Latest Rescue Has TCSAR Helping Mountain Biker in Black Canyon

Jackson, Wyo. — At 11:35 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, Teton County Search & Rescue received an alert regarding an injured mountain biker in Black Canyon. The biker, a local 27-year-old woman, was descending the trail when she clipped a tree and went over the handlebars. The crash caused injuries that prevented her from riding or walking out on her own.

TCSAR volunteers transport an injured mountain biker down the Black Canyon trail on June 25, 2025. Photo: TCSAR

Without cell service in the canyon, the woman’s companion pedaled back up the trail until she could make an emergency call, and then returned to the scene. A TCSAR volunteer who lives near Wilson responded directly and ran up the trail from the Old Pass Road trailhead. This volunteer was followed by other volunteers on foot and on bikes.

Once on scene, the volunteers assessed the woman’s condition and packaged her for transport in the wheeled litter. The team transported the patient in the litter for about three miles down to the Old Pass Road, where a family member drove her to higher medical care.

As a friendly reminder, here are some options to help backcountry users contact 911 when there is little to no cellular service:

• BackcountrySOS is a free app that allows you to connect to dispatch with minimal cell service. A great option for those who live in the region.

• New Apple iPhones have satellite text-to-911 capability, as long as you have a clear view of the sky and horizon.

• Satellite communication devices, such as the Garmin inReach, can connect you to emergency services as well, and require a subscription.

Same Trail, Different Day: TCSAR Responds to Parallel Trail For Injured Mountain Biker

For the second time in four days, Teton County Search & Rescue was called out to help an injured mountain biker on the Parallel Trail on Teton Pass. This time, on Tuesday, May 27, the patient was a 39-year-old local male who washed out on his bike while navigating a berm turn after a jump. The patient sustained a severe lower leg injury in the process. He called 911 at about 4:37 p.m., which initiated an emergency response.

TCSAR volunteers help an injured mountain biker on the Parallel Trail on May 27, 2025: Photo courtesy: Patrick Cunningham

TCSAR volunteers responded to the Old Pass Road and a truck pull-out above the trail on Hwy. 22. Volunteers arrived on foot and provided treatment in the field to alleviate pain and discomfort. The team then packaged the patient in the wheeled litter and transported him down the trail to a waiting ambulance from Jackson Hole Fire/EMS.

Thanks for being such a great patient! Photo courtesy: Patrick Cunningham

TCSAR Gets Called For First Mountain Bike Rescue of the Summer

On Friday, May 23, a 16-year-old local male sustained injuries when he crashed his mountain bike on the Parallel Trail. Parallel is a downhill-specific bike trail with several jumps, some of which have mandatory gaps.

TCSAR transports an injured mountain biker to the base of the Old Pass Road on May 23, 2025. Photo: TCSAR

At approximately 1 p.m., an emergency call was placed to 911, and dispatch paged Teton County Search & Rescue. Volunteers drove a truck to the Old Pass Road, while other volunteers responded to a brake-check pullout above the trail on Hwy 22. 

Approaching the scene on foot, volunteers reached the patient at about 1:30 p.m. They assessed his injuries and packaged him in the wheeled litter. The team then transported the patient in the wheeled litter for about a half mile down Parallel to a waiting ambulance at the Old Pass Road trailhead. Thanks to the help from Jackson Hole Fire/EMS for the coordinated response to this incident.

This is the first mountain bike rescue of the summer season for Teton County Search & Rescue.