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DUCHESNE COUNTY — Search and rescue teams were searching for a missing hiker on Kings Peak Tuesday morning.
Paul C. Young, 73, of Salt Lake City was reported missing Tuesday morning after his family said he didn’t return home from a hiking trip, according to Summit County officials.
A Summit County Search and Rescue member located a vehicle at the Henry's Fork trailhead that was registered to Young, officials said. Searchers also found young's tent about nine miles up the canyon.
Young was last seen in Salt Lake City on Sept. 5 before he traveled to the trailhead. The family described Young as an avid outdoorsmen in good health. Summit County officials said Young was believed to have food and water and appropriate clothing for the area.
A Department of Public Safety helicopter was deployed to Kings Peak to search for the man. As of 5 p.m., rescuers searching for Young had increased from 11 to 20-30, including some on horseback, according to Capt. Justin Martinez of the summit County Sheriff's Office.
The weather conditions were poor during the search. Kings Peak is the highest mountain in Utah with an elevation of 13,528 feet.
"It's not snowing up there, but the temperatures are quite cold," Martinez said. "Anytime somebody's in the elements for an extended period of time, there is a concern for their safety.
Young's wife said her husband has hike the trail before and he has camping equipment and other gear with him.
"He could still be up there hiking, may have —with the weather — had to hunker down someplace," Martinez said.
Martinez said they will keep looking for Young until they find him.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.
