Satellite Phones Save Injured Hikers in Beartooth Range
Two hikers in Montana used satellite technology to signal for help after sustaining serious injuries on the trail.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Hiking
Montana Army National Guard members successfully rescued two hikers who were stranded in the Beartooth Mountains. The teenagers, who used a satellite phone to signal for emergency help after a fall, met with their rescue crew this week.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the importance of carrying reliable communication tools when exploring remote wilderness areas in Montana. Satellite-based devices can be lifesaving when traditional cellular signals are unavailable during backcountry medical emergencies.
Official reports confirm that a Montana Army National Guard crew executed a helicopter rescue of two hikers following a distress signal. The specific altitude and terrain conditions remain under investigation.
The players
Montana Army National Guard
A reserve component of the United States Army that provides emergency response and disaster relief services across Montana.
Justus Houghtelling
A hiker who sustained a head injury, a broken arm, and a seizure while in the Beartooth Mountains.
Tobias Heidner
A hiker who assisted in requesting emergency aid after his partner was injured in the Beartooth Mountains.
The details
The hikers, Justus Houghtelling and Tobias Heidner, required emergency intervention after Houghtelling sustained a head injury, a broken arm, and a seizure during a fall. To initiate the rescue, the pair utilized a satellite phone to broadcast an SOS signal from the cliffside. The Montana Army National Guard then deployed helicopter crews to navigate the remote terrain and extract the injured hikers.
Timeline
The teenagers hiked in the Beartooth Mountains during the summer of 2026.
The rescued teenagers met their National Guard rescuers on October 20, 2026.
Health Landscape
This event follows the established standards of the Montana Army National Guard's emergency aviation response protocol for conducting remote medical evacuations. It underscores the critical infrastructure maintained for wilderness safety in the state.
Hikers planning trips into remote areas should carry a satellite communication device to ensure help can be reached in the event of an injury. If you have questions about specific gear for your skill level, speak with a local climbing or outdoor sports expert.
The takeaway
Reliable communication is an essential component of backcountry safety for any Montana hiker. Always ensure your emergency contact devices are fully charged and accessible before heading into remote mountain regions.
Further reading
For more information on staying safe on the trails, visit our section on Hiking.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Q2 News (KTVQ).
