A Minnesota man went missing in Wyoming after spending a few days hiking in the Bighorn Mountains.
According to the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office, Grant Gardner planned a three-day hike through the Misty Moon Lake area, summiting Cloud Peak (13,000 feet) on July 29.
According to the sheriff, Grant Gardner texted his wife at the summit to let her know he had made it, but the climb was “more taxing than he expected.”
On August 1, the sheriff’s office launched a search and rescue operation, and investigators discovered his car in the parking lot of a nearby trailhead.
Grant Gardner’s brother, Justin Gardner, has been on the ground in Wyoming to assist with the search. He describes his brother as an outdoor enthusiast who is a devoted husband and father of two.
“There’s still a lot of hope that we’ll find him,” Justin Gardner said.
According to friends of the Gardner family in Lakeville, Minnesota, Grant Gardner frequently traveled alone and was accustomed to cold weather.
“It was a well-thought-out, very planned, meticulous itinerary,” said friend Becka Lyke, adding that Grant Gardner’s wife informed search teams of his absence.
“Their family is one of the most amazing families,” remarked friend Elaina Weiers. “I know Grant is a wonderful husband, you can tell he truly loves his wife and his kids.”
The women are asking anyone who has seen Gardner or spent time on Cloud Peak to contact search and rescue teams.
According to the sheriff’s office, the search involves many agencies and community members, including the Wyoming Army National Guard and private pilots.
“In addition to high altitude and terrain challenges, difficult weather patterns including winds, thunder, and lightning storms have made search efforts difficult at various times of the day,” the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook.
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information to contact them at 307-568-2324.
