CLOUD PEAK WILDERNESS, Wyo. — Authorities have confirmed the death of 38-year-old Grant Gardner, a Minnesota hiker whose body was recovered in the rugged Cloud Peak area of the Bighorn Mountains after an intensive, weeks-long search.
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Gardner, an experienced outdoorsman, was reported missing after setting out on a solo hike in late July. His last contact came on July 29, 2025, when he called his wife from the summit of Cloud Peak, telling her he had reached the top but was exhausted. His vehicle was later located at the West Ten Sleep trailhead, confirming his entry into the wilderness.
The search effort began on August 1 and quickly grew into one of the largest in the region’s recent history, drawing on the expertise of multiple Wyoming agencies, including the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office, Sheridan County, Johnson County, Washakie County, Park County, Teton County, as well as the Wyoming Army National Guard and First Flight of Wyoming.
Search teams relied on helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, canine units, and advanced FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared Radar) technology in an effort to locate the missing hiker. But the mission was hampered by treacherous conditions—from high altitude fatigue to violent wind and lightning storms. At least two rescuers required medical care during the operation, underscoring the hazards of the search.
On Wednesday, officials confirmed Gardner’s body had been found in the Cloud Peak area, bringing a somber close to the massive search.
Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn praised the efforts of those involved, saying:
“The extraordinary dedication of our local and state partners, pilots, canine handlers, and volunteers speaks volumes about the strength of our Wyoming community. Their courage in the face of such dangerous conditions was nothing short of remarkable.”
Gardner’s family has been notified of the discovery, and tributes are pouring in for the Minnesota native remembered for his adventurous spirit and devotion to his loved ones. His death has shaken both the Minnesota and Wyoming communities, with many expressing gratitude for the search teams’ tireless efforts.
Authorities continue to request that anyone who may have had contact with Gardner before his hike reach out to the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office at 307-568-2324 or submit information through the Wyoming DCI Missing Person Tip Line.
The tragedy highlights both the dangers of solo high-altitude trekking and the unrelenting commitment of search and rescue personnel who put themselves at risk to bring closure to families.