SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST, CA – A canyoneer has been rescued in a complex helicopter operation after being trapped for two days on a small ledge behind the full force of a waterfall in California’s Sequoia National Forest, authorities confirmed over the weekend.

Ryan Wardwell of California was navigating a popular but treacherous canyoneering route known as the "Seven Teacups" when the incident occurred. According to a statement from the Kern County Sheriff's Office, Wardwell was rappelling down one of the waterfalls when the powerful flow of water unexpectedly pushed him off his climbing lines, leaving him stranded on a tiny rock ledge behind the cascade.

Unable to ascend or descend, and battered by the constant spray of cold water, Wardwell was trapped in a perilous position. His climbing partner, who was unable to reach him, made the difficult decision to hike out of the remote canyon to seek help—a journey that took considerable time due to the rugged terrain.

A Complex Aerial Operation

The alarm was raised after Wardwell's partner successfully reached authorities. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office initiated a search and rescue mission, requesting aerial support from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) - Inland Division Air Operations.

The CHP H-80 helicopter crew located Wardwell, but the rescue was fraught with challenges. The narrow canyon walls, combined with the powerful rotor wash from the helicopter and the turbulent water, made a direct hoist exceptionally difficult.

In a meticulously executed maneuver, the helicopter pilot skillfully positioned the aircraft above the falls while a rescuer was lowered on a hoist cable. The rescuer had to navigate through the heavy spray to reach Wardwell, secure him in a rescue harness, and signal for them both to be lifted to safety. Officials reported that Wardwell was exhausted and suffering from mild hypothermia but was otherwise uninjured. He was flown to a nearby clearing and reunited with his climbing partner.

The Dangers of the Seven Teacups

The Seven Teacups, located on the Dry Meadow Creek fork of the Kern River, is a renowned destination for experienced canyoneers. The route involves a series of descents through seven distinct waterfall pools, or "teacups," carved into the granite.

While beautiful, the area is known for its technical difficulty and the variable force of its waterfalls, which can change rapidly depending on snowmelt and recent rainfall. Canyoneering experts stress the importance of checking water flow conditions, using appropriate equipment, and having contingency plans. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with adventure sports in remote wilderness areas.

Search and rescue officials praised Wardwell's partner for making the correct choice to hike out for help rather than attempting a risky rescue alone. They also commended the CHP air crew for their skill and professionalism in executing a highly technical and dangerous operation.

"The training and expertise of the H-80 crew were instrumental in the success of this mission," the Sheriff's Office statement noted. "This was a situation that could have had a very different outcome." Wardwell's harrowing 48-hour ordeal highlights both the unforgiving nature of the wilderness and the critical role that highly trained emergency responders play in saving lives.