PANGUITCH, Utah — As the weather warms up and more people head outdoors to explore hiking and biking trails, the spring season marks the beginning of a busy time for search and rescue teams across Southern Utah. Among the unsung heroes of these efforts is Jim King, a volunteer who has assisted over 100 stranded hikers, off-roaders, and drivers in the remote backcountry.
King, a military veteran and passionate adventurer, dedicates his time and resources to helping those in perilous situations across the rugged terrain of Southern Utah. His work often requires significant time and effort, sometimes extending into long hours in harsh conditions.
“There is no season for search and rescue,” King said. “At the end of the day, if you’re going to go someplace, don’t go alone. Go prepared. Make sure you’re ready for the environment.”
Recently, King spent more than 12 hours rescuing a college student stranded at 10,000 feet on Mount Dutton. The student, attempting to drive an old Jeep Cherokee up the mountain, found himself stuck in deep snow, wet, cold, and unable to get a cell phone signal. When King reached the stranded student, he found him struggling in the snow as daylight quickly faded.
“He could have frozen to death up there,” King recalled. “By the time I made contact, the sun was going down.”
King operates independently but also volunteers with Garfield County Search and Rescue. His personal efforts, however, are sometimes met with mixed feelings from the local search and rescue teams. While his work helps to relieve some of the strain on the already-limited department, King is clear about his role.
“It’s kind of a love-hate relationship,” he explained. “They’re probably glad I’m saving them time, but they want to make sure I’m not out there representing the sheriff’s office, which I’m not.”
Search and rescue missions in Utah are largely dependent on volunteers like King, and communities like Panguitch, often serving as gateways to outdoor recreation, experience an average of 100 rescues each year. These rescues are typically prompted by accidents, people getting lost, or individuals succumbing to extreme weather conditions.
The Garfield County Search and Rescue Department relies heavily on volunteers who use their own personal equipment, vehicles, and funds to carry out these critical operations. While the average cost of a rescue mission is estimated to be around $2,000, it can climb to more than $10,000 depending on the situation and resources required.
King’s efforts are essential in alleviating the pressure on the county’s limited resources, but he also emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility when venturing into the wilderness.
During his recent rescue on Mount Dutton, he pointed out that the young man’s lack of preparation was the main factor in the dangerous situation. The student’s vehicle, for example, lacked basic equipment such as a winch, which is crucial for navigating rough, snowy terrains.
“The key lesson here is preparation,” King said. “He was ill-equipped. You need to be ready for self-extraction in conditions like that.”
King advises all adventurers to take essential precautions when heading into the backcountry. His tips include carrying extra fuel, dressing for all weather conditions, and always having a paper map on hand in case technology fails. Most importantly, he urges people to never underestimate the wilderness.
“I’ve seen people from Bryce Canyon rent ATVs while wearing flip-flops and shorts, only to get caught in a snow squall when they go up the mountain,” King remarked. “This is Utah. Wait a minute and the weather will change.”
As more people venture into the wild this spring and summer, King’s message is clear: preparedness is key to staying safe, and the wilderness should never be taken lightly. Through his tireless volunteer work, King continues to help those in need while encouraging others to respect the unpredictable nature of the environment.