SLO County man missing after planning Big Sur hiking trip
A San Luis Obispo man went missing after planning a hiking trip to Big Sur last week.
Robert Kruse had planned a trip to Ragged Point Inn in Big Sur from Aug. 5 to 7 to go hiking in the area, but according to hotel staff, he never checked into his stay, his sister, Katie DeMare said in post on Facebook.
Kruse was last seen in Long Beach, DeMare said. He has been missing since Aug. 5.
DeMare and her husband found Kruse’s car — a 2007 Saturn Aura — in the hotel parking lot, she said. They believe he may have gotten lost while hiking in the Ragged Point area.
He has not been back to his home in San Luis Obispo, DeMare said. They began searching for him on Sunday.
Kruse was last seen wearing a white shirt, bright blue shorts, DeMare said. His multicolored backpack was found in his vehicle, she told The Tribune.
She also said she and her husband found a pair of Chaco sandals on the beach at the bottom of the Ragged Point trail they think are Kruse’s based on his purchase history and recent photos.
The SLO County Sheriff is investigating his disappearance. If you have seen Kruse or have any information to support the search for him, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 805-781-4550.
This story was originally published August 11, 2025 at 11:53 AM.
