Search for Overdue Backpackers
September 24 to 27, 2007
Lake Eleanor Area
Two backpackers were reported overdue on September 24th, 2007, by the concerned spouse of one of the subjects. A backcountry wilderness permit for the two backpackers indicated their exit date to be September 24th at the Lake Eleanor trailhead.
On September 25th the backpackers' vehicle found still parked at the trailhead. In the afternoon search plans were developed for a search the following day.
On September 26th park helicopter H-551 was ordered to deploy ground assets in the backcountry to retrace the intended route of the two overdue backpackers. At 1:00 PM aerial observers in H-551 spotted them. They were evacuated from the area and flown to Hetch Hetchy Dam.
During an interview of the backpackers, they said that a weather system on September 21st impeded them. They were hiking cross country and were concerned that the wet granite they needed to ascend was too slick to negotiate. They tried unsuccessfully to escape the canyon via another route. The subjects waited for a rescue, and their plan was to retrace their steps if they were not located by September 27th. Neither individual was injured.