TCSAR Rescues Backpackers in Distress in Teton Wilderness

Just after 7 p.m. on Monday, August 24, Teton County Search & Rescue received an emergency call regarding two backpackers in distress in the Teton Wilderness. It was the second call of the day for the volunteers.

The call came in from an outfitter who reported that two men—brothers in their early 30s, separate from the outfitter’s business—had come into their guide camp severely dehydrated, tired, and reporting of a bear encounter that left one of them with torn pants and bear spray residue on his arm.

TCSAR picked up two backpackers in distress in the Teton Wilderness on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Photo: Teton County Search & Rescue

The location of the call was in the Hawk’s Rest area of the wilderness, one of the most remote and wild locales in the Lower 48.

Due to the time of day of the initial call and knowing the brothers weren't in immediate danger, TCSAR waited until first light on Tuesday, August 25, to deploy a helicopter team. At 8 a.m., the team, consisting of the pilot and two volunteers, landed the ship at the given location.

At that time, the team learned that one of the subjects had separated and departed the site earlier that morning. As the team began piecing together the possibility of a larger ground search with more personnel and safety equipment, the subject returned to the original site. TCSAR then loaded the two men into the ship for transport back to SAR HQ in Jackson.

Our team is here to help and the volunteers appreciated the opportunity to bring these backpackers out of the wilderness.

This incident also brings to light a few reminders worth mentioning for your own safety:

All backcountry users should make sure they are prepared for their chosen objective and carry adequate gear, clothing, and enough food and water for the duration of their trip. It also is very important for groups to stay together, especially after making an emergency call.

TCSAR Uses Wheeled Litter to Evac Injured Backpacker

At 12:23 p.m. on Monday, August 24, Teton County Search & Rescue received an alert regarding an injured backpacker on the Green Mountain Trail on the west side of the Tetons.

The backpacker, a woman in her 70s, sustained injuries when she tripped and fell while descending about two miles from the trailhead at North Leigh Canyon.

TCSAR volunteers assist an injured backpacker on the Green Mountain Trail on Monday, August 24, 2026. Photo: Teton County Search & Rescue

TCSAR sent two teams in response. Three volunteers who live in Teton Valley gathered gear from TCSAR’s rescue cache in Alta and reported directly to the trailhead to approach the patient on foot. A second team of six volunteers from Jackson drove to the trailhead in a SAR vehicle and ascended the trail on foot while hauling more supplies along with a wheeled litter.

Photo: Teton County Search & Rescue

A wheeled litter is a portable rescue tool that allows rescuers to package a patient in a body-length rigid stretcher with elevated sides that sits on a single fat mountain bike tire. The system has disc brakes that help the volunteers guide the litter over rough terrain.

Photo: Teton County Search & Rescue

Once on scene, the volunteers assessed the patient’s injuries and packaged her for transport in the wheeled litter. They then transported her down the trail to a waiting ambulance from Teton County Idaho Fire & Rescue near the trailhead. Afterwards, the volunteers packed up, readied the gear for the next mission, and headed home.

TCSAR Helps Backpacker in Distress in the Teton Wilderness

At 10:46 a.m. on Friday, July 31, Teton County Search & Rescue received a satellite SOS activation originating from the Box Creek trail northwest of Turpin Meadows in the Teton Wilderness. The message did not include any details, leading TCSAR to investigate whether it was a false activation, possible bear encounter, or other emergency. 

If you are in need of or expecting helicopter assistance, please help our team by making yourself visible. Photo: Teton County Search & Rescue during a training exercise.

After communicating with Garmin, through which the SOS message was transmitted, the team was able to get in touch directly with the reporting party. In the process, TCSAR discovered that a 23-year-old male was in distress due to a medical issue. He had been backpacking with a group of friends when the emergency occurred.

In response, TCSAR dispatched a short-haul helicopter team to the scene, with a ground team in vehicles as backup. While flying over the location, the helicopter team needed several flight overs before eventually spotting the reporting party beneath some trees. The ship landed and volunteers met the patient before helping him into the ship for a flight back to TCSAR headquarters. The team then transferred the patient to a waiting ambulance from Jackson Hole Fire/EMS.

This incident brings to light a few friendly reminders that can help our team:

If you are in need of help and are expecting a helicopter, please make yourself visible. Wear bright colors and wave your arms when you see the ship approaching (but do not approach the ship as it is landing). Do not ever wave at a helicopter if you don’t need help. Lastly, all rescue services provided by TCSAR are free of charge. 

Our team was happy to be able to assist this individual.