On 7/18/2024, at 6:19PM, 911 dispatch received a text-to-911 from a hiker approximately 3 miles up Wheeler Mountain Trail who had become lost and needed assistance getting out.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the valley section responded to assist the hiker. A hasty team was sent up the trail and relatively quickly located the lost hiker, and after a quick medical evaluation, the hiker was guided back down the trail without incident.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the hiker for asking for help early and having a means of communication. Even with bad cell reception, text-to-911 is a valuable tool Gallatin County 911 is able to use to assist you. Even simple hikes on a trail can quickly turn into an emergency, and the sooner we are notified the easier it is to help.