Colo. authorities searching for Chicago hiker

VAIL, Colo. -- Colorado authorities searched Monday for a Chicago hiker who hasn't been heard from in a week.

It was the third day searchers looked for James Nelson, 31, who was set to return Thursday from a 25-mile, five-day hike of the Mount of the Holy Cross. The mountain 15 miles southwest of Vail is one of the best known of Colorado's peaks over 14,000 feet.

Nelson's fiancee reported him missing on Friday and authorities launched a search on Saturday, said Eagle County sheriff's spokeswoman Shannon Cordingly.

The Colorado National Guard, which trains pilots to fly in high altitudes at a nearby training site, has been assisting in the search. On Monday, Capt. Michael Odgers said one helicopter dropped off a search team and another chopper was looking for Nelson from the air.

Nelson is experienced hiker and is equipped with proper gear and supplies, but authorities said he isn't carrying a cell phone. He has been involved with the Chicago Backpackers Meetup Group since 2006.