You are here

Home » Rocky Mountain National Park Rangers Searching For Overdue Longs Peak Climber

Rocky Mountain National Park Rangers Searching For Overdue Longs Peak Climber

Share

Published Date

May 13, 2024

The East Face of Longs Peak on May 13, 2024/NPS

A 23-year-old Colorado man who reportedly summited Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park failed to return as planned, sparking a search effort Monday by park rangers. 

Lucas Macaj, of Colorado Springs, was reported overdue late Sunday night, according to a park release. Early Monday morning rangers spotted his car at the trailhead to the 14,259-foot high Longs Peak.

"Macaj was last heard from at approximately 1 p.m. yesterday, Sunday, May 12, when he texted a friend indicating that he was on the summit of Longs Peak," the park release said. "Significant storms moved through high elevations in the park yesterday afternoon."

Lucas Macaj told a friend he had summited Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park on Sunday. Rangers were searching for the man Monday/NPS HO

It was believed that Macaj started from the Longs Peak Trailhead early Sunday, planning to summit Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route.  He was likely wearing a dark colored top, tan or brown pants, khaki-colored boots, and a black backpack. He might also be wearing a beanie and dark colored gloves. Macaj is described as 5-foot-9, 155 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes.

Monday's search efforts included air reconnaissance, a heat sensing fixed-wing flight, and ground teams on the Longs Peak Trail to the Ledges on the Keyhole Route. Search efforts also took place on the Boulder Brook Trail. Air reconnaissance focused on the Keyhole Route including The Ledges, The Trough, The Narrows, The Homestretch, and the saddle between Longs Peak and Mount Meeker.

If you have information that could help investigators, if you may have seen Lucas Macaj, or if you were in the areas listed above on May 12, you're asked to contact the park. You don't have to identify yourself. CALL or TEXT the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line 888-653-0009, ONLINE form www.nps.gov/ISB or EMAIL [email protected].

 

Stories about:

Story Categories:

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.

Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact 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.