Third day searching for missing Rocky Mountain National Park hiker comes up empty

Miles Blumhardt, Fort Collins Coloradoan
Updated ·2 min read

Editor's note: Searchers found Lucas Macaj's body Thursday, May 16.

Scores of search and rescue teams scoured the Longs Peak area of Rocky Mountain National Park for a third day Wednesday but still have not found a hiker missing since Sunday.

Lucas Macaj, 23, of Colorado Springs, was last heard from at approximately 1 p.m. May 12, when he texted a friend indicating that he was on the 14,259-foot summit of Longs Peak. Significant storms moved through high elevations in the park Sunday afternoon.

Here is what the search looked like Wednesday, according to the park

  • Team members reviewed aerial reconnaissance photos taken Monday, May 13, for any possible clues.

  • Ground teams skied into the Hunter’s Creek drainage to the base of Keplinger’s Coulier.

  • A dog team searched the Longs Peak Trail to Battle Mountain Junction.

  • A third team hiked to the park’s Chasm Shelter near Chasm Lake to glass the Loft and other areas between Longs Peak and Mount Meeker. They planned to overnight in the shelter and ski the Clark’s Arrow Route to the top of Keplinger’s Coulier early Thursday.

  • Aircraft from the Colorado Army National Guard conducted additional aerial reconnaissance in Keplinger’s Coulier and the Loft as well as the Keyhole Route. Low clouds at roughly 12,700 feet hampered visibility. 

This followed Tuesday's search effort, which was hampered by poor weather conditions.

How you can help with the search for Macaj

Macaj is likely wearing a dark colored top, tan or brown pants, khaki-colored boots and a black backpack. He may also be wearing a beanie and dark colored gloves. Macaj is described as 5-feet-9, 155 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes.

Anyone with information they believe could help searchers — including those who believe they may have seen Macaj or were in the area of Longs Peak on Sunday — are asked to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line by calling 888-653-0009, by filling out an online form on the National Park Service's Investigative Services website or by emailing nps_isb@nps.gov. People can remain anonymous.

Longs Peak safety tips

  • Depending on your route, packing traction devices such as Microspikes, Yaktrax or crampons and an ice axe may be prudent.

  • Pack extra warm clothes, waterproof layers, extra food and water, a headlamp, a personal first-aid kit and a cellphone.

  • If you are traveling alone, explain to a friend or family member detailed plans of your trip and take extra care with decision making.

  • Be smart and turn around when conditions exceed your abilities.

  • Visit the Longs Peak conditions report on the National Park Service's website.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Still no clues finding missing Rocky Mountain National Park hiker