About This BlogEach year, park rangers and search and rescue (SAR) personnel respond to approximately 250 emergency incidents in Yosemite National Park. The park's Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) program posts selected SAR incident reports on this blog in the hopes that readers can learn from the experiences of others. Before reading through the blog, please be familiar with the park's comment policy. Run-ins with Rattlesnakes Result in Rescues
September 11, 2020
A few weeks ago, within the span of three days, two rattlesnake bites—and subsequent rescues—occurred in Yosemite’s wilderness. Lucky Encounters with Lightning
August 25, 2020
In Yosemite, search and rescue incidents related to lightning strikes are not as common as other environmental factors like swiftwater or even rattlesnake bites. However, given the recent lightning storms across California, including along the Sierra crest that runs through the park, here are two notable Yosemite lightning-strike incidents, as well as tips on how to mitigate the risk of being struck by lightning while recreating outdoors. A Wave of Heat-Related Incidents
August 07, 2020
Yosemite National Park emergency medical providers responded to three medical calls related to dehydration and heat exhaustion and two Half Dome incidents. Be aware of the sign and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and know how to prevent it. Hiker Seriously Injured After Off-Trail Travel at Bridalveil Fall
July 23, 2020
At 4:42 on Tuesday, July 20, 2020, the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 cell phone call from a bystander near the base of Bridalveil Fall. The caller reported that someone had slipped and fallen in the rocks, hit his head, and was unconscious and bleeding from the ear. For the past decade, hiking and scrambling off-trail is the third leading cause of accidental fatalities in Yosemite (after water-related deaths and climbing fatalities). Near Drowning at Silver Apron
October 15, 2018
When the Merced RIver water level drops midsummer, Emerald Pool, just upstream from Vernal Fall, becomes an attractive swimming hole. Likewise, just upriver from Emerald Pool, a sloping granite area known as the Silver Apron becomes a tempting natural water slide. But, there are hidden hazards. Lost Near Lost Lake
October 01, 2018
While descending from Half Dome, staying on the trail between the subdome and Little Yosemite Valley can prove to be challenging in open sandy areas where the switchbacks are not well defined. It is not uncommon for Yosemite Search and Rescue to respond to reports of lost Half Dome hikers in this area. Here is one such case. Hiker Seriously Injured after Slipping on Granite
September 05, 2018
On the afternoon of June 24, 2017, a hiker slipped on granite while crossing Tenaya Creek upstream of Hidden Falls; she fell 30 feet over the waterfall onto the rocks below. One of the subject’s friends waited with her, while the other hiked back to the Mirror Lake Trail to call 911 for help. The friend waited for rescuers to arrive on the trail so that she could guide rescuers to the off-trail location of the injured subject. Lost... not in Indian Canyon
July 17, 2018
Late in the morning of Friday, June 8, 2018, the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center received a call from an off-trail hiker who reported he was in a position where he didn’t feel he could safely ascend or descend (“ledged out”) in Indian Canyon. Lost at Hetch Hetchy
April 29, 2018
On Tuesday, February 20, 2018, Alan Chow was reported overdue from an overnight hike in the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir area of Yosemite National Park. He was found by searchers on Friday, February 23, 2018, in the Falls Creek drainage north of Wapama Falls. He had become stranded off trail, and after failing to find a safe route out, made camp and waited for help. Slip and Fall at Chilnualna Falls
November 12, 2017
On the evening of Friday, August 12, 2016, two young men were scrambling barefoot and off-trail near Chilnualna Falls in Wawona. While exploring, one of the men slipped on the water-polished granite and slid down the slope to the left of the falls. When the Road Opens before the Trails are Passable
July 06, 2017
On July 1, 2017 about an hour before sunset, a wilderness patrol ranger on a routine wilderness patrol encountered three separate parties, seven hikers total, all completely lost while facing darkness. They were in the Sunrise Pass area, which is south of Tenaya Lake (along Tioga Road). An Uninspiring Night near Inspiration Point: A Race Against Darkness
June 22, 2017
On May 16, a mother and daughter were hiking to Inspiration Point when they sought a shortcut, lost the trail for over two hours, and became “cliffed out.” Climbers Stranded on Wawona Dome
May 15, 2017
