EBS STAFF
The Gallatin County Dispatch received a call on Tuesday, April 2 at 8:17 p.m. from a lost hiker on the Bridger Ridge trail just below Baldy Mountain. The area is beyond the popular “M” trail in Bozeman.
According to a release from the county, the hiker became lost after leaving the marked trail, and was not prepared with gear and equipment to stay on the mountain overnight.
Gallatin County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue volunteers responded to the call along with sheriff’s deputies and a Two Bear Air rescue helicopter.
“Thankfully, the hiker was quickly located; exhausted and very cold, but otherwise unharmed,” the release stated. Due to the hiker’s condition and the surrounding terrain, the hiker was transported off the mountain on Two Bear Air’s hoist, and treated by awaiting Central Valley Fire Department paramedics.
“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,” the release stated. “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.”
At the time of the Baldy Mountain rescue, another rescue operation was underway in Bozeman. GCSSAR conducted a large-scale search for an elderly missing person with cognitive disabilities in the Valley West area. The individual was found safe after a two-hour search.
“A big thank you to the GCSSAR Command Team, Communications Team, and all our Volunteers for securing positive outcomes in both instances,” the release stated.
