Rescue crews continue search for Colorado hiker in Rocky Mountain National Park nearly 2 weeks after he went missing

Rescuers in northern Colorado say they are still searching from the air and on the ground for a 49-year-old man who went missing late last month in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Chad Pallansch of Fort Collins, Colorado, was last heard from via text message around noon on September 27, according to the National Park Service.

The text "indicated he was almost to the summit of Mount Alice and roughly 7 miles from the Bear Lake area," a news release stated.

Pallansch, described as a "fit runner with both trail running and marathon experience," was reported overdue on September 28, the park service said.

Rangers found his vehicle parked at the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Pallansch began his route from the East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake. His reported itinerary included a 28-mile route "which included crossing the Continental Divide and traveling on established trails as well as off-trail travel through steep talus slopes," according to a release.

"Pallansch had not attempted this route previously, but is an experienced trail runner who has run numerous routes in the park, including Longs Peak, more than 30 times," park officials said.