On Friday, April 28, 2017, around 1 pm, the Big Trees Lodge manager contacted Yosemite National Park regarding two of her employees who were late for their morning shift, and who hadn't been seen by co-workers in about 24 hours. Initial investigation revealed they were planning on climbing Wawona Dome. A search was initiated but the employees returned on their own later that evening after having spent an unplanned and very cold night on the Dome. Getting Damaged on a Routine Hike
May 01, 2017
On the afternoon of April 29, a 39-year-old hiker above Columbia Rock on the Yosemite Falls Trail left the trail and attempted a short rock scramble. When sliding down the rock, he broke his ankle and found himself stranded and struggling to maintain consciousness due to his severe pain. When Our Decisions Endanger Our Pets
April 07, 2017
We normally have stories about people making choices that result in them needing a rescue. This story is about choices leading to a dog needing a rescue. A Winter Trail Run to Half Dome Nearly Ends in Disaster
March 29, 2017
At 8 am on December 28, 2016, two trail runners—James and Christine (not their real names)—started up the John Muir Trail from Happy Isles. They didn’t have a particular goal, route, or schedule in mind, but they did have small packs with headlamps and light jackets. Both were experienced with mountaineering, ice climbing, and backcountry snow sports. True Confessions of a Rescuee
September 13, 2016
The following incident was provided to us from a visitor who wished to share his near-tragedy in the hopes of others avoiding a similar experience. True Confessions of a Rescuee
September 13, 2016
The following incident was provided to us from a visitor who wished to share his near-tragedy in the hopes of others avoiding a similar experience. Turning Blue in the Emerald Pool
July 29, 2016
A brief dip in the Emerald Pool became a near-death experience for two 18-year-old swimmers on July 17, 2016. A Common Yosemite SAR
July 17, 2016
The common denominator in many outdoor mishaps, regardless of the activity, is little to no planning and just doing what you see others doing. This can lead to serious consequences. Floating the Merced – A Tale of Three SARs
June 12, 2016
The current Sierra snowpack melt is a welcome occurrence for Californians and its visitors and Yosemite National Park is now reaping the water runoff benefits. The Merced River is active with visitors floating through the Valley. Unfortunately, increased activity, along with lack of planning, preparedness, and inadequate equipment has led to three search and rescue cases involving four persons just in the past week. Three Distressed Hikers Rescued Tuolumne Meadows Area
June 12, 2016
On Monday, June 6, 2016, Yosemite Search and Rescue received a report about a hiking group possibly stranded without water or having trouble with a water crossing. Due to poor cell phone coverage, communication was haphazard and an ill-prepared hiking group was in for an unplanned stay in the High Sierra. Danger Zones: The Nose
February 14, 2016
The Nose is considered to be the easiest full-length route on El Capitan, which makes it extremely popular and draws relatively inexperienced big-wall climbers. But the Nose also is a complex climb, requiring a large repertoire of techniques that may be unfamiliar to newcomers. A Hike into Winter Ends Early
November 17, 2015
On Monday, November 2, 2015, winter arrived in Yosemite. By early afternoon, rangers began enforcing tire chain requirements, and the snow plow drivers began their first operation of the winter. White stuff dusted the Badger Pass chairlifts and rain soaked Yosemite Valley. Visitors and park staff alike bundled in jackets, drove more slowly, and marveled that water was finally falling from the sky. It’s worth noting, however, that not all park visitors found Yosemite’s first 2 Climber Fall on "Lurking Fear"
October 08, 2015
On Monday, September 19, 2015, at approximately 5:30 pm, Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR) received a report that a climber had taken a 50-foot fall. The climber was on a climbing route called Lurking Fear, which is located on the western edge of El Capitan, and was reportedly was suffering serious injuries, including possible head trauma and a broken clavicle. From the First Aid Kit to the Helicopter
September 11, 2015
If you find yourself in a helicopter over the Yosemite landscape, something has gone terribly wrong. On Saturday, June 13 two hikers ran down Half Dome’s subdome to the permit check point. They reported that a female hiker halfway up the subdome was having a severe allergic reaction, including facial swelling, vision loss, and, most concerning, difficulty breathing. Yosemite’s Rivers Present Hazards, Even in September
September 11, 2015
Three hikers were injured along the Merced River in the first six days of September. In each of these incidents, individuals made what seemed like reasonable choices to engage in activities along a seemingly benign section of a river but the injuries that resulted were painful ways to end a vacation, and sadly, one which was life altering. Frontcountry Biking Accident Halts Visitor's Backcountry Plans
