Minnesota man goes missing during three-day hike in Wyoming
- Grant Gardner planned a three-day hiking trip in Wyoming's Bighorn National Forest and successfully summited Cloud Peak on July 29.
- After texting his wife about the challenging climb, he went silent, prompting a search operation that began on August 1.
- Despite ongoing rescue efforts, the challenging terrain and weather conditions have made locating Grant Gardner increasingly difficult.
In the summer of 2025, a Minnesota man named Grant Gardner went missing in Wyoming's Bighorn National Forest after embarking on a planned three-day hike. He had intended to hike in the Misty Moon Lake area and summit Cloud Peak, which is known as the highest peak in the Bighorn National Forest, standing at approximately 13,000 feet. On July 29, Gardner texted his wife after summiting, stating that the climb was more challenging than he had anticipated and that he was feeling tired. Following this communication, he failed to make any further contact, raising concerns for his safety. Meanwhile, the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office initiated a search and rescue operation on August 1 after Gardner's family reported him missing. Search teams discovered his vehicle parked at the West Ten Sleep trailhead, confirming he had entered the area as per his hiking itinerary. The situation was complicated by challenging weather conditions, including high winds and storm threats, which hampered search efforts. Teams deployed helicopters, planes, foot teams, and cadaver dogs, with increased distress as some rescuers faced medical issues themselves during their undertaking. As the search persisted, Grant Gardner’s brother, Justin Gardner, was actively involved on the ground working alongside many law enforcement agencies and community supporters in hopes of locating him. Friends and family characterized Gardner as an experienced and dedicated outdoorsman, supportive husband, and devoted father of two. They conveyed optimism in recovering him despite the hurdles faced by the rescue operations in the vast Bighorn National Forest, which spans over one million acres, with a significant portion designated as the Cloud Peak Wilderness area. Authorities have urged anyone who has relevant information or contact with Gardner to step forward to assist in the ongoing efforts. Additionally, the sheriff's office acknowledged the tough circumstances surrounding the search, encouraging the general public to offer their thoughts and prayers for Gardner’s safe return and for the well-being of those involved in the rescue efforts. They pledged to provide future updates as the situation evolves.