JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) completed a rescue mission on Tuesday morning in one of the most remote and wild locations in the lower 48 states.
TCSAR received an emergency call from an outfitter in the Hawk’s Rest area of the Teton Wilderness at 7 p.m. on Monday. The outfitter reported that two men, who were not part of the outfitter’s business, had arrived at the guide camp severely dehydrated and tired. The two men were brothers in their early 30s and they had reported a bear encounter that left one with torn pants and bear spray residue on his arm.
Hawk’s Rest is found in the Thorofare region deep in the Teton Wilderness, just outside the southeast corner of Yellowstone National Park. Thorofare is considered the most remote location in the lower 48 states because it is about 30 miles from any road, farther than anywhere else on the map.
“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,” TCSAR wrote on social media. “At 8 a.m., the team, consisting of the pilot and two volunteers, landed the ship at the given location.”
When the team landed, they learned that one of the brothers had left the site earlier in the morning. The team was discussing the possibility of creating a larger ground search with more personnel and safety equipment when the subject returned to the camp. TCSAR loaded the two men into the ship and transported them back to headquarters in Jackson.
TCSAR stated that its volunteers appreciated the opportunity to help the backpackers out of the wilderness. The incident also prompted the agency to remind backcountry users of advice for a safe trip: “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.”
