You are here

Home » UPDATE: Utah Man Subject Of Search-And-Rescue At Zion National Park

UPDATE: Utah Man Subject Of Search-And-Rescue At Zion National Park

Share

Published Date

August 15, 2018
SAR briefing at Zion National Park/NPS

About 40 searchers headed out into the eastern side of Zion National Park on Wednesday to look for a missing Utah man/NPS

Editor's note: This updates with a body presumed to be that of the missing hiker found.

Searchers on Wednesday found a body believed to be that of a missing hiker at the end of Deertrap Mountain Trail in Zion National Park. The backpack and clothing description match that of missing hiker, 47-year-old Maurice Harris of Utah, a park release said.

Deertrap Mountain Trail is a deadend spur off of the East Rim Trail.

Harris was last seen at the trailhead of East Rim Trail heading toward the Weeping Rock Shuttle Stop in Zion Canyon on Monday at 4 p.m. He had been dropped off by a friend and was reported overdue at 10 p.m. after failing to rendezvous with the same friend at Weeping Rock Shuttle Stop as planned.

A hasty search of the East Rim Trail and Cable Mountain were completed by park search and rescue on Tuesday, followed by a helicopter search with the help of Grand Canyon National Park. Overnight, the Utah Department of Public Safety flew the area looking for heat signatures, and Kane County Search and Rescue searched roads and two-tracks on Zion’s east boundary. No sign of the visitor was found.

A methodical search was begun Wednesday morning with six teams, including responders from Kane and Washington Counties and several canine units. Each team was to search a different section of the East Rim Trail, the intersecting trails, and the side canyons. Approximately 40 people were assigned to the incident.

The East Rim Trailhead the trail points directly toward the beautiful sandstone cliffs this area is famous for. The trail climbs up onto the plateau for the first three miles.

Related Stories:

Wyoming Seeking Federal Land Grab, Utah Wants To Co-Manage National Parks

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.

Comments

Submitted by Darrel on August 15, 2018 - 12:47pm.

I've hiked that in about 6 hours and I'm slow.  I hope they can find him.  There are plenty of places that he could have fallen, wandered off trail or even off property.


Submitted by Darrel on August 16, 2018 - 1:37pm.

The end of Deertrap Mountain Trail over looks the Canyon.  It is a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy Zion and overlooks the Lodge.  I wonder if he missed a turn when he got to the intersection of the trails.


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.