High-Angle Rescue Training: A Vital Annual Collaboration in Yosemite

Every May, the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park become the training ground for an essential and highly specialized partnership. Members of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Yosemite National Park Rangers gather in the park to conduct high-angle rescue training—a critical preparation for real-life emergencies that occur in the steep and rugged terrain of the Sierra Nevada.

This annual collaboration, which has been ongoing for several years, focuses on refining skills that are vital to saving lives in one of the most challenging rescue environments in the country. Together, the teams practice technical rope systems on Yosemite’s sheer granite walls, simulating real-world scenarios that require precision, coordination, and trust. One key component of the training is short-hauling, a technique that involves airlifting rescuers and injured individuals by helicopter from remote or vertical locations.

Yosemite’s cliffs are not only world-renowned for climbing and scenery, but they also present significant challenges for emergency response. The partnership between the CHP and the National Park Service strengthens interagency coordination and ensures that rescuers are prepared for swift, safe, and effective action when real incidents occur.

As the popularity of Yosemite continues to grow, so does the importance of this annual training. The enduring partnership between the California Highway Patrol and Yosemite National Park Rangers is a testament to their shared commitment to public safety and wilderness rescue excellence.

On October 14th, Morgan experienced what he now calls a "gift"—a second chance at life. A climber and outdoor enthusiast, Morgan’s story is one of resilience, passion, and the unwavering support of a community that stretches from his roots in Orange County to the dramatic granite walls of Yosemite National Park.

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David Steinberg, a 70 year old seasoned backpacker with 40 years of experience from Portland, OR embarked on a 50-mile solo backpacking trip in the Toiyabe National Forest, just north of Yosemite. His journey took him through a rugged and remote area, across Dorothy Pass, and along stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). As an experienced outdoorsman, Steinberg had faced challenging weather conditions before. However, this adventure presented him with a unique and potentially life-threatening scenario that put his skills, preparation, and resolve to the test.