Cold Hikers & Bikers Rescued From Mystic Lake Cabin

Four individuals were glad to be rescued at the Mystic Lake Cabin on Labor Day Monday. Two mountain bikers had planned on making an overnight biking trip from Hyalite Canyon to Sourdough Canyon. When they started their ride on September 6th, temps were near 90 degrees, but temperatures dropped to below 60 degrees for highs the next day, and the higher elevations of the mountains began to see snow in the late afternoon.

The mountain bikers came upon a separate party of three hikers near the area of Mystic Lake Cabin. The hikers also found themselves unprepared for such a drastic shift in weather, so the group decided to stay put and make a fire for warmth, while one of the bicyclists rode to the Sourdough trailhead to call for help. They huddled up at the Mystic Lake Cabin, which is at an elevation of about 6,400 feet near the lake's southeastern shore.

Search and Rescue volunteers and the Forest Service District Ranger reached the stranded party by vehicle, according to the Gallatin County Sheriff's Department. Search and Rescue members successfully retrieved the party and transported them back to the Sourdough trailhead. Once there, American Medical Response paramedics (AMR) assessed their condition.  All members were medically cleared and allowed to return home.

Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin would like to remind everyone of the potential for rapidly changing weather conditions in the local mountains of Gallatin County as fall arrives.  Sheriff Gootkin advises you to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, pack necessary provisions, and be prepared to stay out longer than expected when venturing into our beautiful backcountry.