June 28, 2026 26-306 #22

Backpackers in Distress on the Rush Creek Trail

The Team was called to assist two subjects, one with a reported knee injury and one with a possible allergic reaction. It was reported that the subjects were hiking the John Muir Trail (JMT) and became lost while attempting to leave the Rush Creek Trail. The subjects reported that they could see Gem Lake and the dam but had gone off trail while trying to return to the trail and reach the Ansel Adams Wilderness sign at the dam.

Rescue base was established at the Silver Lake Boat Launch. Operations deployed two teams: a two-person hasty team carrying medical equipment, including a first-out bag, airway bag, and bottled oxygen, and a second three-person team carrying additional medical equipment and a litter.

When Team 1 reached the subjects, both were determined to be able to hike out on their own. An additional two-person team was deployed to provide support to the teams in the field. All teams eventually linked up and hiked out together and self-transported from the trailhead.

CalTopo map showing access plan and ultimate patient location.

The operation was terminated at 2119 hours. 

IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Salay Responders: Barker, Huizingh, Kelly, Lipman, Salay, Tardy, M.Thompson, Wojciechowski

On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue