Now in its 12th day, an intensive search for two hikers who went missing in Joshua Tree National Park has been scaled back. A park press release says Rachel Nguyen, 20, and Joseph Orbeso, 21, drove their car into the park at 6:45 a.m. July 27 and have not been seen or heard from since. Searchers from the park service, Sheriff’s Department, Joshua Tree Search and Rescue, the Bureau of Land Management, Border Patrol, Highway Patrol, and others, have searched on foot and from the air, and with search dogs, all to no avail. As of Monday, the search has been scaled back, but a special team made up of National Park investigators has arrived, as well as NPS drone specialists. Canine teams from JOSAR are also continuing the search when the temperatures will allow. The couple’s vehicle was found July 28 at the trailhead of the Maze Loop Trail. Park spokesman George Land noted the search for the missing hikers will not technically end until they are found; he said the park service will continue with regular training exercises that specifically address this particular incident. Anyone who might have been hiking or who stopped in the area, and saw a couple in their early twenties, or who has other pertinent information about the two, should call San Bernardino Dispatch at 909 383-5652.
