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Search for Missing 79-Year-Old Hiker in San Mateo County Enters Sixth Day

Efforts remain focused on dense, hard-to-reach areas as crews scale back but maintain a rescue-first approach.

Search and rescue operations set up by San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office at the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve on May 5, 2025. Photo by Simmerdeep Kaur.
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Overview

  • Margaret 'Elaine' McKinley, 79, went missing on May 1 while hiking the Lost Trail at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve in Portola Valley, California.
  • The search operation, led by the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, has transitioned to a scaled-down phase with around 80 personnel continuing targeted efforts.
  • Specialized resources, including drones, canine units, and chainsaws, are being used to navigate dense brush and rugged terrain that complicate visibility and access.
  • Authorities have urged nearby residents to review home camera footage for any potential clues and report findings through an online form.
  • McKinley's family and friends remain hopeful, emphasizing her strength and experience as a hiker, as search teams continue to comb the preserve's unsearched gaps.