Angelo Nick Gatti, 21, was last seen July 13, 1974, when family members dropped him off near San Juan Hot Springs in the Cleveland National Forest off Ortega Highway, California. He was an experienced hiker who planned an extended camping trip and took a sleeping bag and a .22 caliber revolver. The family expected him to be gone a couple of weeks but, after several months without contact, reported him missing.

At the time he disappeared Angelo was reportedly depressed and deeply concerned about environmental issues. There have been no confirmed sightings or communication since the day he was dropped off, and investigations by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department produced no significant leads. It is unknown what happened after he entered the forest.

If anyone was in or around San Juan Hot Springs in July 1974 or has information about Angelo’s planned route or campsite, please come forward.