An Oklahoma man, believed to be camping by himself, has been missing since Friday in the rugged high country above Lake City.
The camper, who authorities said is a 63-year-old with lots of experience and well-prepared, was reported missing Friday night when a passerby noticed the man hadn’t returned to his campsite.
Hinsdale County sheriff’s deputies as well as several search teams looked for the man through the weekend without luck.
Today, some 35 searchers from around the state will join the search, assisted by a helicopter from the Colorado Air National Guard.
The search area is southwest of Lake City, near Engineer Pass, in rugged, sub-alpine terrain between 10,500 feet and 13,000 feet, said a spokesman for the Western State Mountain Rescue team.
The spokesman said they have no reason to believe the missing camper couldn’t survive the weather and the terrain and are optimistic they will find him.
Staff writer Mike McPhee can be reached at 303-954-1409 or mmcphee@denverpost.com.
