As I was creating this post, SEKI News posted the above...

New from SEKI news releases
Aug 19, 2014: Missing Hiker in Kings Canyon National Park - Flyer (PDF)

Quote:
MISSING HIKER

Gregory Muck


HEIGHT: 6 ft. HAIR: Blond
WEIGHT: 160 to 170 lbs. EYES: Brown
AGE: 46-years-old RACE: White

INTENDED ITINERARY: Kings Canyon National Park--Traveling from Roads End in Cedar Grove to Gardiner Basin via Gardiner Pass. After several days, out Gardiner Creek to Woods Creek to Roads End in Cedar Grove.

IDENTIFYING FEATURES: Big beard, bright blue shirt, green wool pants, black boots, and blue bandana. Red internal frame pack and blue tarp or possible orange tent. Will have fishing gear.

HAVE YOU SEEN HIM OR HAVE BEEN IN THIS AREA FROM AUG. 10-17? Call Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks at 559-565-3118, OR 888-677-2746 with your name, contact info, and additional details.


Here's a map of the area centered on Mt Gardiner.

I have hiked down the Charlotte Lake drainage, and it is a major bushwhack. Looking at his planned itinerary, it looked like he was planning on using the route marked "Location Approximate" on the map. I don't think any trail of any sort even exists there. In addition, looking at the map contours, his planned descent route looks treacherous.

Nobody should go places like that alone without a SPOT. frown