Family of four found after not returning from Saturday hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon, 2 kids in critical condition
Oct 12, 2025, 5:23 PM | Updated: Oct 14, 2025, 3:51 pm
Cars line the road near the Broads Fork Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
(Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — A father and his three young children were found Sunday after not returning from a hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Saturday.
In a statement, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office stated 31-year-old Micah Smith, his 4 and 2-year-old sons and his 8-year-old daughter began hiking near the Broads Fork Trail Saturday, Oct. 11. They were later reported missing.
The group’s vehicle was found in the parking lot for the Broads Fork trail.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, DPS Aero Bureau and Life Flight all assisted in searching for the group.
Each member of the group was transported to a local hospital after being found by first responders on Sunday morning.
An update given by the sheriff’s office on Tuesday said Smith and the 2-year-old were in stable condition, and the 4-year-old remained in critical condition. The 8-year-old had been discharged from the hospital.
According to police, the man was in fair condition when the family was found. By Tuesday, police said he was stable while the 8-year-old was treated and discharged from the hospital.
“As the season changes to winter temperatures, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone to plan ahead and be prepared for rapidly changing canyon conditions,” the sheriff’s office said. “Mountain weather can shift quickly.”
The Sheriff’s Office said an investigation is ongoing.
Contributing: Kennedy Camarena and Jacob Freeman
This story is developing and may be updated as further information is made available.
