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April 10, 2012 (Anza-Borrego)—updated April 11, 2012--An intensive search continues for Guillermo Pino, 26, a hiker last seen Sunday, April 8 at noon at the Arroyo Tapiado mud caves in Anza-Borrego State Park's rugged badlands area.

“He went with a group of campers to the mud caves. It was his first time out there,” Lt. Jeff Maxin with the San Diego Sheriff’s office told East County Magazine.

Pino told family and friends that he was going hiking and was last seen walking barefoot toward the caves' entrance. “That’s consistent with hiking these caves,” said Lt. Maxin, adding that the missing man was wearing a red shirt and blue jeans when he disappeared.

Concerns for the missing man are mounting after two nights of chilly nighttime temperatures. According to Lt. Maxin, Pino was not carrying any food or water.  He did not have a cellphone or a flashlight.

In addition to San Diego Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team headed by Sgt. Don Parker, including two dogs, the U.S. Border Patrol is assisting with “very specialized ground trackers,” Lt. Maxin confirmed. In addition, a specialized San Bernadino “cave team” has been called in, along with Riverside Sheriff’s search and rescue team.

Other agencies now participating in the search include the Borrego Sheriff's Substation, REd Cross, San Diego Mountain Rescue, Sycuan Fire Dept., Los Angeles County Sheriff's Search and Rescue, Riverside County Sheriff's Serach and Rescue, San Bernadino Sher'ffs Search and Rescue, State Parks, and BORSTAR (Border Patrol Search, Trauma Rescue Unit). San Diego Sheriff's ASTREA has been helping in the search, weather permitting.
 

View a YouTube video of the mud caves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ydq2izwR1Ow