October 12, 2025 – Inyo County Sheriff’s Office and Inyo County Search & Rescue continue to work tirelessly in the ongoing search for missing hiker Billy Pierson, whose vehicle was located in the Big Pine Canyon Day Use parking area on September 10, 2025.

Since the vehicle’s discovery, multiple search operations have been conducted in the rugged Big Pine Creek and Temple Crag area. Ground teams, supported by drones, helicopters, and aerial imagery from the Civil Air Patrol, have searched moraines, couloirs, and high-elevation ridgelines, including Venusian Blind Arete and Contact Pass.

Teams from Mono County Search and Rescue, China Lake Mountain Rescue Group, Orange County Search and Rescue, and the Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit joined local searchers and specialized air support from Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park and the California Highway Patrol. Severe weather—including hail, lightning, and early snowfall—has made conditions especially difficult.

In total, these coordinated efforts represent 61 searcher-days in the field—meaning the combined time spent by all searchers adds up to 61 full days of work—along with numerous air missions and extensive behind-the-scenes coordination from the search base in Bishop

At this time, Billy has not been located.

The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office and Inyo County Search and Rescue are deeply grateful to all assisting agencies and volunteers who have dedicated time, skill, and energy to this search. We also extend our thoughts and support to Billy’s friends and family. Our thoughts remain with them as we continue this mission.

This remains an active missing person investigation.

If you have any information, please contact our non-emergency dispatch line at 760-878-0383.

Source: Inyo County Sheriff’s Office