Search and rescue teams continue to hunt for Patrick J. Trier, a 71-year-old man missing in the rugged terrain of Horseshoe Canyon within Canyonlands National Park, following reports that he may have been lost since mid-August. The search comes as local authorities issued a caution on August 24, 2026, advising visitors to avoid the main Horseshoe Canyon trailhead due to active rescue operations.
Search and Rescue Details
According to a news release from the National Park Service issued on August 25, 2026, Trier was last seen in Salina, Utah, on Sunday, August 16. Officials believe he may have been camping in Goblin Valley State Park or near Moab, Utah, before arriving at the Horseshoe Canyon trailhead of Canyonlands National Park on August 17.
Park rangers received notice of an overdue party on Saturday, August 22. Following that report, NPS law enforcement located Trier's vehicle, a maroon 2004 Toyota RAV4, at the Horseshoe trailhead on Sunday, August 23.
Description of the missing man includes long brown hair, a mustache, and an atrophied right arm. He is approximately six feet tall with a medium build. He was most likely wearing jeans and a blue hat and was carrying a small black and gray backpack.
Challenging Search Conditions
The search efforts involve a coordinated response from the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and Wayne County Search and Rescue. As of August 25, 2026, teams were conducting both aerial and ground searches in the area.
Officials noted that the terrain in the Horseshoe Canyon area is exceptionally rough. The strenuous nature of the Horseshoe Canyon hike has been cited as a factor impacting the speed and difficulty of search efforts. Furthermore, temperatures in the region have reached the high 90s during the day, complicating the work for responders.
Public Assistance Requested
The National Park Service has requested public assistance in locating Trier. Anyone who may have seen the 71-year-old at Horseshoe Canyon or in the days leading up to his trip is urged to contact the NPS Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or submit information online at go.nps.gov/SubmitATip.
Weather and Flood Risks
The search in Horseshoe Canyon occurs amid complex weather conditions in the region. A flood watch is in effect for the area from August 29 until 9:00 p.m. on Monday, August 31. Forecasts for the area near Canyonlands National Park indicate a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms on Sunday and Monday, with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms possible on Monday night.
Weather patterns for the Western Canyonlands include a high temperature of 87 degrees on Sunday and 81 degrees on Monday. The National Weather Service notes that moisture moving into the West increases the risk of flash flooding and damaging wind gusts.
Backcountry Travel Warnings
Travelers navigating the backcountry of Canyonlands National Park face significant logistical challenges. According to the National Park Service, most backcountry roads require high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles with a low range gear (4LO).
Specific road conditions noted on August 24, 2026, include:
- The White Rim Road is open but requires high-clearance 4WD and permits.
- The Salt Creek / Horse Canyon area requires high-clearance 4WD and carries a risk of requiring self-rescue.
- The Peekaboo Road requires high-clearance 4WD and may have sections with 1-2 feet of water and mud.
- The Lavender Canyon road is currently impassable due to a 3-4 foot creek crossing and deep mud.
Visitors are warned that if vehicles become disabled in the backcountry, commercial towing fees can exceed $1,000.
Park Restrictions and Closures
In addition to search operations, the park is managing various restrictions. As of August 24, 2026, a caution remains in place for the Horseshoe Canyon trailhead. Additionally, a park closure was posted on July 13, 2026, for Grand View Point, which is closed for construction on weekdays through October 1.
Stage 2 fire restrictions are also in effect in the region. According to Goblin Valley State Park, no open fires of any kind are allowed, including fires within established fire pits, charcoal grills, or pellet grills. Only properly shielded gas or liquid-fueled portable camp stoves with a shut-off valve are permitted, provided they are used in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren of flammable vegetation.
Safety Reminders
The ongoing efforts to find Trier highlight the inherent risks of the Canyonlands backcountry. The National Park Service continues to monitor conditions and update the public on search progress.
For those planning to visit the area, officials recommend checking current conditions at district visitor centers before beginning any backcountry trip and traveling in groups of two or more vehicles with winches to facilitate self-rescue.
