Found Deceased CO - Lucas Macaj, 23, went hiking to Rocky Mountain National Park, wanted to summit Longs Peak, 12 May 2024

[GuyfromCanada]

Yesterday, May 13, Rocky Mountain National Park rangers began search efforts for Lucas Macaj, 23, of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

He was reported overdue late at night on May 12 after attempting to summit Longs Peak. Early this morning rangers confirmed his vehicle was still parked at the Longs Peak Trailhead. Macaj was last heard from at approximately 1 p.m. Sunday May 12, when he texted a friend indicating that he was on the summit of Longs Peak. Significant storms moved through high elevations in the park that afternoon.

Macaj started from the Longs Peak Trailhead early to summit Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route.

He is likely wearing a dark colored top, tan or brown pants, khaki-colored boots, and a black backpack. He may also be wearing a beanie and dark colored gloves. Macaj is described as 5’9,” 155 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes.

More at Search Efforts For Missing Man On Longs Peak

Search for missing hiker on Longs Peak continued Tuesday, hampered by poor conditions

Search efforts were hampered Tuesday by strong winds and poor visibility, Rocky Mountain National Park said Tuesday afternoon.

www.coloradoan.com

 

[borndem]

Doesn't sound good, but he could be hunkered-down and waiting for the weather to calm down a bit.
Hoping for good news soon.

 

[GraceG]

Not sure what route he might have taken, but the Keyhole route is the main one up Long's peak but it's very treacherous until mid summer and even then has it's risks. This early, there's still a lot of snow, avalanche danger, and still storms.
Here's the radar (Long's Peak would be North)West of Denver about 2/3 of the way up towards Ft. Collins. I set the time for 2205 on the 12th which would have been afternoon that day, but not late).https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/maps/radar/

He doesn't sound like he had dress/gear for that type of hike this time of year. From the Park Service webpage about Long's Peak.

"Winter conditions have taken over on Longs Peak and will likely persist well into June of 2024. Any venture beyond the trailhead will require proper winter equipment, route finding skills, and knowledge of winter travel. Travelers should expect to encounter snow and ice, extremely cold temperatures, avalanche hazards, and high winds."

Extra warm clothes, waterproof layers, extra food and water, a headlamp, personal first aid kit, and a cell phone are all strongly recommended. Also consider traction devices such as Microspikes or crampons and an ice axe for any travel in the alpine.

It also states: "The Keyhole (the main trail used to 'hike' Long's) is no longer a summer scramble and should be treated as a winter mountaineering route. Expect winter conditions with extremely cold temperatures, drifting snow, and widespread ice formation. Avalanche hazards will persist along the Keyhole Route for the remainder of the winter and spring. Thin layers of snow on the surface can hide thicker layers of ice underneath, creating an enormous potential for slips and falls. Crampons and an ice axe are highly recommended.. . "

Longs Peak - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

longs peak conditions

www.nps.gov

I'm praying for this young man, but I don't have my hopes up.

 

[mlhenn]

Colorado Springs hiker missing from Longs Peak found dead

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The body of missing 23-year-old hiker Lucas Macaj was recovered on Thursday, May 16 in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) after four days of intensive rescue efforts. Macaj wa…

www.fox21news.com

Found Deceased

The body of missing 23-year-old hiker Lucas Macaj was recovered on Thursday, May 16 in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) after four days of intensive rescue efforts.

 

[HmmMysterious]

Damn this sucks so much. These national parks can be so brutal. RIP Lucas.

 

[vls12345]

https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/17/us/body-of-a-23-year-old-hiker-missing-since-sunday-found-at-rocky-mountain-national-park/index.html

"Lucas Macaj’s body was recovered on Mills Glacier, near the base of Lamb’s Slide, and initial investigations show that he took a significant fall, park officials said on Thursday."

 

[ChatteringBirds]

Sincere condolences to his family.