On June 4, 2024, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue was called to the Lava Lake Trailhead for three missing children. The children reportedly went missing off the Lava Lake Trail during a family hike. Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue began mobilizing resources including the Valley Section, Big Sky Section, Drones Team, Dogs Team, and a helicopter from Air Idaho. As the first Sheriff’s Deputy arrived on scene, the children returned to the trailhead.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind backcountry recreationalists to travel in groups for safety. Staying with a group prevents individuals from becoming separated and lost. In addition, groups of four or more recreationalists are significantly less likely to have a negative encounter with wildlife. If a member of a group is injured or disabled in the backcountry, someone can stay with the disabled party while two or more group members can return to cell service to call for help.