Hiker's Body Found Far Off Trail: 'He Either Fell Or Slipped'

ELDORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) - The body of a missing hiker was found so far off the trail that helicopters struggled to locate the area.

The body of David Robles, 53, was found down a 600 foot ravine, more than a half mile from a scenic overlook on the Rattlesnake Gulch Loop Trail in Eldorado Canyon Wednesday afternoon.

Robles, of Westminster, had been hiking the popular trail alone on Saturday.

"It's a very technical area," said Boulder County Sgt. Dave Booton. "He either fell or slipped. We don't know yet. That's the other part of the investigation."

Dozens of search and rescue personnel combed the area for three days. A woman who was hiking with her kids told crews Wednesday morning that she recognized Robles from Saturday, which helped narrow down the search.

It's unclear if Robles' death was accidental or on purpose.

Foul play is not believed to have been a factor.

Stan Bush is a general assignment reporter at CBS4. His stories can be seen on CBS4 News at 10. Read his bio and follow him on Twitter @StanBushTV.