After searching in the High Uintas for two weeks, the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office concluded its search on Monday for missing hiker Eric Robinson.
Robinson, 64, from Melbourne, Australia, set off on July 28 on the Highline Trail in the Ashley National Forest and was expected to arrive at the trailhead near Mirror Lake, 70 miles away, on Aug. 7. When Robinson had not been heard from on Aug. 8, search efforts were launched by Duchesne, Summit and Uintah sheriff deputies by air, on foot and horseback.
After flying in to assist with the search efforts, Robinson’s family members returned to Australia last week to be with the rest of their family, said Robinson’s friend Devon McClive.
According to a press release from the Duchesne Sheriff’s Office, many volunteers and hundreds of man-hours were spent searching for Robinson. Hikers in the area had been advised to keep an eye out and many groups said they searched the area near the Highline Trail with no sign of him.
When last seen, Robinson was on the Yellowstone Trail, about five miles below the Highline Trail. He was going to hike into Garfield Basin and then intended to return to the Highline Trail, according to the press release.
Louis Haynes, spokesperson for the Ashley National Forest, said that people can easily become confused in the Uintas because sections of the mountain range run east to west instead of the usual north to south.
“Some of the passes on the trail still have a decent amount of snow on them, making them slightly more treacherous than usual. And most of the trail is above tree line and it gets around freezing at night,” said Haynes. “But the trail has a lot of visitors and is well marked and navigable.”
The trail is described as rocky with sections of steep elevation gains and contains numerous side trails that drop down into basins.
Robinson was described as well prepared when he set off on his hike and friends say he is an experienced backpacker.
The Duchesne Sheriff’s Office released a statement Monday saying “The Sheriff’s office would encourage volunteer efforts to continue, but, at this time, will not be able to commit further resources to the search.”
According to Hanes, lost-hiker situations often arise when hikers deviate from their plans without informing anyone of their new route or arrival time.
“The best thing people can do to stay safe is tell someone exactly where they are going and don’t deviate from that. Also, do not exceed your own capabilities and be prepared,” said Hanes. “The wilderness is just that, wilderness.”