Eight search-and-rescue teams, drone crews, and a state helicopter fanned out across Big Cottonwood Canyon on Saturday, July 25, after an at-risk individual went missing near Silver Lake. The hiker was found safe about six hours later at Solitude Village.

Salt Lake County Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) said the at-risk adult became separated from their hiking party at Silver Lake at about 1 p.m. By 3 p.m., someone reported seeing the person near Solitude Village, but searchers could not immediately locate them.

Because the subject was described as "exceptionally fit and capable of covering ground quickly," Unified Police expanded the initial search to cover Brighton, Solitude, and upper Big Cottonwood Canyon before calling in additional resources.

SAR ultimately deployed eight teams plus drone operators. The Utah Department of Public Safety Aero Bureau sent a helicopter that searched for about 10 minutes before being diverted to another emergency in a neighboring county.

The search area was enormous. According to Salt Lake County SAR, assignments stretched from Solitude down canyon to Mill D and up canyon to Silver Lake, Solitude Lake, Twin Lakes, and surrounding terrain. Additional crews monitored the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon and the subject's home address in case the person left the search area entirely.

Found at Solitude Village

At about 7:30 p.m., the missing person walked into a shop at Solitude Village. Staff recognized the situation and contacted law enforcement, leading to a safe reunion with the hiking party. SAR reported that the individual had sheltered in a nearby cabin for several hours before entering the store.

Second major canyon rescue this week

The Big Cottonwood operation marks the second large-scale SAR response in the Wasatch canyons in three days. On Thursday, July 24, Salt Lake County SAR rescued a hiker stranded on a cliff on the south ridge of Mt. Superior in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Following that rescue, SAR urged hikers to research routes before heading out and to turn around together if anyone in the group feels uncomfortable with the terrain.

Utah has no required waiting period to report a missing person. In an emergency, call 911.