Daring Rescue: Solo Climber Saved by Five Helicopters on Mt. Williamson

In an extraordinary display of grit and interagency teamwork, a solo female climber was rescued from California's second-highest peak, Mt. Williamson, after a harrowing fall left her stranded at 13,800 feet with a severe leg injury. The high-altitude drama, which unfolded over two grueling days on July 2 and 3, required the might of five helicopters and relentless determination from multiple rescue teams.

The climber, navigating off-route near the West Chute, triggered an SOS via her Garmin InReach device after sustaining a grave injury—her bone visibly protruding through the skin—and losing her backpack with vital supplies. Despite the excruciating pain and isolation, she remained remarkably composed, a testament to human endurance in the face of nature's wrath.

Rescue efforts kicked off immediately but were thwarted by a fierce thunderstorm sweeping through the Sierra Nevada, grounding initial helicopter attempts by the Inyo County Search and Rescue (SAR) and California Highway Patrol (CHP). As clouds cloaked the treacherous terrain, teams had to retreat, leaving the climber to endure a chilling night on the mountain.

Under the cover of darkness, four SAR volunteers were airlifted to 10,500 feet near Shepherd’s Pass by a VX-31 aircraft from China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, before continuing their ascent on foot. By sunrise on July 3, they reached the base of the west face, establishing verbal contact with the injured climber. Yet, the narrow chute where she lay posed a persistent challenge to air rescue.

After multiple failed attempts due to altitude and terrain constraints—even with advanced equipment from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department—the California National Guard stepped in. Their Blackhawk helicopter, Spartan 164, staged at Bishop Airport, finally hoisted her to safety at 7:15 p.m. on July 3, over 28 hours after her distress call. The SAR volunteers were later retrieved, capping a mission that involved six field operatives and seven base coordinators.

This rescue isn’t just a story of survival; it’s a stark reminder of the perils of high-altitude mountaineering and the Herculean efforts behind every life saved. The seamless coordination across agencies and the climber’s unyielding spirit under extreme duress stand as powerful symbols of resilience.