A 24-year-old hiker was found dead in Big Bend National Park, Texas.

On Monday, October 28, National Park Service (NPS) rangers and the US Border Patrol, supported by helicopters from the Texas Department of Public Safety and US Customs Air and Marine Operations, located the missing person after launching “an air and ground search,” according to a press release shared on the NPS website.

The hiker’s body was discovered “along the rugged Marufo Vega Trail” after an unattended vehicle that had been “parked for several days at the Marufo Vega/Strawhouse/Ore Terminal Trail” was spotted by park rangers the day before.

“Records indicate that no backpackers were listed for this area for those nights,” the NPS said.

“A rapid search by the park pilot was unable to locate hikers in the area. On Monday morning, the park’s search (and) rescue team was mobilized to three different trails and aerial assets were deployed. been directed to the remote area,” the statement added.

The NPS confirmed that a Department of Public Safety helicopter “was used to remove the body.”

By AccuWeatherTemperatures reached a high of 91 degrees Fahrenheit in Big Bend National Park on Monday, the day the hiker’s body was found.

The NPS warned people that the Marufo Vega Trail “is a spectacular but challenging 14-mile loop that winds through rugged desert and along limestone rock cliffs,” according to Monday’s release.

“The lack of shade and water makes this trail dangerous during the hottest times of the year,” the NPS added.

Deputy Superintendent Rick Gupman said of the incident, “Big Bend National Park staff and partners are saddened by this loss. »

“Our entire park family extends our condolences to the family and friends of the hiker,” Gupman added, according to the release.

NPS park rangers warned anyone traveling in the park to prepare for high temperatures, telling hikers to “take plenty of water, salty snacks and plan to stay away from desert trails during the heat in the afternoon.”

“Even though it is late October, daily temperatures along the Rio Grande and in the desert areas of Big Bend remain extreme, approaching 100 degrees each afternoon. Park Rangers would like to remind all visitors to be aware of the dangers of extreme heat,” the statement said. declared.

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In a post on the NPS websiteHikers are told that they “must be duly prepared for the challenges” of the Marufo Vega Trail.

“Marufo Vega is a pleasant hike during the winter months, but hikers have died in the intense heat of spring and summer. This combination of factors makes this trail potentially deadly from April to September,” it reads in a message, calling on people to “start this hike.” hike early in the day when temperatures are cooler.

“No cell coverage here. Always let someone know your plans and when you expect to return before you leave,” the NPS added in the description.

Big Bend National Park itself covers more than 800,000 acres and contains more than 201 miles of hiking trails. It is also the 15th largest national park in the United States, according to the NPS. website.

An NPS spokesperson did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.