In the vast, rugged beauty of southern Utah’s Red Mountain area, a forgotten green backpack became the unlikely hero of a father-son duo’s wilderness misadventure — proving sometimes the universe delivers rescue in the most unexpected ways.
Julian Hernandez and his 12-year-old son set out for a hike near Snow Canyon State Park, eager to explore the trails. But as daylight faded and temperatures plunged, the pair found themselves disoriented, shivering, and desperately searching for shelter. “We didn’t have the proper things,” Julian said. “The first thing that came to my mind was to find shelter.”
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Their saving grace? A weathered green backpack stuffed with snacks, emergency supplies and a tent. But how did the backpack get there? To get that answer, you have to travel backward a few weeks: 15-year-old Levi Dittman, an avid hiker, had meticulously stocked his backpack with gear, snacks, and first-aid supplies, calling it a “passion project.” Venturing onto the Red Mountain Trail, he quickly learned the terrain’s tricks.
Looking at the map, it seems flat, which it’s not,” Levi said. “So, anyone else, do not try this.”
After scrambling up a steep ravine, Levi found himself stranded on a ledge overnight. To lighten his load, he tossed the backpack aside, planning to retrieve it later. But when rescue crews arrived, the bag was left behind. “I kinda just had to leave it there, which was a bit frustrating because I think at the time it was 200 to 300 bucks worth of stuff,” he recalled.
Fast-forward six weeks: Julian and his son, huddled in the cold, spotted the same green pack. “The moment we found the backpack — it was lovely,” Julian said. Inside, they discovered Levi’s stash of Pop-Tarts, Clif bars, a water jug, and emergency blankets — items that sustained them through 22 chilly hours until help arrived.
Search and rescue crews found Levi Dittman after he was stranded overnight in southern Utah. Photo courtesy of Gretchen Dittman
When Levi learned his abandoned gear had saved strangers, his frustration turned to pride. “That’s what the pack was intended for,” he said. “I’m glad it could help someone.” For Levi’s mother, Gretchen Dittman, the coincidence felt divine. “You really have to have faith that God’s working,” she said.
“Sometimes He’s using a backpack that sat for a month and a half for some guy that needed help in that moment — in the dark and cold. This is a God … fingerprint, you know? It was just really cool.” Julian, now back on solid ground, views the experience as a call to pay it forward. He plans to “give back to the community, just like they did with us,” and hopes to meet Levi someday.
