Salt Lake County Sheriff's Search and Rescue

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Salt Lake County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Search and rescue team serving Salt Lake County. FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE CALL 9-1-1. There are approximately 35 members on the team.

The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team is a non-profit, all –volunteer organization that is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Team is responsible for all search and rescue missions within Salt Lake County. It also provides mutual aid to other counties. The team is designated as an emergency medical services provider by the state of Utah. All services are provided free of charge.

10/11/2026

The mountains aren't going anywhere. With a major storm moving in, consider saving your adventure for another weekend. Severe weather, poor visibility, hazardous roads, and rapidly changing conditions can quickly create a dangerous situation. Take a few minutes to check the forecast before heading out and be honest about the risks. If something goes wrong, the same weather affecting you may also prevent rescue helicopters from flying and delay rescuers from reaching you. There will be plenty of opportunities to explore when conditions improve, and waiting for a safer day can help ensure you make it home safely.

Friday, October 9th, 2026Duration: 2 hours 20 minutesLocation: China WallIncident: FallAt 3:26 p.m., Salt Lake County Se...
10/10/2026

Friday, October 9th, 2026
Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes
Location: China Wall
Incident: Fall

At 3:26 p.m., Salt Lake County Search and Rescue was dispatched to assist a hiker who fell approximately 10 feet while navigating the boulder field near China Wall in Little Cottonwood Canyon. From the fall, the patient sustained a lower leg injury that made it difficult to stand and left them unable to return to the road under their own power.

The Unified Fire Authority (UFA) was first on scene to provide medical assistance and stabilize the patient’s knee. An initial SAR team was dispatched with a litter and assisted UFA in packaging the patient for extraction. Meanwhile, a second team was sent to assess the terrain and plan an exit route. Two additional teams followed to provide support for the ensuing carry-out.

SAR and UFA worked together to carry the patient across the boulder field, down the trail, through the creek, and back to the road, where a family member was waiting to drive them to the hospital for further evaluation.

All teams were off the mountain by 5:42 p.m.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 10:33 AMDuration: 1.25 hrsLocation: Bells CanyonIncident: Dislocated KneeSalt Lake County ...
09/26/2026

Saturday, September 26, 2026 10:33 AM
Duration: 1.25 hrs
Location: Bells Canyon
Incident: Dislocated Knee

Salt Lake County Search and Rescue was alerted to a patient who sustained a dislocated knee near the Bells Canyon Waterfall.

At the time of the call, Salt Lake County Search and Rescue personnel were already responding to another critical incident in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) Aero Bureau had also been deployed to the Big Cottonwood Canyon incident but was ultimately not needed.

DPS Aero Bureau redirected to Bells Canyon, where they were able to assess the scene and hoist the patient from the area. Sandy City Fire also responded and hiked into the patient’s location to assist.

The patient was hoisted and transported to the trailhead, landing at approximately 11:50 AM. The patient was in stable condition at the time of transport.

Thank you to DPS Aero Bureau and Sandy City Fire for the quick response and teamwork.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 10:21 AMDuration: 1 hrLocation: Willow HeightsIncident: Cardiac ArrestSalt Lake County Sea...
09/26/2026

Saturday, September 26, 2026 10:21 AM
Duration: 1 hr
Location: Willow Heights
Incident: Cardiac Arrest

Salt Lake County Search and Rescue responded today to assist with a medical emergency involving an out-of-state visitor in their 60s who experienced a sudden cardiac arrest approximately one mile up the Willow Heights Trail.

Bystanders immediately recognized the emergency, activated 911, and began high-quality CPR. CPR continued for approximately 20 minutes until Unified Fire personnel arrived and initiated advanced life support. Solitude Ski Patrol also responded to assist.

Salt Lake County Search and Rescue personnel provided additional medical supplies and assisted with the carry-out. The patient regained a pulse (ROSC) on the trail and was carried to the road, where they were transported by AirMed to a hospital for further care.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE BYSTANDERS WHO TOOK ACTION.

