Large-scale search efforts for a missing Colorado hiker have been scaled back nearly two weeks after he disappeared during a 28-mile solo trek in Rocky Mountain National Park, officials said Tuesday. Chad Pallansch, 49, of Fort Collins, Colorado, is still considered a missing person, according to the National Park Service (NPS), which said its investigation into the hiker’s disappearance will continue.
The search efforts, which involved ground crews, dog teams, and a drone team, have yielded no clues to Pallansch’s location. Despite the scaling back of search operations, patrols will continue to occur in the search area, and reported clues will be investigated as appropriate.
Pallansch, described as a “fit runner” with trail running experience, was reported overdue on September 28, a day after setting off from the East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake. His car was found parked at the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of the park. His last known communication was a text received on September 27, indicating that he was almost to the summit of Mount Alice and roughly 7 miles from the Bear Lake area.
The 49-year-old hiker had undertaken a challenging 28-mile route that would take him across the Continental Divide, over established trails, and off-trail through steep slopes of loose rock. Though he had personal navigation equipment with him, it was not designed for emergency assistance.
Pallansch’s extensive experience in trail running, including more than 30 runs on Longs Peak, demonstrates his familiarity with the park’s terrain. However, this specific route was new to him.
Pallansch is described as 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighing 155 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is likely wearing a black ultralight jacket, black running shorts or leggings, and a gray fanny pack.
The National Park Service urges anyone with information about Pallansch’s whereabouts to come forward. The investigation into his disappearance will continue as authorities work to locate the missing hiker.
