Missing Climber on Mt Wilson

[Rg15]

A close friend of mine is currently missing on Mt. Wilson. It is believed he summited El Diente yesterday 7/22 via Kilpacker, descended to the trail split, and continued up Mt. Wilson via Southwest Slopes. His last known communication was at the trail split just after noon yesterday. John is 21 years old, white, blonde hair, blue eyes, and 5 ft 9. He was likely wearing a large bright blue Osprey Exos backpack. If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please let me know so I can pass it along to Dolores County SAR. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

[Jorts]

Sorry to hear your friend is missing. I hope for a good outcome.

What's his experience level? Would he get lost with route finding? Was he carrying gear for a night out? I'm sure SAR is already asking these types of questions. I have some friends in town that expressed interest in hiking into Navajo Basin so I might be over there soon.

[Rg15]

He is fairly experienced with the sort of loose class 3/4 terrain typical of the Wilson group, but he is definitely not always the most conservative decision maker. It is certainly possible he got off route. He was probably carrying an insulated down jacket, but not a bivvy bag.

[Wentzl]

Do you know if he planned on trying for Wilson Peak for the day or intend to go in and out Kilpacker after Mt. Wilson? All three in a day is long and I hope he is just sleeping off a successful triple at Navajo lake before showing up tonight.

[Istoodupthere]

This may not be much help but I passed a solo hiker coming up from Kilpacker about a half mile below the trail split around noon. I was in a rush to get back to the trailhead so I didn’t get a great look but he was a younger guy. I hope he is safe!

[Rg15]

Sadly, I got the call today that confirmed the worst but at this point expected outcome. John was found dead this morning after an apparent fall from the Organ Pipes section of the traverse. It seems the split he was referring to in his last communication was between the traverse entrance and the El Diente South Slopes descent- not the trail split at 12600. I sincerely appreciate all the well wishes, and want to extend my deepest gratitude to the numerous SAR members who worked tirelessly to bring us answers. The mountains have once again proven that they are a brutally unforgiving place. Please everyone, stay safe.

[E_A_Marcus_949]

So very sorry to hear this outcome and for your loss. Be kind to yourself at this time

[seannunn]

Very sorry for your loss. Always terrible to see.

Sean Nunn

[justiner]

Terrible news, I'm so sorry.

[MaryinColorado]

Oh my gosh, I'm so sad to read this, and I can't imagine how you must be feeling. I'm so sorry.

Rest in peace, John...

[Istoodupthere]

I’m so sorry to read this. Absolutely tragic.

I didn’t do the traverse Monday. There was a group of 3 that were starting the traverse around 10:15am when I was descending El Diente. There was much confusion amongst them as to where to start the traverse. They didn’t know if they should stay on the ridge from El Diente or to start the traverse around the organ pipes. Not sure if that is a common issue

[14erFred]

Condolences and prayers for comfort and strength for John's family and friends. May he rest in peace forever, and may his memory always be a blessing.