Utah Teen Rescued After 25 Hours Lost in Uinta Mountains

EVANSTON, Wyo. — A 14-year-old girl who vanished in the Uinta Mountains on Thursday morning has been found safe after a large-scale search involving helicopters, horseback teams, and volunteers.

Maya, whose last name has not been released, was camping with her family when she went missing after leaving their campsite to use the bathroom. What should have been a quick trip turned into a 25-hour survival experience alone in the wilderness.

Search and rescue teams were deployed soon after Maya was reported missing—Duchesne County Sheriff’s Capt. John Crowley said the effort included two horse units, four ground teams flown in by helicopter, and help from civilians already in the area.

At around 1 p.m. Friday, a helicopter crew spotted Maya near a loop trail known for its four-mile circuit—a location where other hikers have previously gone missing.

“She was safe, just a little sunburned,” Capt. Crowley said. “She asked for water, was in good spirits, and even joked with us.”

Maya told KUTV she lost her way while heading back to camp.
She said, “I went to the bathroom, and on the way back, I got lost.”

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Eventually, she found a trail marker and decided to stay there, hoping it would help rescuers locate her.
“I just stayed put and slept on a rock,” she explained. “It was freezing. I tried to tuck my legs inside my shirt and rest my head on the rock to keep warm.”

Despite the cold and isolation, Maya stayed calm and used her surroundings to her advantage. She recalled waving to the helicopter when she spotted it overhead.

Capt. Crowley advised anyone lost in the wilderness to seek open areas rather than hiding in trees, making it easier for aerial crews to find them.

Maya was reunited with her family shortly after being rescued. “It feels amazing,” she said. “Lots of hugs.”