On 4/2/2024 at approximately 8:17 PM, Gallatin County Dispatch received a call from a lost hiker who was on the Bridger Ridge trail just below Baldy Mountain. The hiker had become lost after leaving marked trail and did not have appropriate clothing, supplies, or equipment to safely remain on the mountain given falling darkness and dwindling temperatures.

GCSSAR volunteers from the Valley section, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, and the Two Bear Air rescue helicopter responded to search the area. Thankfully, the hiker was quickly located; exhausted and very cold, but otherwise unharmed. Based on the steep and snowy terrain and the subject’s deteriorating health, the decision was made to transport the patient off the mountain via Two Bear Air’s hoist to awaiting paramedics with Central Valley Fire Department.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind outdoor enthusiasts that despite ideal weather at the trail-head, conditions can shift drastically at higher elevations. Whether it be by injury, becoming lost, or other circumstances, the possibility always exists that you may end up spending the night so it is advisable to be prepared by bringing plenty of food, water, and warm clothing to keep yourself safe if your plan fails.

Of note, this rescue operation was run concurrently with a large scale search for a missing person with cognitive disabilities in the Valley West area of Bozeman. A big thank you to the GCSSAR Command Team, Communications Team, and all our Volunteers for securing positive outcomes in both instances.