A search has been ongoing for Chad Pallansch in Rocky Mountain National Park/HO

A search has been ongoing for a Colorado man reported missing on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Chad Pallansch, 49, of Fort Collins, was reported overdue Thursday and park rangers confirmed his vehicle was still parked at the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of the park. Pallansch was last heard from around noon on Wednesday, according to park staff.

Pallansch started from the East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake on Wednesday with plans to navigate an expansive 28-mile route that included crossing the Continental Divide and traveling on established trails as well as off trail travel through steep talus slopes.  Potential travel areas include Lake Verna, Mount Alice, Chiefs Head Peak, Black Lake, Mills Lake, and Flattop Mountain.

Pallansch was described as 5’7,” 155 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was said to be a fit runner with both trail running and marathon experience. He likely was wearing a black ultralight jacket, black running shorts or leggings, and a grey fanny pack, the park said.

Search efforts Friday included air recon and ground teams searching the Black Lake and Upper Glacier Gorge area, Thunder Lake, as well as the North Inlet Trail to Solitude Lake.  

If you have information that could help investigators, you're asked to call the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line 888-653-0009, contact them online at go.NPS.gov/SubmitATip, or EMAIL [email protected].