A family’s worst nightmare is unfolding in the rugged wilderness of Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains, where 38-year-old husband and father Grant Gardner vanished after a solo hiking trip over a week ago.

Gardner, an experienced hiker from Minnesota, had embarked on a multi-day trek that included summiting the 13,000-foot Cloud Peak. On July 29, he texted his wife Lauren after reaching the summit, letting her know he had made it but was more exhausted than expected. It was the last time anyone heard from him.

“He solo hikes, and he’s been hiking for over a decade,” Lauren told Cowboy State Daily. “He’s used to this stuff, and he’s very detail-oriented.”

Now, Lauren is doing her best to stay strong for their two children, ages 13 and 11, as search and rescue teams battle difficult terrain and unpredictable weather to locate her husband.

“It’s all definitely surreal,” she said. “I’m in shock, I think, and trying to stay strong for the kids. This has never happened in all the years he’s gone out. He knows what he’s doing and has the skills. I’m just hoping right now.”

The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Gardner’s vehicle was found at the trailhead where he began his journey. His planned route included hiking through Misty Moon Lake and back down after summiting Cloud Peak.

Authorities noted the dangers of the area, especially given that Gardner summited at 7 p.m., a late hour considering the treacherous terrain of boulder fields, cliffs, and thick timber—much of which would have had to be navigated in darkness.

Sheriff Ken Blackburn described the search conditions as “extreme and very challenging,” citing thunderstorms, high winds, and rugged terrain that have complicated the mission.

Despite the danger and growing uncertainty, many are praying for the Gardner family and hoping for a miracle.

Multiple counties in Wyoming, including Sheridan, Johnson, Washakie, and Park, are now involved in the ongoing search, which also includes air support from the Wyoming Army National Guard and other aircraft.

Authorities are also asking anyone who may have had contact with Grant Gardner in the area to contact the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office at 307-568-2324 or use the Wyoming Missing Person Tip Line online.

As believers, we hold onto hope even in the darkest valleys, trusting that God sees, hears, and is near to the brokenhearted. Let us join together in prayer.

A Prayer For Grant Gardner and His Family

Heavenly Father, we come to You with heavy hearts, lifting up Grant Gardner and his family. We ask You now to guide the searchers, protect Grant wherever he is, and bring him home safely. Give strength to his wife, Lauren, and comfort to their children in this time of fear and uncertainty. Lord, be their peace, their refuge, and their hope. May Your presence surround them like a shield. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.