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Rescue Teams Scour Wyoming Wilderness for Missing Minnesota Hiker
14 Aug
Summary
- Significant resources deployed in search for Grant Gardner, missing hiker
- Gardner last contacted wife on July 29, saying summit climb was more taxing than expected
- Search effort described as "very active" with drones, helicopters, and tracking teams
As of August 14, 2025, a major search and rescue operation is ongoing for Grant Gardner, a Minnesota man who went missing while hiking in Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains over two weeks ago. According to the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office, significant resources and manpower have been deployed in the effort to locate Gardner, who was last heard from on July 29 when he reached the summit of Cloud Peak.
The search has involved a wide array of assets, including drones with cameras capable of identifying colors and disturbances, helicopters and planes with thermal imaging capabilities, multiple dog tracking teams, and both horse and foot search parties. The Wyoming National Guard and private pilots have also joined the effort to scour the "unforgiving" and "deceptively expansive" Cloud Peak Wilderness area, where Gardner was hiking.
Gardner's wife, Lauren, has expressed that she is "trying to stay strong" for their two children as the search continues. The hiker, who is experienced and detail-oriented, had planned a three-day trek through the Misty Moon Lake area, eventually summiting Cloud Peak before returning to his vehicle. However, a text message he sent to his wife from the summit indicated the climb was more taxing than expected, and he was tired.
