Washington hiker found safe Sunday afternoon in mountains east of Layton
Apr 21, 2024, 11:27 AM | Updated: 10:25 pm
LAYTON — The Davis County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday afternoon a missing hiker has been found alive.
Stephanie Dinsmore with the sheriff’s office said the man, identified later as 25-year-old Tobias Braaten, is from Washington. He had planned an overnight trip near Thurston Peak on Friday. Dinsmore said the man did not return when expected on Saturday.
Tobias had last spoken to friends just before midnight Friday, according to Dinsmore. Those friends decided to report him missing Saturday night.
Crews were deployed Saturday night just before 9 p.m. and searched until 2 a.m. They resumed the search Sunday morning just after 8 a.m.
Dinsmore said Braaten walked back to the trail Sunday afternoon around 4 p.m.
She also said Braaten didn’t feel like he was lost. And when he heard helicopters, he didn’t realize they were looking for him.
Tobias has been found safe. He has a few scratches and was very hungry and happy to accept a sandwich and a phone to call family, but otherwise in good spirits. Tobias took a wrong turn and found himself three canyons away from the Fernwood Trailhead. We appreciate all the help!
— Davis County Sheriff’s Office (@DavisSheriffUT) April 21, 2024
According to Dinsmore, other than a few scrapes on his hand and running low on supplies, the man is OK.
He told officials he took a wrong turn early on in his hike and ended up three canyons over and spent the night in a cave in Bair Canyon.
Once back to the trail, Braaten was given a phone and he called his family.
About 10 crews were on scene Sunday afternoon, a total of about 40 crews had been looking since Saturday night. Dinsmore said there is still a bit of snow up on the mountain which caused some challenges for search crews.
Hiking tips
Dinsmore provided a couple of hiking tips, and stressed preparedness for any hike is key.
“For day hikes, you should always prepare for more than you plan to be out,” she said. “So, if you’re going to be out for just a couple of hours prepare like you’re going to be out for a whole day.”
The same thing applies to overnight hiking.
She also said to do your research and be familiar with trails that you are hiking. Dinsmore also said to let people know where you are going and when you will be back.
“Even better, bring a friend to hike with you and familiarize yourself with the area,” Dinsmore said.
Search and rescue crews seen from the bottom of Fernwood Trail in Davis County, Utah on April 21, 2024 after 25-year-old Tobias Braaten went on a hike Friday and didn’t come back. (Brianna Chavez, KSL TV)
This is a breaking story. It will be updated.
This story initially reported the hiker as a missing woman. It has since been updated.
