High Sierra Topix

On January 2, 2025, the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an overdue hiker, Taylor Rodriguez, on Mt. Whitney. Rodriguez is described as a 5’9” male, weighing approximately 160 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. It is believed he was attempting to summit Mt. Whitney on December 30, 2024.

At this time, it is unclear which route Rodriguez intended to take, and there are concerns that he may be without adequate gear and has limited hiking experience.

The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office and Inyo Search and Rescue are seeking assistance from climbers or hikers who were on the Whitney Trail or Mountaineer’s Route between December 30, 2024, and January 2, 2025. If you have seen Rodriguez or have any information that could assist in locating him, please contact the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office at 760-878-0383.

On January 4, 2025, at approximately 1:00 PM, the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office and Inyo County Search & Rescue located Taylor Rodriguez approximately half a mile northwest of Upper Boy Scout Lake, at an elevation of 12,000 feet, near the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek Trail. It has been confirmed that he is deceased.

At this time, no further details are available. We extend our deepest condolences to Taylor’s family and friends during this difficult time.

We want to thank everyone who assisted in the search efforts, including climbers and hikers who provided valuable information. Special thanks to the Army National Guard, CHP Inland Division Air Operations, CHP Central Division Air Operations, CalOES FIRIS (High altitude imaging plane), Mono County SAR, and China Lake Mountain Rescue Group (Kern County) for their mutual aid and dedication. Additionally, we want to thank our kitchen staff here at the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office for their support to our search teams.