This rescue was expedited because the group had a GPS device to provide an accurate location, radios to allow for communication with rescuers, and were able to provide clear and accurate information on the condition of the terrain, condition of the patient, and patient needs.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.