Tragic Discovery: Missing Hiker Grant Gardner Found in Bighorn Mountains

Tragic Discovery: Missing Hiker Grant Gardner Found in Bighorn Mountains

The tragic story of Grant Gardner, a 38-year-old hiker from Minnesota, came to a somber conclusion when his body was discovered in the Bighorn Mountains on August 28, 2025. Gardner vanished during a three-day hiking trip aimed at summiting Cloud Peak, the highest peak in the Bighorn National Forest. His family last heard from him on July 29, shortly after he reached the peak at about 7 p.m. Unfortunately, he did not return as expected, raising worries as search efforts commenced.

His body was found after a professional climbing team from North Carolina, descending from the North Slope of Cloud Peak, spotted a piece of fabric that belonged to Gardner. They promptly notified the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office, which led to a search and recovery mission. Search personnel reached the site the following morning and found Gardner deceased, following a challenging recovery due to the hazardous terrain and ongoing weather issues, as detailed by USA Today.

The Search Efforts

The search for Gardner turned into a massive operation involving helicopters, planes, and rescue teams from multiple agencies, including Teton County Search and Rescue and the Wyoming Army National Guard. They conducted extensive searches that spanned over 20 days, but the operation was suspended on August 20 due to diminishing hopes of finding him alive. Tragically, Gardner’s body was located in an area that had been combed multiple times, highlighting the significant challenges associated with search operations in vast wilderness areas. Sheriff Ken Blackburn noted that Gardner likely „succumbed to a tragic accident“ while traversing through perilous terrain after nightfall.

Gardner, described as an experienced hiker, had initially set out to complete a circular hike around Mistymoon Lake. He even communicated with his wife on the day he went missing, expressing that the summit climb had been more strenuous than anticipated. His vehicle was found parked at the West Ten Sleep trailhead, marking the beginning of his ill-fated journey. The search teams later faced an uphill battle due to poor visibility, treacherous weather conditions, and rugged terrain, as outlined by Cowboy State Daily.

Hiking Challenges

The art of hiking itself, defined as a long and vigorous walk typically on trails or footpaths, can be both a pleasurable and challenging endeavor. Although hiking dates back to the 18th century in Europe, it has gained popularity across the globe as an outdoor recreational activity, evident in places like the Appalachian Trail in the U.S. Wikipedia informs us that hiking can often be hazardous, given the terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. Gardner’s unfortunate incident serves as a somber reminder of precisely this.

While the search and recovery operations have concluded, the emotional toll it has taken on Gardner’s family is immeasurable. Sheriff Blackburn emphasized that the outcome, although not what was hoped for, might offer a sense of closure to those grieving. The ongoing investigation by the Big Horn County Coroner’s Office will take time, as they seek to determine the conditions leading to his untimely death.

As we reflect on Gardner’s story, there’s certainly something to be said for the beauty and peril of the great outdoors. For hikers everywhere, it emphasizes the necessity of preparation, awareness, and the potential risks involved when embarking on ventures into nature’s embrace.