Search for missing Chicago hiker enters 4th day

VAIL, Colo. — Volunteers searching for a Chicago hiker missing in Colorado's high country are looking beyond his planned route.

Fifteen people returned to the Holy Cross Wilderness near Vail as snow and rain fell to look for 31-year-old James Nelson on Tuesday.

Nelson planned to hike 25 miles in five days and was reported missing by his fiance Friday.

Eagle County sheriff's spokeswoman Shannon Cordingly said searchers have already scoured the planned route and are now looking at popular stopping places in outlying areas as well as mines. She said Nelson has an interest in relics.

The weather grounded search helicopters and forcing searchers to hike into the area. Up to 6 inches of snow have fallen there.