Hypothermic Hiker and Family of Four Saved During Weekend Snowstorm

A hiker stranded for hours in freezing conditions on Mount Superior was rescued late Saturday night after wandering off-trail during a sudden snowstorm in Little Cottonwood Canyon, according to Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, as reported by The New York Post.

Officials said the call for help came in around 7 p.m. after the hiker, who had attempted to summit the mountain earlier in the day, became “cliffed out” on the South Ridge and unable to continue due to deteriorating weather.

Hypothermic hiker rescued off Utah cliff after wandering off-trail in snowstorm https://t.co/PgPqv1lYFZ pic.twitter.com/vCFW1M3ivv

— New York Post (@nypost) October 16, 2025

“The hiker had set out earlier in the day, attempting to summit the mountain, and went off trail when a snowstorm rolled in,” the department said in a statement. “The hiker called for help once the temperatures began to drop into the 20s and the blowing snow limited visibility to a few feet.”

Search and rescue teams established a base near Alta Ski Resort and launched two response groups up the mountain from the nearby road. After a steep two-hour climb, rescuers located the hiker in worsening conditions.

“The now-hypothermic hiker was then hoisted from his stranded location to a waiting ambulance and taken to the hospital in stable condition,” officials said. “All rescue teams were off the mountain by midnight.”

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Authorities said the rescue was complicated by low visibility, strong winds, and icy terrain, but the coordination between rescue teams allowed for a successful outcome.

The department also responded to a second major search effort over the same weekend in the nearby Wasatch-Cache National Forest. A 31-year-old man and his three children went missing Saturday after setting out for a hike near the Broad Fork Trails area in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

First responders located the family early Sunday morning after an overnight search. All four were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment.

“The adult male is in fair condition,” officials said. “Two children are in critical, and one child is in stable condition. This remains an active investigation.”

UPDATE: Family Rescued in Big Cottonwood Canyon
On Saturday, Oct. 11, 31-year-old Micah Smith and his three children — ages 2, 4, and 8 — went missing while hiking near the Broads Fork Trail.
Search and Rescue teams, with help from DPS Aero Bureau and Life Flight, found the… pic.twitter.com/dyVgIA9HqO

— Heidi Hatch KUTV (@tvheidihatch) October 14, 2025

The Sheriff’s Office reiterated its safety recommendations for anyone hiking in mountain regions as winter conditions begin to set in. Officials advise that hikers prepare thoroughly before setting out, avoid going alone, and always inform others about their planned route and estimated return time.

They also remind hikers to carry the “10 essentials,” including adequate water, a GPS system or map, and sun protection, regardless of the season.

“Please respect the wilderness and be prepared while enjoying them,” the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team stated.

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