Rescuers save two backpackers trapped on icy cliffs, California officials say

Two backpackers who became stuck on icy cliffs on a mountain pass required rescue, California sheriff’s officials reported.

They were able to call for help with a weak bar of cell phone service near Burro Lake Pass north of Yosemite National Park just before 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, the Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team said in an Oct. 10 news release.

Rescuers found two people trapped on an icy ridge at an elevation of 11,340 feet, officials said. One was about 100 feet below the other on a ledge above a 1,000-foot drop.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter airlifted rescuers to the backpackers then landed in Burro Lake Pass to await their rescue, officials said.

Rescuers rigged ropes to retrieve the person trapped on the ledge, officials said.

The helicopter took both backpackers to safety, where they declined further medical aid, rescuers said.

A fall from the ledge “would have certainly been fatal,” rescuers said.

Mono County is about a 225-mile drive southeast from Sacramento.

This story was originally published October 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM with the headline "Rescuers save two backpackers trapped on icy cliffs, California officials say."