You are here

Home » Missing Hiker At Colorado National Monument

Missing Hiker At Colorado National Monument

Share

Published Date

June 26, 2020
Searchers at Colorado National Monument on Friday were looking for a hiker missing since Monday/NPS HO

Searchers at Colorado National Monument on Friday were looking for Jim Fuchs, who was thought to be missing since going on a hike Monday/NPS HO

A search-and-rescue mission was continuing Friday at Colorado National Monument for a local man who went for a hike on Monday and hasn't turned up since.

Staff at the park in western Colorado say Jim Fuchs, 66, of Grand Junction, Colorado, left a note Monday that indicated he was going for a hike in the monument. Thursday evening park officials were contacted by a friend who said they weren't able to reach Fuchs.

Fuchs’ vehicle was found at the Lower Serpents Trail parking lot, just inside the east (Grand Junction) entrance to the monument.

Searchers from the National Park Service, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team began searching Thursday night, helped by a licensed drone equipped with thermal imaging and cameras. The search resumed first thing Friday morning.

More than a dozen volunteers were combing through miles of nearby canyons for any sign of Fuchs. Teams are physically hiking through the area as well as searching by air with the help of the drone.

Fuchs was described as standing 5-foot-11 and weighing about 175 pounds. It was not known what he was wearing when he went hiking.

Anyone hiking along the trails or backcountry from the Devil’s Kitchen or Lower Serpents parking lots over the last four days who might have seen Fuchs is asked to call monument staff at 970-250-0805. 

The red circle covers the general area being searched for Jim Fuchs.

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.