Last seen: October 14, 1993
Sarah Whitmore, a 26-year-old outdoor enthusiast and experienced solo hiker, disappeared in October 1993 during a planned day hike in the Tonto National Forest. She was last seen at the Barnhardt Trailhead just outside Payson, Arizona.
A graduate student from Tempe, Sarah had completed numerous solo hikes throughout the Southwest and was known for her cautious preparation and detailed itineraries. Friends reported she was eager to spend the weekend alone in the wilderness to clear her mind and finish a field journal project.
Sarah’s red 1990 Honda Civic was discovered parked neatly at the Barnhardt Trailhead parking area on October 16th, two days after she was due to return. The vehicle was locked, with her cell phone and a water bottle visible on the passenger seat. Her hiking gear, including her red jacket and blue internal-frame backpack, were missing from the car.
A search began that afternoon, with forest rangers, local law enforcement, and volunteer SAR teams combing the rugged Mazatzal Mountains. The steep terrain, deep canyons, and thick brush made searching difficult.
No trace of Sarah no clothing, gear, or footprints was ever recovered. The weather during the period had been clear with mild temperatures.
Without evidence of an animal attack or signs of struggle, speculation quickly arose. Some believe Sarah may have fallen into one of the many narrow canyons in the area or become lost after straying from the trail.
Others have pointed to a string of mysterious disappearances along the Mogollon Rim over the preceding decade. A few residents even suggested she may have encountered someone in the forest who didn’t want to be found.
Despite multiple search efforts and extensive media coverage at the time, Sarah's disappearance remains one of the most baffling in the region. Her family continues to maintain a memorial Facebook page and holds an annual hike in her honor along the Barnhardt Trail.
Anyone with information regarding Sarah Whitmore’s disappearance is urged to contact the Gila County Sheriff's Office.
Page last updated: April 2009
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