Ruthanne Ruppert, 49, vanished from Yosemite National Park on August 14, 2000. She was last seen about noon at the Yosemite Medical Clinic in Curry Village after treatment for an eye infection. Although she had planned to join a backcountry backpacking group, she postponed that trip and is believed to have started a solo day hike from Yosemite Falls toward the Foresta area.

An experienced hiker who had climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Ruppert was reported missing when she did not return. Extensive searches at the time turned up no trace. In 2008 her backpack was found in the Fireplace Creek drainage, miles from her last known location, but no other evidence about her whereabouts or fate has emerged. The case remains open and unexplained.

Anyone who knew Ruthanne, saw her in Yosemite that day, or has information about the Fireplace Creek area is asked to come forward.