The field team on this rescue hiked 7.5 miles, climbed 4000 feet, starting at 3:30am to the saddle between Banner Peak and Mt. Ritter. Because of icy dangerous conditions the subjects were short hauled by a Yosemite based helicopter to Ediza Lake. The team enjoyed some fine scenery shown here.
Route from Agnew Meadows to Banner Peak/Mt. Ritter saddle
Field team at 3:30 am .. on the way
Local inhabitant greets field team
Ritter Range sunrise from Ediza Lake
Mt. Ritter (left) and Banner Peak (right) sunrise from Ediza Lake
On the way from Ediza Lake about 7:00 am
Alpine route with Mt. Ritter and Banner Peak
Approximate route to Banner/Ritter saddle
Time for a break and snacks
Crossing some easy snow
Approaching the route to Banner/Ritter saddle
Approaching climb to Banner/Ritter saddle
Mt. Ritter and the Banner/Ritter saddle