A body believed to be that of Brian Perri, who failed to return from a day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park on June 30, has been found/NPS HO

A body found in the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park is thought to be that of a Colorado man who was reported missing early this month after failing to return from a day hike to Mount Meeker.

Park rangers turned the body over to the Boulder County Coroner's Office for identification, but it is believed to be that of Brian Perri, 38, of Fort Collins. The body was found Saturday afternoon by a park climbing ranger northwest of the summit of Mount Meeker in steep terrain. 

Additional rangers arrived on scene Saturday night and stayed in the area overnight. An on scene investigation was to begin Sunday. Once the investigation is complete more details will be released. 

Perri was out on a day hike on June 30 when he made it to the summit of 13,911-foot Mount Meeker. Park staff was alerted July 5 that he had been reported missing.

Extensive search efforts began the evening of July 5 and encompassed significant sections of 22.5 square miles above tree line as well as forested areas. The majority of the search area was in rugged and remote terrain with loose rock, steep ridges, and exposed cliffs, on ridge lines and couloirs. The area was searched by helicopters, ground searchers, dog teams, and drone reconnaissance.