Paula Ann Pope was 18 when she vanished from Cripple Creek Campground in Fresh Pond, California, on September 3, 1972. She had argued with her husband that day because she wanted to attend a rock concert in Carson City, Nevada; her husband could not go because of parole restrictions. After leaving the camper in frustration, a friend followed Paula but came back to get a coat; when the friend returned outside, Paula was gone.

Investigators believe Paula may have hitchhiked to the concert and returned with two companions from Sacramento. Those companions last saw her speaking with motorcyclists near the campground. Various theories have been raised over the years, including possible links to the Santa Rosa Hitchhiker Murders and to an unidentified body found in Utah, but none has been confirmed. The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office continues to handle the investigation.

If anyone knew Paula, saw her that weekend, or has information about the people she was seen with, please contact the Sheriff’s Office.