National Guard Rescues Two Hikers in Beartooth Mountains
Montana Army National Guard crews airlifted two injured teenagers to safety after a remote distress call.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Hiking
Montana Army National Guard members successfully rescued two hikers in the Beartooth Mountains. The teenagers, Justus Houghtelling and Tobias Heidner, signaled for help via satellite phone following a serious injury.
Why it matters
Remote rescues underscore the importance of carrying reliable communication devices like satellite phones in rugged terrain. Proper emergency signaling allows for rapid extraction by specialized crews when injuries occur in inaccessible locations.
The hikers, Justus Houghtelling and Tobias Heidner, required immediate assistance after sustaining a head injury, a broken arm, and a seizure. The rescue was facilitated by a satellite phone SOS signal.
The players
Justus Houghtelling
He is one of the two teenagers who were rescued from the Beartooth Mountains after sustaining multiple injuries.
Tobias Heidner
He is the companion who used a satellite phone to signal for help after his fellow hiker fell.
Montana Army National Guard
This state military force provides emergency search and rescue support for civilians in the wilderness.
The details
After Justus Houghtelling fell, his companion used a satellite phone to transmit an emergency SOS signal from the remote site. Montana Army National Guard personnel utilized helicopters to locate and extract the pair from the cliff face.
Timeline
The teenagers hiked in the Beartooth Mountains during the summer of 2026.
The rescued teenagers met with their National Guard rescuers on October 20, 2026.
Culture Shift
The increasing use of personal satellite communication devices by outdoor enthusiasts marks a shift toward higher safety standards in wilderness recreation. This trend mirrors a broader societal movement toward integrating portable technology for remote emergency preparedness.
Hikers in the Beartooth Mountains should consider carrying satellite-enabled communication devices as a standard safety practice for remote trips. Being prepared allows rescuers to locate and assist individuals quickly, preventing minor accidents from escalating into life-threatening emergencies.
The takeaway
Always carry a reliable means of communication when trekking in remote areas to ensure emergency services can reach you. Proper preparation and immediate signaling were the deciding factors in this successful recovery.
Further reading
Learn more about safety protocols for exploring state wilderness areas in the Montana Hiking section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Q2 News (KTVQ).
