The person at the center of this case
Arthur Jeffrey Estes
Missing Person · Open
50 years waiting · since 1976
Missing Person: Arthur Jeffrey Estes
Justice for Arthur Jeffrey Estes — the trail went cold in 1976, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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evidence
Lead #1What happened to Estes' dark-colored frame pack and hiking gear? Were any of his belongings ever recovered?
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location
Lead #2The May Lake and Snow Creek Trail is well-traveled—did any hikers report seeing a lone male matching Estes' description around May 24-25, 1976?
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timeline
Lead #3Why was the investigation not initiated until May 26, two days after his disappearance? Was there a delayed report?
Arthur Jeffrey Estes, a 25-year-old hiker, disappeared on May 24, 1976, after being dropped off at May Lake Road in Yosemite National Park for a planned two-day solo hike to Yosemite Valley. He was never seen or heard from again despite the remote but well-traveled hiking route he intended to take. After nearly 50 years, the circumstances of his disappearance remain unknown—whether he became lost, injured, or met with foul play—making this a significant cold case in one of America's most visited national parks.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
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clue
Lead #4Given the remote terrain and 50-year passage, could a systematic search of the Snow Creek drainage or May Lake area yield remains or equipment?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP61622. Missing person: Arthur Jeffrey Estes.
Last known contact: 1976-05-24 in Yosemite National Park, Mariposa, CA. Circumstances: Estes was dropped off at May Lake Road and Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park for a solo 2 day hike to Yosemite Valley via May Lake and Snow Creek Trail.
Estes was never seen or heard from again. Demographics: 25 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 5 ft 10 in, 165 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Green. Clothing and accessories: Accessories: Dark colored frame pack; Clothing: Blue levis, blue sweatshirt, baseball cap; Footwear: Vibram soled hiking boots.
Investigating agency: National Park Service - Yosemite | NP19189993 | 1976-05-26.
Timeline of Events
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1976-05-24
Dropped off for hike
Arthur Jeffrey Estes was dropped off at May Lake Road and Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park to begin a solo two-day hike to Yosemite Valley via May Lake and Snow Creek Trail.
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1976-05-26
Investigation initiated
National Park Service opened investigation case NP19189993 after Estes failed to return from his planned hike.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:May 24, 1976
Last Updated:October 16, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:May 24, 1976
Last Updated:October 16, 2026