Multiple Searches Underway In National Park System

By Compiled From N... - May 8th, 2023

A search for two climbers heading for Moose's Tooth in Denali National Park was one of three searchers underway in the National Park System on Monday/NPS file

A search for two climbers heading for Moose's Tooth in Denali National Park was one of three searches underway in the National Park System on Monday/NPS file

Searches were underway Monday in three national parks, two focused on missing hikers and one on missing climbers.

Trammel Evans has been missing in Joshua Tree National Park since Friday/NPS HO

At Joshua Tree National Park in California, rangers were looking for Trammell Evans, a 25-year-old who went missing last Friday when he was supposed to be picked up after a six-day backpack in the park. The California man was dropped off at Black Rock Campground last Sunday and planned to hike from Black Rock to Geology Tour Road, then back to Black Rock via the California Riding and Hiking Trail.

Evans was said to be an experienced long-distance hiker familair with Joshua Tree. However, he did not register for a backcountry use permit, according to a park release. Rangers have contacted all 55 people that had backcountry permits in that location.

Supporting the park staff in the search is the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the California Highway Patrol, and the U.S. Marine Corps, which has been using drones in the search.

At Glacier National Park in Montana, a search was ongoing for 19-year-old Matthew David Read, hometown unavailable, who has been missing since Friday. His vehicle was found at the trailhead of Huckleberry Trail on Sunday. He was last heard from on Friday afternoon and was thought to started his hike around noon that day. Conditions on Huckleberry Trail at the upper reaches were winter-like with snow over the trail at higher altitudes. Due to the on-going search, Huckleberry Trail was closed.

About 30 individuals were looking for Read on Monday, including members from the U.S. Border Patrol and the Flathead (Montana) County Sheriff’s office along with county search dogs. An aerial search was conducted Sunday and was to resume once weather conditions improved. Monday dawned in Glacier with rainy, overcast, and foggy conditions.

Ground and air searches were being conducted in Glacier National Park for Matthew Read/NPS HO

Meanwhile, rangers at Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska were trying to locate two overdue climbers who were last known to be in the vicinity of the Moose’s Tooth, a 10,300-foot mountain in the park’s Ruth Gorge.

Eli Michel, 34, of Columbia City, Indiana, and Nafiun Awal, 32, of Seattle, Wwashington, were last heard from at 5 a.m. Friday after they checked in with a friend via an InReach satellite communication device. At that time, the climbers indicated they intended to climb the West Ridge route of the Moose’s Tooth. Concerned when the two climbers did not check in again, the reporting party contacted Denali National Park mountaineering rangers in Talkeetna on Sunday morning.

An initial search of the area found the team’s unattended tent, as well as ski tracks heading to the base of the route. At that point, rangers located the team’s cache of skis where they had switched to crampons for the ascent. Boot tracks then continued high on the West Ridge into a recent small slab avalanche. No other tracks were observed on Sunday.

An aerial search Monday was focused on the highly crevassed runout zone. A ground search was expected to be limited due to crevasse danger and overhead hazard.

Parks in the News

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

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.

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