Update Regarding Search for Taylor Rodriguez On January 4, 2025, at approximately 1:00 PM, the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office and Inyo County Search and 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 express our gratitude to the kitchen staff of the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office for their support to the search teams.

Yes, definitely a rookie mistake. I’m sure they were tired, and just didn’t give it a second thought. Hopefully they’ve learned some valuable lessons about backpacking, and will take a lot more care if they ever decide there will be a “next time.”

They were clearly woefully unprepared for an actual backpacking trip. It’s no big deal to learn from one’s mistakes, of course. I’m just glad this misadventure didn’t turn deadly…