Ongoing Manhunt in Bighorn Mountains for Missing Grant Gardner
In the heart of Wyoming's Bighorn National Forest, an extensive search operation is underway for Grant Gardner, a Minnesota man who has been missing since July 29, 2025. Gardner, an avid hiker, set out on a three-day solo hike with the goal of summiting Cloud Peak, the highest peak in the range, specifically in the Misty Moon Lake area[1][2][3].
The search for Gardner has been a collaborative effort, involving the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office, Wyoming Army National Guard, private search teams, and various local Search and Rescue groups from 6 Northern Wyoming Counties[4]. The search teams have deployed a range of resources, including camera drones, helicopters, planes, dog tracking teams, horse teams, and military-grade Bluetooth and cellphone detection technology[1][2][3][4].
The Cloud Peak Wilderness, where the search is taking place, is a deceptively expansive and remote area, with challenging terrain including cliffs, boulder fields, and timber lines. The weather conditions have also posed a challenge, with thunder, lightning, winds, and snow beginning to fall at higher elevations above 10,000 feet[1][2][3][4].
As of mid-August 2025, despite very thorough searches of multiple possible routes and areas where Mr. Gardner could be, no trace of him has been found[1][2][3][4]. The Big Horn County Sheriff's Office continues to actively search and encourages anyone with information or who has been in the Cloud Peak area to contact them. There was initial confusion regarding a body found in a Montana river during the search period, but it was confirmed that the deceased was not Mr. Gardner[4][5].
Those who are familiar with the territory and want to help should advise the Sheriff's Office of their plans before departing. However, due to liability issues, volunteers cannot be paired with active Search and Rescue groups[1]. The command trailer at the West Ten Sleep Trailhead, where the search operations are based, is not currently manned.
The search is taking place on public land, so no permission is required in any particular area. Anyone with any information about Mr. Gardner's whereabouts, or who can help with the search, is asked to contact the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office at 307-568-2324. The search for Grant Gardner continues, and the community's support and assistance are greatly appreciated.
[1] Big Horn County Sheriff's Office Press Release, August 12, 2025 [2] Casper Star-Tribune, "Search for Missing Hiker in Bighorn Mountains Enters Third Week," August 15, 2025 [3] K2 Radio, "Community Rallies for Missing Hiker Grant Gardner," August 18, 2025 [4] Wyoming National Guard Press Release, August 18, 2025 [5] Billings Gazette, "Body Found in Montana River Not Missing Hiker Grant Gardner," August 20, 2025
The extensive search operation for Grant Gardner, an avid hiker, includes the use of various resources such as camera drones, helicopters, planes, dog tracking teams, horse teams, and military-grade Bluetooth and cellphone detection technology. Despite very thorough searches, no trace of Gardner has been found, and the search continues.
