On September 16, 2021, at 6:00pm Gallatin County Dispatch received a call from a hiker who was separated from two other members of their hiking group.

The group departed from Bear Canyon expecting to hike a loop and return to the same location. While hiking, the group became lost and started to walk in the wrong direction. One hiker was able to walk ahead of the group and make a phone call to Gallatin County Dispatch.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section responded and deployed ATV/UTV teams up Sourdough Trail. A helicopter from Billings Clinic was also deployed to look for the missing hikers along the trail system.

Search and Rescue teams located the hikers with assistance from the first hiker’s last known position. There were no reported injuries.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind hikers that a simple day on the trail could take an unexpected turn at any time. Therefore, take extra food, water, and a fully charged cell phone wherever you hike. Furthermore, make sure you have extra clothing, for cold weather is upon us!