Months Of Searching End As Red Lodge Crews Recover Missing Hiker

More than three months after a hiker vanished in East Rosebud Creek, search teams in Red Lodge have confirmed a recovery. Crews had been working tirelessly since June, returning again and again to one of the most difficult stretches of terrain in the Beartooths.

Where Scenic Beauty Turns Treacherous

The incident happened along the Beaten Path, a trail known for its beauty and sweeping views between East Rosebud Lake and Cooke City. But since the historic floods of 2022 took out the bridge at Rimrock Lake’s outlet, hikers have been forced to attempt dangerous crossings in swift water. That’s where tragedy struck back in June.

Relentless Search in Dangerous Terrain

Since the accident, Red Lodge Fire Rescue, the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, and partner agencies have mounted repeated search operations. Teams battled steep cliffs, waterfalls, and powerful currents. Volunteers logged hundreds of hours in the field, refusing to give up hope of bringing closure.

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After Months, the Creek Gives Up Its Secret

When water levels finally dropped, visibility improved. A drone spotted what had remained hidden for months, and divers carefully moved in. The hiker’s body was recovered just downstream from Rimrock Lake, ending months of uncertainty for family and friends.

A Name, a Life, and a Family’s Closure

Officials have identified the hiker as 23 year old Tim Sandford of Minnetonka, Minnesota. Red Lodge Fire Chief Tom Kuntz shared gratitude that after so many months and so much effort, his team was able to return Tim to his family.

A Place Marked by Repeated Heartbreak

This stretch of East Rosebud has been the site of heartbreak before. In 2021, another young hiker lost his life in nearly the exact same place. The loss of two lives in just a few years shows just how hazardous this crossing has become.

A Safer Crossing on the Horizon

The Custer Gallatin National Forest, Beartooth Ranger District, is currently working on a replacement bridge at Rimrock Lake, with construction expected to be complete sometime in October. Once finished, hikers will once again be able to cross safely, without braving the swift, unpredictable waters.

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In Grief, a Community’s Dedication Shines

Though the outcome is tragic, the community’s response has been extraordinary. From drone operators and helicopter crews to volunteer searchers and water rescue divers, every hand played a role. Their persistence means that Tim’s story will not end in uncertainty, and his family now has the peace of knowing he has been found.