Baldy Mountain Rescue
On August 31st, 2023, at 9:36 pm, Gallatin County Dispatch received a 911 call from two hikers near Baldy Mountain in the Bridger Range. According to the caller, they had started at Fairy Lake early in the day, and one of the hikers had become extremely exhausted and both hikers were out of food and water. The party was unable to hike down, and with darkness setting in they requested search and rescue.
Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the Valley Section, as well as a helicopter from Billings Clinic MedFlight responded to the request. A hasty team hiked in from the M Trailhead and was able to access the party on foot where they assessed the patient and treated them for exhaustion and cold exposure. A second ground team used side by sides from Bridger Bowl, then hiked South to bring additional gear to the patient. The ground team was ultimately able to locate a landing zone for Billings MedFlight near the hikers. The patient was then assessed by a flight nurse, however due to weather, Billings MedFlight was unable to transport the patient. The party was assisted down the mountain by GCSSAR personnel throughout the night, but ultimately at daylight, they were flown off the mountain with the GCSSAR Heli Team.
Sheriff Springer would like to remind back country enthusiasts that even a day hike can go wrong quickly. Having enough gear to spend the night if necessary, as well as appropriate gear for the conditions and a way to communicate can greatly increase your chances when things go bad. Sheriff Springer would also like to thank the Valley Section, Heli Team, Comms Team, and Billings MedFlight for their exceptional work on a long and difficult rescue.
Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.
