Missing Hiker on Bison Peak

[PGClimbs]

The Denver Post is reporting that rescuers have begun a search on Bison Peak for a hiker who's been missing since July 25. (http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_18668969) The article doesn't give many details, but it certainly seems strange that a search is just now being undertaken. Anyone who's climbed Bison knows it isn't a cake walk--close to 4,000 vertical feet if I recall correctly. I hope he's found safe and sound.

[ultrarunner74]

Missing since july 25? I wonder when the hiker was supposed to be back?

[mountainmanny]

Seems questionable....

this is an area of Colorado I have no experience with....is it cliffy in this area?

[PGClimbs]

Seems questionable....

this is an area of Colorado I have no experience with....is it cliffy in this area?

The hike itself has no exposure whatsoever. The summit plateau, however, has many formations to climb on, and falling from some of them could easily be deadly.

[larkinrx2]

Missing since july 25? I wonder when the hiker was supposed to be back?

might be more of an issue that no one was told of their intended plans and they just now noticed/found that the vehicle was in that area?

[LupinMorningwake]

Last year my mother got lost on Bison when we cut across the mountain descending. It was one of the longest night’s of my life… I definitely feel for the family because I have been there. While Bison is on a class one trail it does pose some challenges near the summit and on the way back to the Brookside McCurdy trail… it is easy to get turned around in the canyon. I hope that he is found safely.

[zoomie83]

While Bison is on a class one trail it does pose some challenges near the summit and on the way back to the Brookside McCurdy trail

2 years ago coming off of Bison Arm I started the wrong way down the Brookside McCurdy Trail but Derek and Greenhouseguy corrected me. It was very easy to do and I could've ended up going the completely opposite direction from Bison Pass.

Prayers for the searchers and for a safe return.

[Derek]

Anyone who's climbed Bison knows it isn't a cake walk--close to 4,000 vertical feet if I recall correctly.

Sounds like his vehicle was at Lost Park TH, so probably headed in from the east. A little bit less traveled that way and less elevation, but quite a bit more mileage. (ie, more area to get lost.) If you're not used to the area, I could see getting a bit turned around, especially if you are trying to "shortcut" in any way.

Hoping for the best.

2 years ago coming off of Bison Arm I started the wrong way down the Brookside McCurdy Trail but Derek and Greenhouseguy corrected me.

Was that when we did the combo?

-D

[zoomie83]

Was that when we did the combo?

Certainly was. Thanks again for that correction, BTW.

Sounds like his vehicle was at Lost Park TH, so probably headed in from the east. A little bit less traveled that way and less elevation, but quite a bit more mileage. (ie, more area to get lost.) If you're not used to the area, I could see getting a bit turned around, especially if you are trying to "shortcut" in any way.

I wonder if the searchers have considered the "shortcut" that Dave Muller's book describes as a descent route, going Northwest off the summit to regain the Indian Creek Trail.

Still praying for the best.

[bohdi88]

As of 5:30PM today; the search is still ongoing. Thanks for the shortcut suggestion of Dave Muller's book. I am actually headed up to relieve my team members in the morning for the search. They wil be searching through the night. I will pass on the information.

[bif]

this is every year! I wish for the best , but everybody get a PLB.

[PGClimbs]

Looks like the search is ongoing.

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_18713648" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;