Caroline Meister disappears hiking at Carmel Valley Zen center
Caroline Meister, 30, was reported missing Monday night after she failed to return from her hike.
CARMEL VALLEY, Calif. - A search is underway in Monterey County for a missing woman who failed to return from a hike on Monday.
Authorities said the woman, 30-year-old Caroline Meister, left the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center in Carmel Valley around 10 a.m. on Monday. Meister planned to hike a trail that loops back around to the Zen center. There was also mention of hiking the Windcave Trail, sheriff's deputies said.
The Monterey County Sheriff's Office received a report on Monday at 11:27 p.m. that Meister had not returned.
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Meister, who was only carrying snacks for the day and was not dressed or equipped for an overnight stay, never returned to the Zen center, prompting the missing person report.
A search and rescue team from the sheriff's office, along with a drone team and a California Highway Patrol helicopter, have been trying to locate Meister, described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with long brown wavy hair likely tied up. She was last seen wearing teal-colored boots and carrying a blue bag.
The sheriff's office has urged anyone hiking in the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center Area on Monday, who may have seen Meister, to contact the office at 831-755-5111 with any information that could assist in locating her.