September 10, 2015
When you hear about search and rescue or emergency medical services at Yosemite National Park, what environment comes to mind? What are the potential scenarios, especially when talking about traumatic injuries? The following case occurred on the morning of July 16. Although there is nothing unusual about it, you might be surprised if this incident falls completely outside of your initial guesses. Nevada Fall Rattlesnake Bite
August 01, 2015
On June 29, 2015, sometime around 4 pm, a 49-year-old day hiker at the top of Nevada Fall experienced what many people would consider their worst nightmare: being bitten, and envenomated, by a rattlesnake. Slippery Rock Leads to a Broken Leg in the Inner Gorge of Yosemite Falls
July 15, 2015
On the afternoon of June 7, Yosemite Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting that there was a woman in the inner gorge of Yosemite Falls with a broken leg. At some point, she separated from her friends and took a 10- to 20-foot slide down wet granite, resulting in an upper leg injury that prevented her from moving. Hiker Ledged-Out Overnight on Basket Dome
July 02, 2015
On Monday, June 29, a 27-year-old male got himself into quite a cliff-hanger, literally. In Yosemite Search and Rescue language, we simply call this becoming “ledged-out.” While this might seem unrealistic on a simple hike, it is a very real possibility at Yosemite National Park. Multiple Search-and-Rescue Missions Due to Hikers Leaving Trails
April 02, 2015
With the unseasonably warm, sunny weather this spring, the number of hikers has risen dramatically over the past several weekends. Trails out of the Valley are open for a long way, with little snowpack, leading some adventurers to travel farther than they might normally at this time of year. We have had an unusually high number of search and rescue missions, all stemming from one common cause: leaving the trail. Here are the stories from this March in Yosemite. Solo Hiker Injured Near Dewey Point
March 10, 2015
On the weekend of February 14, 2015, a 23-year-old male backpacker was hiking along the rim of Yosemite Valley near Dewey Point. Upon reaching the point, overwhelmed with the spectacular view, he decided to attempt to access another spire just a little farther out. This effort required some scrambling, and he ultimately fell down the slope, sustaining a broken arm and several more minor injuries. Caught in a Storm: Climbers Benighted on Tenaya Peak and Separated Hiker at Budd Lake
October 29, 2014
On the evening of Saturday, September 20, 2014, Yosemite National Park’s Tuolumne Meadows Subdistrict received reports of two separate search and rescue incidents: the first was an overdue hiker, last seen at Budd Lake by his hiking group. The second was a climbing party signaling for help from Tenaya Peak. A lightning storm increased the urgency of both incidents. A Picture for Social Media Result in Injury and Carryout
October 14, 2014
A group of hikers at Columbia Rock decided to take a jumping photo to post on social media. When the subject landed, she slipped forward on gravel and face-planted on a rock. Rescue of Injured Climber from El Capitan
September 18, 2014
On Thursday, September 11, at approximately 10:30 am, the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received an international call from a woman stating that her husband’s climbing partner had sent her a text from El Capitan requesting a rescue. A 39-year-old male climber fell while climbing pitch 25 of 31 (the Glowering Spot) on the Nose route, which is a 2,900-foot climb (Grade VI, 5.14a or 5.9 C2). Near Drowning at Vernal Fall Pool
September 05, 2014
At approximately 1 pm on Wednesday, August 13, the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a report of an unconscious male in the natural pool at the base of Vernal Fall. Three rangers responded to the scene, arriving within 30 minutes of the initial report. A National Park Service trail crew supervisor directed the rangers to the subject, a 24-year-old male, who, by the time the rangers arrived, was out of the pool, sitting among the boulders at the base of V Half Dome Corridor: Two Rescues in One Day
August 25, 2014
Key components for making any given hiking adventure safe and successful are (1) having an adequate fitness level for the chosen hike and (2) knowing the limits of your own physical abilities. On Wednesday, August 20, 2014 there were two rescues along the Half Dome corridor that highlight these points. Four Accidents in Four Days at Lower Yosemite Fall
August 11, 2014
Last week in Yosemite Valley, on four consecutive days, the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received 911 calls for visitors who had fallen and were injured while venturing off trail near the Lower Yosemite Fall Footbridge. Altitude Sickness on the Way to Clouds Rest
August 04, 2014
