Search efforts underway for missing hiker in Denali National Park

According to the National Park Service, approximately forty people are searching for a missing California hiker in Denali National Park.

42-year-old Mukunda Egen is seasonally employed in the area of the park, and was last seen Friday night in the area of the Teklanika Campground. Park officials say Egen is six feet, one inch tall, and weighs around 170 pounds. He has brown hair, a short beard, and was last seen wearing an orange jacket and gray hat. Egen is described as a “novice backpacker,” and the National Park Service says he only had a small amount of food and water in a daypack.

Egen was hiking with a partner on Friday. The pair separated Friday around 11:00 p.m. Egen’s hiking partner says Egen complained of knee pain earlier in the day hike and opted to take a less steep path back to the campground. Park officials say Egen’s companion attempted to retrace their route, then contacted rangers after reaching the campground early Saturday morning.

Weather and terrain are impacting search efforts, with rain and fog currently covering the search area. The National Park Service says five teams of hikers, two helicopters, and two search and rescue dog teams are currently combing the area.