Their immediate activation of EMS and excellent, high-quality chest compressions made a critical difference. In a cardiac arrest, every minute matters. High-quality CPR helps maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs until advanced medical care can take over.

You don't need to be a medical professional to make a difference. Learning CPR gives you the skills and confidence to act when someone needs help. Consider taking a CPR/AED course—you could one day be the person who makes the difference between life and death.

Huge kudos to the bystanders, Unified Fire Authority, Solitude Ski Patrol, AirMed, and everyone involved in today's response.

Friday, September 25, at 9:20 a.m.Duration:1 hourLocation: Dromedary PeakIncident: FallOn Friday, September 25, 2026, at...
09/26/2026

Friday, September 25, at 9:20 a.m.
Duration:1 hour
Location: Dromedary Peak
Incident: Fall

On Friday, September 25, 2026, at 9:20 a.m., Salt Lake County Search and Rescue was dispatched to assist after a climber attempting the WURL took an approximately 50 foot fall near Dromedary Peak. Another member of the climber’s party called for help and reported that the patient had significant arm injuries as well as head injuries.

Both DPS and Life Flight were called but initially neither were available, so SAR was dispatched to begin the process of hiking to the patient. Shortly after SAR was dispatched, both DPS and Life Flight became available and responded. Life Flight inserted a medic who packaged the patient. Then Life Flight hoisted the medic and the patient and brought them to SAR command.

The patient appeared to have deformities in their arm as well as several lacerations to their head and face, but they were conscious and breathing.

The Fire Department met Life Flight and assisted with medical care while SAR members assisted with a full body splint. The patient was given more medical treatment, packaged in the full body splint, and transferred back into the Life Flight helicopter for transport to the hospital. Because of the extent of the injuries, medics made the decision to fly the patient to the hospital rather than to put the patient in the waiting ambulance.

The rescue was completed by 10:21 a.m.

With a few warm and sunny days in the forecast and colder temps knocking at the door, plenty of people are probably itching to get in their WURL attempt before weather closes the route for the season. This is just another reminder that regardless of experience level, one misstep can result in life threatening injuries. The best emergency response is preparation. Knowing where you are going, what risks you may encounter, and how to help a companion can make a difficult situation more manageable if outside assistance isn't immediately available.

We're setting up at Snowbird this weekend and we'd love to see you there! Swing by our table Saturday or Sunday between ...
09/15/2026

We're setting up at Snowbird this weekend and we'd love to see you there! Swing by our table Saturday or Sunday between 12 and 6pm to meet the team, try your hand at a few games, and pick up some new SLCoSAR merch. It's a great chance to learn what goes into search and rescue and learn more about how you can safely recreate. We will also be raising funds to support our all-volunteer team.
Come find US on the mountain!

Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 2:15 p.m.Duration: 6.5 hrsLocation: Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Sandy AreaIncident: Mis...
09/13/2026

Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 2:15 p.m.
Duration: 6.5 hrs
Location: Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Sandy Area
Incident: Missing Person

On Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 2:15 p.m., Salt Lake County Search and Rescue was requested to assist the South Jordan Police Department in searching for a missing at-risk 18-year-old male patient with autism. He was last heard from on Tuesday morning, and SoJo and Sandy PDs, together with the Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter had commenced a search on Wednesday. Since preliminary information provided by the family indicated he may be in the area of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail above Sandy, SAR staged at the Hidden Valley Trailhead off Wasatch Blvd.

SAR deployed multiple teams on the area trails from as far south as Corner Canyon in Draper and as far north as Deaf Smith Canyon above Cottonwood Heights, calling out for the patient and searching for clues that may have led to his location. Search areas focused on water sources, as it was believed the patient would seek those out. The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office drone unit also flew the canyons and drainages above the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. SAR teams covered more than 30 road and trail miles over the course of the afternoon and early evening. At sunset, the decision was made to stand SAR down until further information came available.

