The strange disappearance of George Penca in Yosemite National Park

January 28, 2018 StrangeOutdoors

George Penca, disappeared June 17, 2011, Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, Yosemite National Park, California.

Revised July 2024

On Friday, June 17, 2011, George Penca, 30, went hiking on the famous but strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls Trail in Yosemite National Park. George was visiting the National Park with his church group of 80 people, of whom around 20 were walking the trail that day with him.

During the hike, George mysteriously vanished, and years later, no sign of him has turned up either on or near this very popular trail that was very busy with park visitors at this time of the year.

YOSAR (Yosemite Search and Rescue) launched a huge operation involving 140 people, which included helicopters, ground crews, and tracker dogs wearing GPS devices, but after four days, no trace of him was found, not even a footprint.

The question is, what happened to George Penca? This remains one of America’s most puzzling disappearances.

Who was George Penca?

George Penca

George Penca was born on February 22, 1981 and lived with his mother in Hawthorne, California, southwest of Los Angeles.

He was 5’ 10” tall, weighed 240 pounds, and had dark brown hair, blue eyes, and a stocky build. He was last seen wearing grey sweatpants with white stripes, a black t-shirt that says “D&B” across the chest, or a black tank top, and grey/blue running shoes. He was carrying a blue cloth bag and some limited food and water.

George was far from being an experienced outdoorsman and wasn’t a keen hiker, but he liked being with his church group and his family. He enjoyed activities with his friends, and this seemed like a great opportunity- a time to explore one of the most beautiful National Parks, Yosemite.

View of Upper Yosemite Fall and Half Dome from Yosemite Falls Trail

The Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

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Nineteenth-century Yosemite trail-builder John Conway constructed the trail to the top of Yosemite Falls (and beyond, to Eagle Peak) in the 1870s. He operated the trail as a toll route before selling it to the state of California in 1885.

The challenging hike to the top gives jaw-dropping views of Valley icons, including Half Dome and Sentinel Rock, plus the chance to hike alongside Upper Yosemite Falls.

The NPS (National Park Service) website describes the Yosemite Falls Trail as follows: "One of Yosemite's oldest historic trails (built 1873 to 1877), the Yosemite Falls Trail leads to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall, which rises 2,425 feet (739 m) above the valley floor. This trail starts near Camp 4, along the Valley Loop Trail, and immediately begins its climb, switchback after switchback, through oak woodland. You will begin to climb above some trees and into exposed plateaus that offer you a glimpse of what's to come: great views of Yosemite Valley and its many iconic landforms. Do not stray off the maintained path, as you will find steep drops adjacent to the trail. The upper half of the trail is steep and rocky, but the arduous climb is well worth the amazing views you will be rewarded with at the top."

The hike takes 5-6 hours. AllTrails summarises the trail, as “Reviews for Upper Yosemite Falls Trail in Yosemite Valley, CA, highlight challenging inclines covered in sand and rocks, with slippery sections. Hiking early is recommended due to sun exposure and heat. Recent conditions include hot weather, limited shade, and rocky, sandy terrain. Typically, in July, the trail is strenuous with a steep incline, requiring ample water, sturdy footwear, and early starts due to heat and sun exposure. Waterfall views are a highlight.”

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The hike on the Yosemite Falls trail

The church group of around 20 people started their hike on the popular Yosemite Falls Trail in the late morning of June 17, 2011. The group made it up to the falls around 2:40 p.m. and decided that everyone could walk back down at their own pace and meet at the bottom near the Yosemite Lodge.

When everyone reached the bottom of the trail, George was nowhere to be seen. His friends assumed he'd hiked back to the Yosemite Valley floor earlier and gone elsewhere, and they didn't report him missing until 9 p.m. that evening.

The search for George Penca

Initial search efforts began that Friday evening, and a full-scale search and rescue operation was initiated on Saturday morning, June 18th. Weather conditions over the weekend were mild, with overnight temperatures in the upper 40°F range.

Around 105 Search and Rescue personnel, helicopters, and six search dogs were deployed, including those from Yosemite National Park Search and Rescue, Inyo County, Mono County, Mariposa County, Marin County, Fresno County, Tuolumne County, China Lake, Los Angeles County, Nevada County, Sierra Madre, Yosemite Search and Rescue Dog Teams, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and California Explorer Search and Rescue.

On June 23, 2011, after nearly one week of intensive searching, search efforts transitioned to a limited continuous search. During this time, search teams found zero evidence or signs of George.

What happened to Penca?

Voluntary disappearance: Was George Penca ever on the trail? In the years since his disappearance, no trace has been found, and his bank account has not been used. Did he return to the valley floor and get picked up by someone to leave the area? Intentional disappearance seems highly unlikely.

Misadventure: Search and rescue teams knew where George was, as the rest of the church group reported him being seen at the top of the Yosemite Falls trail at around 4 pm. Despite the fact that it was June, the trail was busy, and no one saw George heading off in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, he did not have a cell phone with him. His bag, clothes, or remains have never been located. Perhaps George wandered in the wrong direction, got lost, and fell inaccessible?

Foul play: Was George snatched off the trail and murdered? The authorities have not released any evidence of foul play.

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The disturbing death of Katherine Wong at the Bear Valley Ski Resort

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