Missing Hiker Rescued After Three Weeks in California

News Summary

Tiffany Slaton, a 28-year-old hiker, was found alive after going missing for three weeks in the eastern Sierra Nevada. She took shelter in an unlocked cabin during severe winter storms. Slaton faced numerous challenges, including an avalanche and lost camping gear, but her resourcefulness and survival instincts helped her endure the ordeal. After her rescue on May 16, 2025, her family expressed immense relief, and she plans to return to Georgia, highlighting the importance of preparedness for outdoor activities.

California

Tiffany Slaton, a 28-year-old hiker, was located alive after going missing for three weeks in the eastern Sierra Nevada region of California. Slaton was discovered in an unlocked cabin at the Vermilion Valley Resort, where the owner had left the door open for lost hikers during winter storms. The cabin provided her shelter just as a severe snowstorm hit the area.

Her fortunate rescue was announced on May 16, 2025, when authorities confirmed she had only spent a brief eight hours in the cabin before it was found by the owner, Christopher Gutierrez. Slaton last had contact with friends and family on April 20, when she was seen riding a bicycle near Huntington Lake. Her loved ones reported her missing on April 29 after failing to hear from her for a week.

Challenges Faced During Ordeal

Throughout her time in the wilderness, Slaton encountered numerous challenges posed by severe winter weather, including blizzards and an avalanche that injured her leg. At one point, she lost all her camping gear, keeping only a lighter, a knife, and some snacks. Despite her efforts to call for help, including several unsuccessful attempts to reach 911, she managed to acquire a GPS signal on her phone that ultimately aided in her rescue effort.

Slaton described her experience as “very long” and “arduous,” compelling her to document her thoughts and survival strategies in a journal to maintain her mental wellbeing. Her survival under such rugged conditions, which included up to 12 feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada region, was deemed remarkable by officials. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office had conducted extensive searches, covering over 600 square miles of the Sierra National Forest, before scaling back operations.

Resourcefulness and Survival Instincts

Making use of her knowledge of foraging, Slaton survived by drinking melted snow. Being a competitive archer from Bermuda, she noted that her experiences and training helped develop her survival instincts, which were crucial during her ordeal.

After her rescue, Slaton was evaluated at a local hospital where it was determined that, while dehydrated, she was otherwise in good health. Her parents, Bobby and Fredrina, expressed immense relief upon learning of her safety, referring to the day of her rescue as one of the best days of their lives.

Future Plans

Following this traumatic experience, Slaton intends to return to Georgia with her parents. Her experience has highlighted not only the dangers of hiking in difficult conditions but also the importance of preparation and survival skills in the wild.

This incident serves as a pivotal reminder of the challenges and risks associated with outdoor activities in adverse weather, as well as the outstanding efforts of search teams and the community in the search for missing individuals.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Los Angeles Times
• CNN
• ABC30
• Fresno Bee
• NBC Bay Area
• Wikipedia: Hiking
• Google Search: Hiking Survival Skills
• Google Scholar: Hiking Risks and Safety
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hiking
• Google News: Hiker Rescue