Missing hiker found dead in Colorado

Douglas County Search and Rescue has recovered the body of an overdue hiker identified as Ryan Walter, 35.

A multi-team search and rescue effort was launched on the evening of January 25 after the report of a missing hiker was received. The search was launched in the area of Indian Creek Trailhead, which is located near Sedalia, Colorado. A body was found later that night and was confirmed to be Walter. The announcement of the discovery was made the following day.

The investigation remains open, though foul play is not expected. Details regarding what led to Walter's death were not included in the initial report of the discovery.

Condolences go out to the friends and family of Ryan Walter, as well as others impacted by this search and rescue mission.

Thanks goes out to the search and rescue teams involved in this mission. Images from the mission show harsh winter conditions and falling snow during the time of the search.

Found in Pike National Forest, Indian Creek trailhead is where Indian Creek Trail and Steven's Gulch Loop Trail can be accessed. In full, the loop trail is nearly 20 miles long with close to 4,000 feet of gain. Details about what trail Walter was hiking when he went missing were not included in the report.

If hiking in Colorado, it's crucial to let others know where you're headed and when you're expecting to return. It's also important to be highly aware of the forecast, especially during the winter months, as snowy conditions can quickly complicate a hike that would typically be straightforward. Find alerts about Colorado's weather on weather.gov and find information about forecasted avalanche risk on the Colorado Avalanche Information Center website.

Editor’s Note: Help fund search and rescue missions across the state of Colorado by purchasing a CORSAR card at ihelpsearch.org. This is not an insurance card. By purchasing a card, you are helping reimburse teams for costs incurred in providing help to lost and injured hikers, climbers, mountain bikers, hunters, ATV riders, skiers, snowboarders, and more.