Ground and aerial searchers in Jim's Grove area December 2/NPS

For the second time in a month, wintry weather conditions and lack of clues have led to the suspension of efforts to find a hiker missing in the Longs Peak area of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.

That was the word Tuesday when search efforts for Micah Tice, a 20-year-old Las Vegas man who had hoped to become a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, were suspended.

Tice was last seen on Saturday, November 24, by other park visitors between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. in the Battle Mountain area. The visitors indicated the weather was terrible at the Longs Peak Trailhead and that visibility and weather conditions continued to worsen. Tice was reported to be wearing a black sweatshirt, black sweatpants, a black hat, black lightweight gloves, tennis shoes and a light blue backpack. The visitors discouraged Tice to continue to the summit due to his clothing, footwear and weather conditions.

Over a seven-day period, ground and aerial searchers covered an approximate 10-square-mile search area. Those efforts were focused on sections of the Longs Peak Trail, the East Longs Peak Trail, the Battle Mountain area, Granite Pass, Jim’s Grove, the Boulder Field, Mount Lady Washington, Chasm Lake, Peacock Pool, Boulder Brook Drainage, the Storm Pass Trail, and the Wind River drainage.

Ground search teams reached The Ledges section of the Keyhole Route on Tuesday, November 27, but did not proceed further due to hazardous icy conditions on the upper mountain. On Sunday, December 2, the first day conditions were conducive to flying this area, search managers assigned aerial searchers to perform reconnaissance of the entire Keyhole Route to the summit of Longs Peak

Ground searchers with spotting scope above Black Lake viewing Ledges and Trough Area/NPS

Very few clues were discovered during search efforts. Depending on the search area and day, team members encountered harsh winter conditions, including extreme winds, low visibility, bitter wind chills, below freezing temperatures, deep snow and high avalanche danger.

Park staff worked closely with the Air Force Academy since the beginning of the incident, coordinating investigative and operational assistance, and incorporating a team from the Air Force Academy Mountaineering Club in search efforts. The Air Force Academy Colorado Parents’ Club coordinated efforts from numerous organizations and individuals to donate daily meals for searchers.

Snowfall and high winds in the park's extreme high-mountain terrain made finding clues to Tice’s whereabouts even more difficult, a park release said. Similar wintry conditions led to the shut down November 2 of the search for Ryan Albert, 30, of Marlton, New Jersey, who was reported missing October 4. 

Tice is still a missing person, and the investigation will continue in hopes of gaining further information as to his plans on the day of his disappearance. Park rangers would like to hear from anyone who may have had contact with Micah Tice or have information on his planned route. Please call (970) 586-1204.

As enticing as Longs Peak may be, it's not the proverbial walk in the park. Back in 2011 park staff created a webpage specific to the hike up Longs Peak. The information includes a brochure with photographs of the different sections on the route, 12 frequently asked questions, and, during the summer climbing season, weekly conditions of the route.

When you access the website you will find a downloadable brochure showing the main sections of the route – starting at the Boulder Field and ending at the summit with brief text and photos. The brochure also includes numerous safety tips, essentials to wear and carry, and a link to the latest weather forecast.