Search for Missing Hiker at Kings Canyon National Park
and in the Inyo National Forest Continues
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA – The search for missing hiker Lawrence (Larry) Conn, a 53-year-old man from Pacific Palisades, California, continues at Kings Canyon National Park and in the adjacent Inyo National Forest. As of October 25, a total of 20 staff from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the Inyo County Sheriff's Department are involved in the search-and-rescue, which includes on-the-ground operations and three helicopters, including one with thermal imaging technology. The incident is being managed by both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the Inyo County Sheriff's Department, with additional support from the Air National Guard and the California Highway Patrol.
On October 24, two helicopters and approximately 12 people from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the Inyo County Sheriff's Department participated in search operations. Efforts were hampered by snow and high winds.
On Friday, October 19, 2012, Conn started his hike at the Taboose Creek Trailhead in the southern portion of the Sierra Nevada in the Inyo National Forest with plans to travel over Taboose Pass toward the John Muir Trail in Kings Canyon National Park. His route may have included Split Mountain and areas to the south, including Pinchot Pass. He planned to return to the Taboose Creek Trailhead on Monday, October 22, 2012. (
See flyer.)
The search area is in rugged terrain at 10,000-12,000 feet in elevation. Approximately 1 to 1-1/2 feet of snow is on the ground in the search area. (See attached photo.) Temperatures range from the mid-30s in the day to the low-20s at night (degrees Fahrenheit).
- NPS -
