The teenager’s family called for help Saturday after he became separated from his group on the Highline Trail on Mirror Lake Highway near Butterfly Lake.
Officials from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Utah Department of Public Safety, U.S. Forest Service and mounted patrol also assisted in the search.
Before emergency responders could find the missing teenager, it became dark, so they camped outside overnight and continued the search at sunrise.
Search and Rescue in Summit County
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On Sunday morning, the team heard a whistle and spotted the lost hiker thanks to the bright pink rain poncho he was wearing.
He was in good condition and was flown back to the starting point.
Summit County Sheriff’s Sergeant Skyler Talbot said the 14-year-old did everything right to participate in his own rescue.
“When you’re in a dense forested area, it’s difficult because everything looks the same,” he said. “So the more you stand out, whether you’re in an open marsh or an open field, the clothes you want to wear are brighter and more visible from the ground and from the air. Those are things that really increase the chances of a positive outcome.”
He also said if you get separated from your group, stay in one place until help arrives or your group finds you.