On Sunday, July 27, the wife of a 37 year-old male hiker called the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center, reporting that her husband was having difficulty breathing. The couple had arrived in Tuolumne Meadows (elevation 8,800 feet) on Wednesday, July 23. On Saturday, July 26, in spite of feeling slightly ill, the subject, along with his wife, set out on a one-night wilderness trip. Five Silver Apron Injuries on Same Day
July 25, 2014
On Wednesday, July 16, at approximately 6 pm, three 17 year-old males arrived at the Yosemite Medical Clinic seeking medical attention for injuries to their legs, ankles, and feet. The subjects all sustained their injuries while sliding down the Silver Apron, a large, sloping granite area that the Merced River flows over, located in between Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, just east of Yosemite Valley, and which is a closed area. Moments later, two more 17-year-old males, unrelat Near Drowning at Swinging Bridge
July 17, 2014
On the Fourth of July, the parents of a six-year-old girl brought their daughter to the Yosemite Medical Clinic after she nearly drowned in the Merced River. The parents recounted the following story to clinic staff: Exhausted Hiker Rescued from Panorama Trail
July 15, 2014
At approximately 3 pm on Tuesday, July 8, the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from a party of three hiking on the Panorama Trail. One member of the party was calling to report that his mother (77 years old) and her friend (64 years old) were feeling exhausted and hot, and didn’t think they could complete the hike. Search & Rescue News: Head Injury from Slip at Lower Yosemite Fall
June 24, 2014
On the afternoon of June 19th, 2014, a boy was jumping across the boulders at Lower Yosemite Fall. He slipped and fell onto his head, suffering from serious head injuries. Hiker Slips and Falls into the Middle Cascades of Yosemite Falls
June 06, 2014
On May 28, 2014, at approximately 11:45 am, the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from an individual in a party of four backpackers stating that one of the members of the party had fallen into the creek at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall. Injured Climbers Rescued from El Capitan
September 16, 2013
While climbing the Nose of El Capitan, a climber falls about 65 feet when his protection pulls from the cliff. Rangers are flown to the top and lowered 1000 feet down to the climbing party; the party is lowered another 2000 feet to Yosemite Valley for medical treatment. Heat Stroke on a Hot Summer Day
September 08, 2013
A hiker suffers from heat stroke while descending the Upper Yosemite Fall trail on a hot summer day. Shaking uncontrollably, with hot, dry skin and a body temperature exceeding 104°F, the hiker is evacuated by a wheeled litter and then by helicopter. Royal Arches Climbers Need Assistance Returning to Yosemite Valley
August 20, 2013
Near dusk on August 13, 2013, the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center received a report of two climbers requesting assistance near the top of North Dome Gully. Park rangers made phone contact with the party, who denied injury but was nearly out of water after ascending the Royal Arches climbing route that day. Search & Rescue News: Two Helicopter Evacuations
August 20, 2013
Last week Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR) conducted two separate helicopter evacuations from the park’s wilderness. Open Ankle Fracture at Bridalveil Fall
August 18, 2013
A father and son leave the established Bridalveil Fall trail to get nearer the waterfall by scrambling through a boulder field. On their return, the father slips on the smooth rocks and suffers multiple injuries: "on a scale of one to ten, [my pain] was at a 38." Historical Account: Danger at Diamond Cascade
August 09, 2013
In this historic account, learn how (at least) one early visitor encountered trouble at Diamond Cascade and the Silver Apron, below Nevada Fall. Lost and Unprepared in Tenaya Canyon
August 04, 2013
Two hikers/climbers get lost overnight and require rescue because they didn't bring proper equipment. Search & Rescue News: Strander hiker Rescued from near Washington Column
July 31, 2013
Yosemite Search and Rescue evacuated a hiker from the gully next to Washington Column on 7/16/2013 after three search and rescue personnel located and then spent the night with the hiker. Indian Canyon Fall and Rescue
July 27, 2013
Hikers attempt to ascend an unofficial social trail, but unknowingly get off route and fall on loose rocks. Search & Rescue News: Rescue from Leaning Tower
July 24, 2013
On June 25, search and rescue crews began climbing the Leaning Tower to reach an injured solo climber who called for assistance via cell phone. Backpackers Get Lost Near Ten Lakes
July 18, 2013
A pair of backpackers lose the trail, then can't find their way back because they don't have a good map and compass. We're back with new posts!
