Brian Perri of Fort Collins, Colorado, was the subject of a search Friday in Rocky Mountain National Park/NPS HO

Rocky Mountain National Park rangers headed out at daybreak Friday to search for a Colorado man who failed to return from a day hike in the Mount Meeker area of the park.

Brian Joseph Perri, 38, of Fort Collins, texted a friend a picture from the summit of Mount Meeker last Saturday. On Thursday, police contacted the park to say the man had been reported missing. Rangers then located Perri’s car in the parking lot at the Sandbeach Lake Trailhead. 

Late Thursday, a Flight For Life Air Ambulance assisted park staff by conducting a brief aerial search near the summit of Mount Meeker. Early Friday, search and rescue teams began ground search efforts, with a focus on the summit of Mount Meeker and ridge lines extending off of Mount Meeker above tree line.  Northern Colorado Helitack was to assist with aerial search efforts today, pending weather and conditions.

Rising 13,916 feet, Mount Meeker is the park's second highest peak. It is just southeast of Longs Peak.

Perri was day hiking and was expected out on Saturday, June 30. His destination was believed to be the summit of Mount Meeker.  In the photograph he texted, he was wearing a tan full brim hat, sunglasses, and red backpack. He has minimal equipment and may have a yellow rain jacket and yellow orange puffy jacket. He had no known tent or camping equipment. Perri is 5’9” and weighs 160 pounds. 

Park rangers would like to hear from anyone who has been in the Mount Meeker area since Saturday, June 30. Information can be provided via 970-586-1204.