Authorities are urging all outdoor enthusiasts to exercise extreme caution after two Colorado college students disappeared during a weekend hike in the rugged Sawatch Range. The search for 19-year-old Kaden Matsuda and 20-year-old Jackson Donlon, both students at Colorado Mountain College's Leadville campus, has entered its most critical phase as forecasters predict another round of severe weather.
The pair set out on October 23 for what was supposed to be a two-day trek up Ice Mountain, a peak known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable conditions. Friends and family say the experienced hikers planned to turn back on Saturday if they felt unsafe, otherwise returning Sunday. But they never made it back, and their cellphones have been silent for roughly 48 hours.
Chaffee County Sheriff's Office spokesperson confirmed that search teams have located a tent containing sleeping bags, a stove, and some clothing, but there is no trace of the missing men. The discovery has given rescuers hope that the students may have taken shelter elsewhere, but the window for a safe recovery is narrowing.
"It is unimaginable what they must be going through," authorities said in a statement. "We are still optimistic Kaden and Jackson are hunkered down somewhere waiting to be rescued. Our window of opportunity is closing as poor weather is expected again later this week, so we are putting all our available resources in the field."
The search has been hampered by treacherous conditions. While only about eight inches of snow blanketed the lower basin where Matsuda's vehicle was found, Ice Mountain itself received one to two feet of fresh powder, with drifts reaching three to four feet in some areas. The sheriff's office noted that the mountain is now "incased in ice" from a mix of rain and snow, making foot travel across boulder fields "extremely dangerous and virtually impossible." Helicopter access is also ruled out due to the lack of safe landing zones.
Rescue teams are racing against time as meteorologists predict another storm system will move into the region later this week. The area has already seen intermittent rain showers for several days, with a brief period of snow adding to the hazards. The sheriff's office emphasized that avalanche risk is currently low, but the combination of ice, snow, and cold temperatures poses a serious threat to anyone caught unprepared.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of high-altitude hiking, especially in early winter conditions. Experts recommend always checking the forecast, informing someone of your route, carrying emergency gear, and turning back at the first sign of trouble. For those planning similar excursions, safety protocols for wilderness trips are more critical than ever.
Meanwhile, the families of Matsuda and Donlon are clinging to hope. "They are experienced and well-equipped," one family member said. "We believe they are out there, waiting for help." The community has rallied around them, with volunteers joining official search parties despite the difficult conditions.
As the search continues, officials are asking anyone with information about the missing hikers or their whereabouts to contact the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office. The investigation remains active, and every hour is crucial. Our thoughts are with the families and the brave men and women risking their own safety to bring these young men home.
