The search continues Thursday for a missing hiker in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Ryan Albert, a 30-year-old man from Marlton, New Jersey, left Denver on Oct. 4 and his family members reported him overdue the following day. His rental car was found at the Longs Peak trailhead on Oct. 5.
Thursday’s search efforts for Albert are focused on high-probability areas below the tree line in the Longs Peak area, according to a news release Rocky Mountain National Park. Over the past three days, more than a foot of snow has accumulated at the trailhead. Despite the snow, the forecast is favorable Thursday so five teams, with a total of 27 people, will search for the man or clues of his whereabouts. A dog team with Larimer County Search and Rescue will join the efforts. The Alpine Interagency Hotshot Crew and Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue are also aiding in the search.
Albert was last seen wearing dark clothes and a backpack. Authorities believe he intended to climb Longs Peak, which is a 14er, via the Keyhole Route.
The search had to be suspended Wednesday due to poor weather, including waist-deep snow drifts, winds, ice, cold temperatures and low visibility.
Park rangers are encouraging anyone who has visited the Longs Peak area since Oct. 4, or who may have had contact with Albert, to call 970-586-1204.
