Authorities Searching for Missing Hiker Who Was ‘Not Equipped for Overnight Stay'

Authorities in Northern California are searching for a missing hiker who disappeared earlier this week and was “not dressed or equipped for an overnight stay,” according to a statement from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department (MCSD).

30-year-old Caroline Meister departed from the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, where she also works, in Carmel Valley around 10 a.m. on March 18. She intended to walk either the Wind Caves Trail, or a separate one which loops back to the Zen Center. She was reported missing that night around 11:30 p.m., after failing to return home.

"We really don't know what happened, so everything is just speculation,” Heather Larusso, director of the Zen Center, told KSBW. “All we know is that she was going on a simple hike, and she has yet to return from that hike.”

Meister is 5’6” tall and weighs 150 pounds. She was wearing teal boots and carrying a blue bag when she left for her hike, with her long, wavy brown hair pulled up into a bun. Authorities are requesting that anyone who hiked the area surrounding the Zen Center on Monday and may have encountered Meister to reach out to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

“She was only carrying snacks for the day and was not dressed or equipped for an overnight stay,” the office noted in their statement.

Those close to Meister are holding out hope that the experienced adventurer can survive the harsh terrain. "She's very familiar with the area, she's also an avid hiker," Meister’s father, John, told KSBW on Wednesday.

"She is very strong and resilient and we have great faith she's doing whatever she can to stay safe," her mother, Jean, added.

“I'm not thinking of the worst-case scenario,” Larusso said. “I'm thinking about the best-case scenario, which is that we'll find her, and she'll be alright. We'll be able to welcome her back take care of her, and give her a lot of hugs and love."

MCSD's Search and Rescue Team is working with a drone team as well as a helicopter from the California Highway Patrol to locate Meister.

“We have requested and received assistance from calFire, California Highway Patrol, and [the] U.S. Army with helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft,” Andres Rojas, MCSD's Commander, told Men’s Journal on Friday morning. “CARDA (California Rescue Dog Association) has provided K9s which track articles and human scent. American Red Cross is providing food and beverages for all involved in the search.”

This is a developing story. Check back later for more information.