Search Efforts Underway for a Missing Man Last Seen In Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park rangers began search efforts for Blake Kieckhafer, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska. Kieckhafer was reported missing to park rangers by family on Monday, August 11. He was last seen in the Upper Beaver Meadows area of Rocky Mountain National Park on Thursday, August 7 around 5:20 p.m. when he was dropped off by a ride share service. Upper Beaver Meadows Road is located approximately 1-mile west of Beaver Meadows Entrance along U.S. Highway 36 on the east side of the park.
Kieckhafer was last seen wearing a dark-colored T-shirt, dark-colored pants, and a dark-colored baseball cap with no logo. He was carrying a small, maroon daypack. Kieckhafer is described as 5’11,” 180 pounds, with buzzed/short blonde hair and a mustache, and blue/green eyes.
If you have information that could help investigators or if you have seen Blake Kieckhafer, please contact us. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know. CALL or TEXT the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line 888-653-0009, ONLINE at go.nps.gov/SubmitATip, or EMAIL [email protected]
UPDATE August 14, 2025
Kieckhafer was reported missing to park rangers by family on Monday, August 11. He was last seen in the Upper Beaver Meadows area of Rocky Mountain National Park on Thursday, August 7 around 5:20 p.m. when he was dropped off by a ride share service.
Investigations lead to search efforts being focused in the Emerald Lake area on Wednesday. Over 80 people were involved in yesterday’s search efforts. Several agencies and organizations assisted Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members with efforts including Larimer County Search and Rescue Dog Teams, Arapaho Rescue Patrol and a contracted helicopter with Trans Aero.
The Larimer County Coroner’s office will confirm positive identification of the individual and release additional information.