A Misstep in Yosemite: Reflections on Preparedness, Partnership, and Gratitude
September 11th in Yosemite Valley began bright and clear — one of those late-summer mornings where granite walls glowed in the sun and every step felt like a gift. Two longtime visitors set out from Curry Village that day for a relaxed hike around Mirror Lake, planning to explore part of Tenaya Canyon before heading back.
After a peaceful lunch with sweeping views of Half Dome and Cloud’s Rest, they began the return journey — about a mile of downhill trail before the trees. But as often happens in the wilderness, a single moment changed everything.
One hiker took a misstep, slipped, and fell roughly twelve feet off the side of the trail. The fall left them with a deep cut to the hand, a dislocated and crushed thumb, and several facial lacerations.
“We went from having a really beautiful hike to a pretty serious medical problem. We were high up on a trail that not a lot of people use and had really minimal medical supplies with us,” the hiker later reflected. “We tried our best to keep the wounds clean and assess whether I had a concussion and whether I could actually continue hiking down.”
Their partner immediately called 911. About ninety minutes later, a Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR) team arrived, including a park physician who assessed the situation and provided care.
“When the team arrived, I’ll tell you — I was pretty emotional,” they said. “I didn’t know until that moment that I was actually going to be OK.”
Once cleared to move, the hiker was carefully guided back down the trail — one hand on a shoulder, one steady step at a time — before meeting an ambulance at Mirror Lake. At the Yosemite Valley Medical Clinic, staff cleaned and stitched wounds, provided a tetanus shot, and splinted the injured thumb. A friendly clinic dog, Tioga, even stopped by for comfort — a small reminder of warmth amid the ordeal.
Reflecting afterward, the hiker shared:
“The first lesson is always hike with a buddy. Never hike alone in remote places. We should have had a bigger medical kit with us. And mostly, never make assumptions about a trail. You always have to have your wits about you and watch where you place your feet. A small mistake turned into a big problem.”
They also offered heartfelt thanks to the responders and medical staff who helped that day:
“I’d like to thank the team for their professionalism — and mostly their caring — not only about my medical condition but also about my emotional state. We’ve been coming to Yosemite for probably 25 years, hiking in the backcountry and out of Curry Village. This was our first major injury, and we’re incredibly grateful for the people who were there when we needed them.”
This experience serves as a powerful reminder that even the most seasoned visitors can find themselves in unexpected situations. Preparation, partnership, and composure can make all the difference when the unforeseen happens.
A Message from Friends of YOSAR
Friends of YOSAR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Search and Rescue (SAR) teams in Yosemite National Park. With the current government shutdown, it is even more imperative that we sustain these critical efforts — providing funding for gear, training, and supplies the government has fallen short with, that keep visitors and rescuers safe.
Your support helps ensure that when emergencies happen in Yosemite, responders have the tools, training, and resources they need.
Photo by: Taylor Martin
Photo by: David Murphy
