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.