Disoriented hiker gets lost on Utah mountain when bad weather moves in, rescuers say
A missing hiker became lost and disoriented while hiking a Utah mountain in a storm and couldn’t find his way back down, rescuers said.
The weather deteriorated quickly, and temperatures started dropping while the hiker was missing Saturday, May 25, Weber County Search and Rescue said on Facebook.
Rescuers found his general location on Lewis Peak from his cell phone ping and used a drone to pinpoint his exact location, officials said.
Several teams of rescuers climbed and rode horses and motorcycles in the search, officials said.
Photos show the teams trekking across the mountain, sometimes through old snowpacks, as daylight fades.
Rescuers found him, assessed him for any injuries and started walking down the soggy mountain with him, officials said.
After struggling in the wet conditions and dropping temperatures, rescuers opted for a helicopter rescue, officials said. The rescue mission was over at 1 a.m.
What to do if you get lost while hiking
If you think you’re getting lost, experts say it’s best to stop where you are and not panic. You should go over how you got to that point and if you’re able to see any landmarks around.
“Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step,” officials with the U.S. Forest Service said.
You should come up with a plan but stay put unless you are “very, very confident in the route.”
There are steps hikers can take to avoid getting lost and be better prepared for the unexpected:
Have more than enough food and water with you.
Take a compass that you know how to use, or have a GPS device on hand.
Don’t rely solely on your cell phone. It probably won’t work because of a lack of signal or a depleted battery.
Study the terrain and your route, and you should know how you’ll return.
Have the right clothing. Sturdy hiking boots and layers can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
Pack a blanket, flashlight and matches.
Check with a local ranger for special warnings. They can tell you about “fires in the area, bear sightings, flooding, trail or road closures.”
This story was originally published May 28, 2024 at 11:54 AM with the headline "Disoriented hiker gets lost on Utah mountain when bad weather moves in, rescuers say."
