The strange disappearance of Michael Ficery near Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite

Michael Ficery disappearance Yosemite

Michael Allen Ficery, disappeared 15, June 2005, Tiltill mountain area, Yosemite National Park, California

Revised November 2023

On Wednesday, June 15, 2005, Michael Allen Ficery, 51, an avid, experienced hiker and backpacker, visited the north side of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park for a solo hike. He had planned this hike to take him to Rancheria Falls, Tiltill Mountain, Lake Vernon, and then through Beehive before returning to the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The area is relatively lightly visited compared to more popular areas in Yosemite.

At some point during the day, he began walking north up to the Pacific Crest Trail towards TilTill Mountain. This would be the last time anyone would see him.

Who was Michael Ficery?

Michael grew up in Southern California and attended the University of California in Santa Barbara when he was 18. He was adopted, as was one of his sisters. He was described as an intelligent, nice guy, an “off the grid kind of guy” by his family with a photographic memory. When he graduated, he worked for the post office and spent time surfing and hiking.

He hiked, stayed fit, and cycled to work every day. When hiking he tended to overestimate what he could do in a day regarding distance.

Mike had been to Hetch Hetchy several times before and knew the area well. The only medical issue he had was with swallowing food, and he had to chew for a long time to prevent choking.

The search for Michael Ficery - timeline of events

His family became concerned when he did not return by June 19th, four days after he was due to return, and when his wilderness permit expired. On June 21, they called the park service. Michael’s car was found in the parking area, and an intensive search of the area around the reservoir and Pacific Crest Trail was launched.

Relatives thought initially he had been hurt. On a previous trip to Yellowstone, he had survived and crawled back to civilization after breaking his ankle. After that, they were concerned he had been attacked by persons unknown.

However, all that was found was a backpack near Tiltill Mountain just off the trail, containing a topographical map, a camera and a bottle of water (note some reports say that the pack was missing the map and the water, but how would the rescuers know?). The backpack was discovered quickly after the search was started and was at the snow line. He used a large gallon milk bottle for drinking. Friends said he would never leave his pack behind to go somewhere, so its discovery was very troubling.

The search and rescue operation involved personnel from five counties with aircraft and tracker dogs. Even the Marines took part in the search. Tracking and cadaver dogs failed to pick up a scent, and no tracks were found.

Apart from the pack, no other clues were found, and to this day, 15 years on, Mike remains missing and on the NPS cold cases list.  Various psychics claimed that Michael was still alive, but despite repeated additional searches by family members, nothing turned up.

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Hetch Hetchy Reservoir california

The NPS said Yosemite accounted for one-quarter of all SAR dollars spent in 2005 - $1.2 million out of the $4.99 million.  The park service spent $452,000 looking for Mike Ficery, which shows how extensive the effort was.

On April 5th, 2012, National Parks Traveler showed the following comment. Michael’s sister, Honor Boone, had formed a company called Pack 6 (No longer operating) that helped equip hikers with pre-assembled survival kits (Compass, Knife/Multi-tool, Headlamp, Firestarter, Signal Mirror, and Whistle). The comment refers to Pack 6, likely written by her or Michael’s other sister, Robin Ficery.

"Michael Ficery, the hiker mentioned above who disappeared in Yosemite in 2005, was my brother.  While Michael was never reliant upon technology (he never owned a cell phone or computer), I firmly believe he was not adequately prepared for his hike in terms of the equipment he did carry. I'm sure he did not carry a simple signal mirror or whistle, for example. He also apparently deviated from his planned route, which made the search much more difficult.  I strongly recommend to all hikers to consult any variety of "pack lists" found on the internet, focusing on the "ten essentials."  And please make sure to leave a planned itinerary with at least one responsible adult (and stick to it).  More excellent tips can be found on websites like REI, Scouts, Backpacker Magazine, and the "Science Drop" page of my own site at www.pack6.biz, among others. Please, if only for the sake of those who are waiting for you at home, do not attempt even a day hike without being adequately prepared. "

What happened to Michael Ficery?

It seems strange that Michael Ficery disappeared that day in June 2005, given he was an experienced backcountry hiker and had spent over 30 years hiking in wilderness areas. What caused him to leave his backpack behind that day and vanish? Despite the NPS spending close to $0.5 million on the search, Mike's body was never located, and no evidence of bones, equipment or clothing was ever located, apart from his back.

There was a river below the point where the pack was located down a slope. Did he take his water container to refill it and slip into the water, and was he swept away?

Did he come across criminals operating in the area producing drugs, and was he murdered to keep his mouth shut? The area of the park was large and could easily have hidden illegal meth or marijuana activity.

Further listening

Locations Unknown: EP. #4: Michael Allen Ficery - Yosemite National Park

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Sources

http://charleyproject.org/case/michael-allen-ficery

https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2009/04/national-park-service-hoping-better-informed-visitors-are-safer-visitors

https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2010/08/you-cant-always-or-fairly-blame-technology-visitor-woes-national-parks6467

Further Reading and Listening

Locations Unknown Podcast EP. #4: Michael Allen Ficery - Yosemite National Park

Locations Unknown Podcast EP. #31: The Sisters of Michal Ficery