Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team Actively Searching for Missing Hiker in the Tassajara area of the Ventana Wilderness

On Monday night, March 18 at 11:27 pm Monterey County Sheriff Deputies received a report of a missing person that had not

returned from a hike earlier in the day. 30-year-old Caroline Meister is described as a white female adult, 5-06, 150

pounds. She has long brown wavy hair that is likely pulled up. She was last seen wearing teal-colored boots and carrying a

blue bag.

Meister left the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, 39171 Tassajara Road, Carmel Valley, at about 10:00 AM on Monday, March 18. She stated she was going to hike a trail that loops back around to the Zen Center. There was also mention of

hiking the “Windcave Trail.” She was only carrying snacks for the day and was not dressed or equipped for an overnight

stay.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team, Drone Team and a California Highway Patrol Helicopter have been

working collaboratively throughout the day to attempt to locate Caroline. Additional resources are being requested to

assist in continued search efforts.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is asking persons who may have been hiking in the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center

Area on March 18 who may have seen Caroline Meister to please contact our office at 831-755-5111 with information that

could help us in locating her. Additionally, we are asking any hikers who are planning on being in the area, to please be on

the lookout for Caroline Meister. If she is seen, please contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.