Search for Missing Man in Mesa Verde Scaled Back

The search for Mitchell Stehling, which has been underway since last Sunday, has been scaled back due to lack of clues and new information. On Friday, the trail where Stehling was last seen and nearby canyons were again searched. Rangers used the park's helicopter to search the canyons and mesas of the park while ground-based teams thoroughly searched nearby canyons and trails. The saturation of this area by searchers, dog teams, a helicopter, and horse patrol provided a great deal of coverage, but resulted in no clues.

On Saturday search managers had planned to scale back to a continuous, but limited mode in which a small team of rangers will continue to focus their search in the areas where Mr. Stehling was last seen. Flyers with Mr. Stehling's picture and description remain posted throughout the park. Visitors who hiked the Petroglyph Trail on Sunday, June 9 and/or Monday, June 10 are asked to call Mesa Verde National Park law enforcement at 970-529-4422.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Search for Missing Hiker in Mesa Verde National Park

Rangers and other emergency services personnel are conducting a search and rescue operation for a 52-year old Texas man that was reported missing Sunday, June 9. Mitchell Stehling told his wife and parents he was going to visit Spruce Tree House. When he did not return, they notified Park Dispatch. A hasty search of Spruce Canyon, Spruce Tree House, Petroglyph Trail and other trails on Chapin Mesa was initiated following the report. Crews were out early Monday morning expanding the search area on foot, by horseback and by helicopter. Two dog teams from Dolores Canine Search and Rescue are also assisting in the search. Approximately 30 people searched multiple trails and canyons until late evening.

Crews resumed their search this morning. They were being joined by 20 members of the San Juan National Forest Hot Shots bringing the total number of personnel involved to 50.

Temperatures in the park are in the 90s. The terrain consists of steep canyons and mesa tops at an elevation between 6,500 and 8,000 feet. Mr. Stehling was last seen wearing a brown shirt and hat, khaki shorts and hiking boots. He was not carrying any water or other gear. If you've seen this man, please call park dispatch at 970-529-4622.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com