Jeffrey Gordon Stambaugh, 64, was last seen the morning of September 30, 2022, at Granite Basin Campground near Prescott after setting out for a day hike. He left his cell phone with the camp host to charge and did not return to retrieve it. He was reportedly wearing blue jeans and a plaid shirt, and his Subaru was found at the Metate Trailhead.

A large search followed, led by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with more than 300 volunteers, deputies on horseback, K-9 teams, drones and helicopters. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department deployed a remotely operated vehicle to check a nearby lake. Personal items remained in his tent; searches were scaled back after weeks without a trace, though family and friends continued smaller targeted searches.

Those who knew him note he was an experienced hiker and had a prior ankle injury that concerned relatives. Questions remain about what happened on that September day and where he might be. If anyone saw Jeffrey in the Granite Basin area around September 30, 2022, or has information about his route from the Metate Trailhead, please come forward.