Teenage hiker who went missing in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve found safe

PHOENIX — A teenage hiker who went missing at a Scottsdale recreation area was found safe, authorities announced Friday morning.

The Scottsdale Fire Department said in a social media post that 14-year-old Roman Reid was located. No details about how or where were provided.

A search was launched after the teenage hiker was reported missing Thursday afternoon.

Why was search launched for teenage hiker?

He was believed to have left his home at 12:30 p.m. to go hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve near the Lost Dog Trailhead, according to Scottsdale Police Department.

Reid was described as standing 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing about 153 pounds. He was last seen wearing black gym shorts, a black tank top, a gray backpack and tan hiking boots.

Reid did have some water on him when he left home, police said.

He was considered to be in danger due to recent high temperatures.

This is an updated version of a story originally published on June 12, 2025.

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