Hiker Found Alive After Three Weeks in Sierra Nevada

News Summary

Tiffany Slaton, a 28-year-old hiker, was found alive after being missing for three weeks in California’s Sierra Nevada. Located in an unlocked cabin at Vermilion Valley Resort, Slaton survived extreme winter conditions after losing her camping gear. Her rescue involved extensive search operations covering over 600 square miles. Slaton documented her ordeal in a journal and relied on her survival skills. She expressed relief at being safe and plans to return to Georgia with her parents.

California – Tiffany Slaton, a 28-year-old hiker, has been found alive after being reported missing for three weeks in California’s eastern Sierra Nevada. She was located on May 16, 2025, in an unlocked cabin at Vermilion Valley Resort, a refuge left open by the owner for lost hikers during winter storms.

Authorities confirmed that Slaton had spent only eight hours in the cabin before being discovered by Christopher Gutierrez, the resort’s owner. Slaton was reported missing by her parents, Bobby and Fredrina, on April 29 after several days without contact since she was last seen riding her bicycle near Huntington Lake on April 20.

During her time in the wilderness, Slaton endured extreme winter conditions, including heavy snowfall that reported up to 12 feet in the region. She experienced an avalanche, which caused an injury to her leg, and lost all her camping gear except for a lighter, a knife, and some snacks. Despite facing such challenges, her survival was considered remarkable by authorities who undertook extensive search operations.

Search Operations and Finding Slaton

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search that covered over 600 square miles of the Sierra National Forest, using various resources before scaling back on the search due to concerns over the harsh weather conditions. Slaton attempted to call 911 multiple times without success but was able to get a GPS signal on her mobile device, which aided in her eventual rescue.

Slaton’s Survival Experience

Slaton documented her harrowing experience in a journal to maintain her sanity throughout her ordeal. She employed her foraging knowledge and survival skills, drinking melted snow to stay hydrated. When found, she was dehydrated but otherwise in good health, and was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

Background and Future Plans

Slaton, a competitive archer from Bermuda, credited her training and experiences for contributing to her survival instincts during the crisis. After being rescued, she expressed her relief at being safe and will be returning to Georgia with her parents following this traumatic experience.

The owner of the cabin, Christopher Gutierrez, indicated that Slaton sought shelter in the cabin during a severe snowstorm, mentioning the challenging visibility conditions that contributed to her difficulties surviving outside. Her parents expressed immense relief upon learning of her safety, calling it one of the best days of their lives.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Los Angeles Times
• Wikipedia: Missing Person
• NBC Bay Area
• Google Search: California hiker Tiffany Slaton
• Fresno Bee
• Google Scholar: Hiking Survival Skills
• ABC30
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hiking Survival
• KMPH Fox 26
• Google News: Hiker Rescue California