News Release

Successful Search Efforts Today For Man In Mount Chapin Area Rocky Mountain National Park

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News Release Date: July 3, 2019
Contact: Kyle Patterson, Public Affairs Officer, (970) 586-1363
Contact: Park Information, (970) 586-1206

This morning, Wednesday, July 3, Rocky Mountain National Park rangers began search efforts for a 51 year old man from Baton Rouge, LA. At 8 p.m. last night, Tuesday, July 2, park rangers were notified by a family member that the man had not been heard from since Monday morning, July 1. He was reported to be planning a hike in the Mount Chapin, Mount Chiquita, Ypsilon Mountain area. His rental car was located at 9:30 p.m. at the Alpine Visitor Center parking lot.

Members of Rocky Mountain National Park’s Search and Rescue team searched the Mount Chapin, Mount Chiquita, Ypsilon Mountain areas, the Chapin Creek drainage, and the Poudre River Trail both from Milner Pass and from the Corral Creek Trailhead.  Northern Colorado Interagency Helitack assisted with aerial reconnaissance.

A Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue ground team found the man at 11,400 feet in elevation on the northwest side of Mount Chapin at approximately 1:30 p.m. He appeared to be uninjured but exhausted from two unplanned nights in the backcountry.  He was flown from the area by Northern Colorado Interagency Helitack at 3:00 p.m. and taken by ambulance to Estes Park Health. All ground search teams are hiking back to trailheads at this time. 
 

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Last updated: July 3, 2019

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

Phone:

970 586-1206
The Information Office is open year-round. During summer, the office is open from 8 am to 4 pm daily. During the winter season, the office is open from 8 am to 4 pm Monday - Friday, and from 8 am to noon on Saturdays and Sundays. For information on Trail Ridge Road, the recorded Trail Ridge Road status line is available 24 hours a day: (970) 586-1222.

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