Fortunately, the patient was located in good condition early Friday morning by a family member.

Friday, September 11, 2026, at 10:25 p.m.Duration: 2.5 hrsLocation: Superior South Ridge area, Little Cottonwood CanyonI...
09/13/2026

Friday, September 11, 2026, at 10:25 p.m.
Duration: 2.5 hrs
Location: Superior South Ridge area, Little Cottonwood Canyon
Incident: Cliffed Out Party

On Friday, September 11, 2026, at 10:25 p.m., Salt Lake County Search and Rescue was dispatched to assist three twentysomething hikers that had become cliffed out in steep terrain just west of Mt. Superior’s South Ridge. The party started hiking around 7:30p with a larger group, with the intent to camp overnight on Mt. Superior. As the larger group outpaced the three on the hike in, the party got off trail and into steep terrain, where they got to a spot that they couldn’t climb higher and felt that they couldn’t safely descend back down.

SAR deployed two teams with ropes, harnesses and helmets for the patients, and extra lights and warm layers. After scrambling to the party, SAR set up a short, roped belay for each of the hikers and helped them navigate down to easier terrain. After a quick but cool hike back to the road, everyone was safely off Mt. Superior just after 1 a.m.

As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, we recommend starting early with a sound plan and good route-finding skills. Basically, don’t scramble up anything you can’t get back down from. Did you still keep going anyway? We’d much rather you call for help early, before you fall and get hurt - or worse. It may take us some time to hike or climb there, but we’d much rather walk out with you in good spirits than have to carry you out!

09/11/2026

LOCATED!!! Thanks for all your help! Brayden Ballesteros is 18 years old with autism. He was wearing an orange coat, green and red sweatshirt, and carrying a black Nike backpack. He was last seen in Sandy City area, near the Bonneville Shoreline Trail at approximately 11700 south. If you’ve seen Brayden or know where he is, please call South Jordan PD at 801-840-4000.
South Jordan Case 26-26077

Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:49 p.m.Duration:11.5 hrsLocation: Lone PeakIncident: Cold and sick hikersOn Saturday,...
09/06/2026

Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:49 p.m.
Duration:11.5 hrs
Location: Lone Peak
Incident: Cold and sick hikers
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:49 p.m., Salt Lake County Search and Rescue was dispatched to assist after two hikers called for help from the top of Lone Peak. The hikers reported being cold and suffering from altitude sickness.
SAR was initially dispatched to Bells Canyon in hopes that the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) could assist with the rescue. But because of the sustained winds, DPS could not attempt to hoist the hikers. The winds also prevented DPS from shuttling SAR members into the lower meadow.
SAR changed their command post to the Peak View Trailhead. Draper Fire Department personnel responded to assist and were able to shuttle SAR teams up the Peak View Trailhead to Jacobs Ladder on their side-by-side. Four SAR teams were dispatched to help with the rescue.
SAR members reached the patients at around 5:00 a.m. The patients had found a crevice between some rocks to hunker down out of the relentless wind. In addition, some good samaritans provided the hikers with some clothing, food, and water.
After the SAR members provided the patients with headlamps, additional layers, hydration, and nutrition, the patients were able to begin the long hike back down Lone Peak. A SAR team waiting lower on the mountain set up a handline to help with some of the trickier terrain.
Draper Fire assisted with transporting the patients back down the Peak View Trailhead. The patients reached the trailhead tired but otherwise in good condition.
All responding personnel were safely off the mountain by Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 10:15 a.m. and all personnel were sufficiently over the wind.
Remember: The weather is changing. While it might still be 90 in the valley, up at 11,000 feet it can drop to the 30s at night and can feel even colder with the wind. Also, the nights are getting longer and the days are getting shorter, so now is a good time to make sure you have extra headlamp batteries in your pack.

Address

3510 South 700 West
Salt Lake City, UT
84119

Telephone

+13854689552

Website

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