Missing Hiker on Bison Peak

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mountainmanny
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Re: Missing Hiker on Bison Peak

Post by mountainmanny »

Not good...

I hope for a positive resolve to this.
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CRAIGO
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Re: Missing Hiker on Bison Peak

Post by CRAIGO »

The trail only leads to the summit plateau. It is huge up there and I could see how someone could get lost. Prayers for everyone involved.
markoboston
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Re: Missing Hiker on Bison Peak

Post by markoboston »

I was at the Lost Park trailhead on Monday, and there was a big search and rescue team there. They saw my Massachusetts license plates and tried to talk me out of hiking up the peak solo, since the guy who's missing was hiking solo (and of course it's generally less safe). I went up anyway. It was absolutely spectacular. I got back safely. However, I can see how someone could get into trouble. The rock formations at the summit are beautiful and fascinating, but I can see how they might also be confusing, and since there isn't really a trail to the summit, I can see how someone could get lost, especially if a storm developed and blocked the sun. If a person was lost, there are a lot of miles of wilderness there to keep them lost. Of course we hope for the best, but it's been nearly a month. Incidentally, and I'm not suggesting this happened, it occurred to me that disappearing in the wilderness wouldn't be a bad way to begin a change of identity.
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zoomie83
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Re: Missing Hiker on Bison Peak

Post by zoomie83 »

So sad. RIP

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_18726623" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Condolences to all his friends and family.
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IHikeLikeAGirl
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Re: Missing Hiker on Bison Peak

Post by IHikeLikeAGirl »

My best to his family and friends as they cope with this loss.... RIP
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Kevin Baker
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Re: Missing Hiker on Bison Peak

Post by Kevin Baker »

Wow, it would be interesting to hear where he was found. There are plenty of rock formations up there that you can scramble on that could get you in trouble, but the summit itself and the approach along the plateau is relatively benign. May he rest in peace.
Always do what you are afraid to do. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
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bohdi88
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Re: Missing Hiker on Bison Peak

Post by bohdi88 »

Approximate location:

rugged terrain off trail...
Last edited by bohdi88 on Mon Aug 22, 2011 1:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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PGClimbs
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Re: Missing Hiker on Bison Peak

Post by PGClimbs »

The local (Denver) news reported this evening that investigators believe Mr. Stanley fell to his death. One of the decedent's friends speculated that Mr. Stanley was probably forced off the mountain and into unfamiliar terrain by bad weather prior to his fall.
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Kevin Baker
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Re: Missing Hiker on Bison Peak

Post by Kevin Baker »

It looks like those coordinates are ~3.5 miles east of the summit near the McCurdy Park trail. There's definitely some rugged terrain in there.
Always do what you are afraid to do. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
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colokeith
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Re: Missing Hiker on Bison Peak

Post by colokeith »

Still strange to me it took so long for him to be reported missing.

One of the DP articles states "But the delay wasn't because the math teacher and soccer coach wasn't missed." but then offers no explanation as to why he wasn't reported missing for 2 weeks.
To climb is to push yourself in a way you might not normally imagine is possible. If your stamina, skill, and luck are sound you will get to stand on top. ... I realized that with climbing, I'd found something that nourished my soul and could forge me into a better version myself - Jim Davidson
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bohdi88
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Re: Missing Hiker on Bison Peak

Post by bohdi88 »

Three factors
1. Didn't tell anyone he was going to hike Bison Peak.
2. Went alone in unfamiliar territory.
3. Went off trail due to panic of sudden change in weather.

Would further the search...

After talking with his sister and brother; I realized this man had a heart of gold for people in need; especially kids. He will be greatly miss by many...
Last edited by bohdi88 on Mon Aug 22, 2011 1:08 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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colokeith
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Re: Missing Hiker on Bison Peak

Post by colokeith »

bohdi88 wrote:A friend much later had to break into his place to see on the calender the scheduled hike to Bison Peak and then the search began.

Three mistakes
1. Didn't tell anyone he was going to hike Bison Peak.
2. Went alone in unfamiliar territory.
3. Went off trail due to panic of sudden change in weather.

I have made the above mistakes at times myself.

After talking with his sister and brother; I realized this man had a heart of gold for people in need; especially kids. He will be greatly miss by many...
Thanks for the info.


Yes all very common mistakes that many of us have made. He seemed like a good man from the articles about him. It is very sad that his life was ended early!
To climb is to push yourself in a way you might not normally imagine is possible. If your stamina, skill, and luck are sound you will get to stand on top. ... I realized that with climbing, I'd found something that nourished my soul and could forge me into a better version myself - Jim Davidson
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