Search continues for missing Georgia man

The ground search for missing hiker, 54-year-old John MacGregor, of Jasper, Georgia is continuing today inside Denali National Park.  There are now 70 people involved in the search as well as a dog team from Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs.  (photo courtesy of NPS)

Two fixed wing aircraft and 4 helicopters are searching area that is difficult or hazardous for ground crews.

MacGregor was last seen at the Eielson Visitor Center, milepost 66 of the Park Road, headed for Thorofare Ridge on Sunday.  He was dressed for warm-weather day-hiking and was carrying a small day pack.  He was due back in Fairbanks on Monday for a meeting, which he missed.  Alaska State Troopers notified the Park Service on Monday that MacGregor had not arrived at his Fairbanks hotel and not appeared for his scheduled meeting. His car was found at a parking lot near the Denali Park entrance.

The weather in the park has been variable, with sun and clouds, highs in the upper 50s to low 60s and night-time temperatures in the mid 30s to mid-40s.

The search encompasses an area of 100 square miles and includes elevations between 3,000 and 6,000 feet.