News Summary

Tiffany Slaton, a 28-year-old hiker, was discovered safe after being missing for three weeks in California’s eastern Sierra Nevada. She was found in an unlocked cabin at the Vermilion Valley Resort, which offers shelter for lost hikers during winter storms. Against harsh weather, an avalanche, and a lack of gear, Slaton’s survival skills and resilience shone through. Her story highlights the importance of preparation for outdoor adventures and the challenges faced by hikers in extreme conditions.

California – Tiffany Slaton, a 28-year-old hiker, was found alive after going missing for three weeks in California’s eastern Sierra Nevada. Authorities discovered her on May 16, 2025, in an unlocked cabin at the Vermilion Valley Resort, which was intentionally left open for lost hikers during winter storms. Slaton’s survival story is being described as remarkable given the extreme conditions she faced during her ordeal.

Slaton was located by the cabin’s owner, Christopher Gutierrez, who found her only eight hours after she had entered the shelter. She had been reported missing by her parents, Bobby and Fredrina, on April 29, after not hearing from her for a week. Her last known whereabouts were on April 20, when she was seen riding a bicycle near Huntington Lake.

Throughout her time in the wilderness, Slaton encountered severe winter weather, including an avalanche that injured her leg. She lost all her camping gear, including essential items, except for a lighter, a knife, and some snacks. Despite multiple attempts to call 911, she could only obtain a GPS signal on her phone. To cope with her situation, Slaton documented her experiences in a journal to help maintain her sanity.

Authorities conducting search and rescue operations had extensively scoured over 600 square miles of the Sierra National Forest before scaling back their efforts. Slaton’s survival was aided by her knowledge of foraging and survival skills, as she managed to stay alive by drinking melted snow. At the time of her rescue, she was found to be dehydrated but generally in good condition and was subsequently taken to a hospital for evaluation.

The cabin where Slaton was found provided critical shelter against a snowstorm. She described the visibility challenges she faced during her time outside. Her experience in competitive archery, accumulated from her home in Bermuda, also played a role in her survival instincts and resilience in harsh conditions.

Slaton’s parents expressed profound relief upon learning of their daughter’s safe recovery, marking it as one of the best days of their lives. Following the traumatic experience, Slaton plans to return to Georgia with her parents. Her survival tale stands as a testament to human resilience and the importance of survival knowledge in dire situations.

This incident highlights the potential dangers faced by outdoor enthusiasts, particularly in extreme meteorological conditions. As search and rescue operations become more focused on preparedness and awareness, incidents like Slaton’s may emphasize the need for greater caution and planning when embarking on wilderness adventures.