‘No stone unturned’ Mother of missing Joshua Tree hiker searches High Desert communities for son

The mother of Trammell Evans, who was last seen in Joshua Tree National Park on April 30th, is searching for him in the High Desert area.

Amy Evans traveled from Florida late Tuesday night and began her journey in Twentynine Palms early Wednesday.

“I just realize I've got to get back out here, and I've got to really do my due diligence. Leave no stone unturned, really. Make sure he's not here still," said Amy.

On April 30th, Evans was dropped off at the Black Rock Campground by a friend. The park started a search and rescue on May 5th for Evans, after he was reported as overdue. 

An extensive search for Trammell began immediately. Joshua Tree National Park rangers took several routes to find him, including helicopter missions and Marine Corps drones and cadaver dog search teams.

One month later, Amy tells News Channel 3 she believes her son is still alive.

As the search in the park scaled back, Amy decided to take matters into her own hands.

She believes he’s no longer inside the park.

“I would say that, you know, I'm definitely getting some answers. And if not answers, ruling out things. So that's why I'm back out here," she explained. "And then if we don't see any evidence of him here, we're going to assume that he is, you know, on the road.”

Trammell's family has described him as a very experienced hiker, who is also familiar with hitchhiking.

“My son, Tram, used to call himself Rambling Man. And he loved to just travel around hitting national parks and all that sort of stuff.”

Although Amy believes her son may have already left, she wants to know for herself by scouring the High Desert communities and connecting with residents.

“We are also revisiting any like convenience stores, stores, grocery stores, even fitness centers. Because, he used to love to go to fitness centers workout and then take a shower," she said.

Going business to business, Amy spread the word that her son is missing and could be anywhere.

“Make sure that everybody knows that he’s missing and that you know, to keep an eye out for him because you never know. You just never know when someone will see it and go, oh yeah I remember that guy!”

Whether he is still in the High Desert or not, Amy just wants to know that her son is safe.

“I think, you know, he's like soul searching right now. And he maybe just feels like he's let us down. And he just needs to know that he can never let us down. We really love him and we miss him so much.” 

Trammell's family has started an Instagram account, @findtram, with updates about him.

Joshua Tree park rangers said the search and rescue is now at a limited and continuous phase. They will still be doing daily searches.

Park rangers are asking anyone who may have seen or talked to Trammell Evans to please contact 909-383-5652.