JUNE LAKE, Calif. — A hiker stranded on Mount Downs above June Lake was safely rescued Friday after becoming stuck in steep terrain, authorities said.
The Mono County Sheriff’s Office received a report at about 1:58 p.m. of a hiker who was cliffed out and possibly injured after scrambling above June Lake Fire Protection District Station 1. Rescue crews established a base near the station and made cellphone contact with the hiker, determining the person’s location at about 9,400 feet.
Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue (MONOSAR) teams were deployed on foot, and a drone was used to locate the hiker on rock surrounded by steep snow.
After climbing roughly 1,500 vertical feet through brush, snow and scrambling terrain, the first team reached the hiker and determined the person was uninjured. Crews then assisted the hiker through technical sections using a harness and verbal guidance.
All rescuers and the hiker returned to the trailhead without incident. Officials said the hiker did not have the experience or equipment for the terrain but made the correct decision to stay in place and call for help.
