11 Outward Bound Hikers Missing in Sierras
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Rescue crews are actively searching the central Sierra Nevada today for a missing party of 11 Outward Bound hikers, according to a report in the New York Times. Nine teenagers ages 13-16 and two 30-year-old guides were reported missing when they failed to meet up with a third guide as planned on Saturday. The third guide spent two days searching on his own before going for help.
All the hikers are part of a two-week Outward Bound adventure of hiking and climbing in the Sierra National Forest 10 miles west of Kings Canyon National Park. They began on June 14 and are carrying enough supplies to last through Friday. Volunteer climbers, horseback riders, and a helicopter from the Fresno County Search and Rescue Team are currently searching the area, which ranges in elevation from 9,000 to 10,000 feet.
The unidentified teens hail from all over the country, and their parents have been notified. Keep checking the Daily Dirt for updates on their status.
UPDATE: The missing hikers and their instructors were found and are safe. Turns out the group hikes out of the wilderness to make a quick stop at a store in Florence Lake, CA, just north of the search area. Sounds like someone’s going to have some ‘splaining to do back at Outward Bound HQ.
— Ted Alvarez
Rescue Crews Search for 11 Hikers (NY Times)
Missing hikers found: ‘Everyone’s fine’ (CNN)