May 15, 2013
In addition to posting detailed search and rescue incidents with lessons learned, we'll also be posting brief incident updates more frequently. Lessons Learned 2012: Last post for the season
November 27, 2012
For our last post for the 2012 season, we decided to highlight five lessons from this year’s entries. We will resume posting in early summer 2013. Rescue from Muir Wall on El Capitan
November 16, 2012
A climber becomes stranded on El Capitan as a storm moves in. Church Bowl Self-Rescue
October 16, 2012
A climber forgets to wear helmet, then falls and lands on his head... immediately adjacent to the Yosemite Medical Clinic. Rescue From Near Snake Dike (Half Dome)
September 21, 2012
On Monday, August 27, 2012, the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from two climbers (one male and one female) who had had fallen on what they had believed to be the first pitch of Snake Dike, a climbing route on the Southwest Face of Half Dome. In fact, the climbers were approximately one quarter of a mile east of the Snake Dike route. Hikers Seriously Injured After Slipping and Falling Near Chilnualna Falls
September 16, 2012
Two hikers slipped and then fell vertically onto large uneven rocks near Chilnualna Falls. Scrambling off-trail is one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in Yosemite. When deciding to venture off-trail, hikers must evaluate the terrain they are entering, as well as their own skills and equipment. Stranded Hikers Rescued from Tenaya Canyon
August 30, 2012
A father and daughter hiking near Olmsted Point lost the trail and became stranded in Tenaya Canyon. Rappellers Rescued off of El Capitan
August 12, 2012
On Saturday, August 4, the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center received a request for assistance from two rappellers who had gotten off route and subsequently stuck while attempting to rappel the Nose climbing route on El Capitan (about 2,900 feet vertically, with about 23 rappels). This incident is a good example of the dangerous cascade of events that can occur when a team is ill-prepared for what is a very serious undertaking. Hang Gliding Accident Resulting in Injuries Near Glacier Point
August 09, 2012
On Friday, August 3, 2012, at approximately 9 am, the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from bystanders at Glacier Point who witnessed a hang gliding accident approximately 400 feet below the Glacier Point lookout. It is important to remember that in any activity, maintaining awareness, avoiding complacency, and double-checking systems are as important for experts as they are for novices. Seriously Ill Backpacker at High Elevation (near Isberg Pass) Flown out by Helicopter
July 29, 2012
On July 18, a 22 year-old male backpacker who appeared to be experiencing acute mountain sickness was flown out by helicopter from just below Isberg Pass. Many hiking illnesses that Yosemite Search and Rescue responds to each year could be prevented (or the severity of those medical conditions greatly diminished). Learn how to stay healthy at high elevations. Partial Thickness Leg Burns in Little Yosemite Valley
July 21, 2012
At about 8:45 a.m. on Friday, July 6, a 52 year-old female backpacker staying in the Little Yosemite Valley backpacker’s campground suffered partial thickness burns to both her legs. Litter carryout on Yosemite Falls Trail
July 20, 2012
On the afternoon of Thursday, July 12, the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center received a report that a male hiker in his upper 40s/early 50s had fallen on the Yosemite Falls Trail, just below Columbia Rock, and could not continue hiking Climber injured in Sentinel Descent Gully
July 13, 2012
Although the way down after a technical climb may involve relatively easy scrambling or hiking, a hiking trail can be as treacherous as the climbing route itself, should the climber’s attention stray. Whether a climber or a hiker, be sure to focus on what you’re doing on the way up, as well as on the way down (especially if you’re off trail). Open Ankle Fracture on Panorama Trail
June 18, 2012
On the afternoon of June 18, 2012, the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center received a report that a 65-year-old female had fractured her ankle on the Panorama Trail, approximately one mile down from the Glacier Point trailhead. Rattlesnake Bite in Little Yosemite Valley
June 02, 2012
On the evening of June 2, 2012, the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center received report that a 25-year-old male had been bitten on the hand by a rattlesnake in the Little Yosemite Valley campground. Hiker Falls off Half Dome Cables
June 28, 2012
On Friday, June 22, at about 5 pm, a hiker slipped while descending the Half Dome cables. Hiker Seriously Injured while Scrambling near Illilouette Fall
July 12, 2012
The following incident demonstrates the capacities and shortcomings of cell phone use in Yosemite. Keep in mind that cell phones that work fine at home, may not work in the park. If yours works and you need emergency help, it is imperative that you call 911 instead of texting. |
Last updated: August 10, 2020