Uinta Triangle - Episode: "No Trace"

Release Date: June 3, 2025
Host: Dave Cawley, Journalist and Creator of the True Crime Series COLD
Produced by: KSL Podcasts
Distributed by: Lemonada Media

Introduction

Uinta Triangle delves into the mysterious disappearance of Australian trekker Eric Robinson on the Uinta Highline Trail, a rugged and remote mountain range notorious for its unforgiving terrain. In this fourth episode, titled "No Trace," host Dave Cawley joins forces with Eric’s wife, Marilyn Koolstra, and their daughter, Rachel Marsden, to navigate the complexities of the search effort and uncover the layers of history and environmental challenges that may have contributed to Eric's vanishing.

The Disappearance of Eric Robinson

Eric Robinson, an avid hiker with a passion for wilderness exploration, vanished during a solo trek in the Uinta Mountains—a region known for its treacherous conditions. "Time was turning against Eric Robinson," Cawley narrates at [04:14], highlighting the urgency faced by those searching for him. Eric missed his scheduled pickup on August 7, 2011, sparking a multi-day search effort fraught with uncertainty and limited resources.

Marilyn and Rachel’s Journey

Marilyn Koolstra and her daughter Rachel Marsden embarked on a journey from Australia to the United States to join the search for Eric. Their flight was anything but smooth. Rachel recalls, “It was hideous. They were literally sitting all around us” at [02:15], referring to the disruptive environment of their economy-class flight. Despite initial setbacks, including being seated apart and the loss of their checked luggage, Marilyn and Rachel persisted, driven by the memories and hopes tied to Eric's adventurous spirit.

Search and Rescue Efforts in Duchesne County

The search was primarily coordinated by the Duchenne County Sheriff's Office, a region with fewer search and rescue (SAR) resources compared to neighboring Summit County. Julia Geisler and her partner, Blake Summers, played pivotal roles in the search, navigating the expansive and challenging terrain. At [05:07], Julia articulates the daunting nature of the search area: “You're like, how far could a person go in a day? 10 miles, 12 miles, whatever that is, 20 miles? In that circle, the radius just gets larger every day.”

The limited resources and vast area made the search increasingly difficult. “Volunteer resources that seemed to be available through Duchenne seemed pretty limited,” Julia observes at [08:46], underscoring the strain on the SAR teams as the search area expanded.

Historical Context and Environmental Challenges

A significant portion of the episode explores the historical and environmental backdrop of the Uinta Mountains. The region’s management policies, particularly the concept of "multiple use," have led to conflicts between conservation efforts and agricultural practices such as sheep grazing.

Dave Cawley provides an in-depth historical overview, beginning at [23:14], tracing the Uinta Mountains' transformation from the ancestral lands of the Ute peoples to a contested landscape shaped by settlers, ranchers, and conservationists. The history of overgrazing and environmental degradation is highlighted, revealing how these factors have complicated both the natural landscape and the SAR efforts.

Art Lang and Dan McCool's Expedition

Parallel to Marilyn and Rachel’s efforts, hikers Art Lang and Dan McCool undertook their own trek on the Uinta Highline Trail. Their journey intersected with Julia and Blake's search, leading to collaborative efforts in locating Eric. At [17:04], Art Lang discusses the challenges posed by the trail conditions: “Walking this trail was not terribly difficult, navigation wise, but also wasn't very risky because it is not dangerous to travel the backcountry as long as you're sane about it, as long as you take some precautions.”

Art and Dan's experiences shed light on the physical dangers of the trail, particularly Dead Horse Pass—a notorious segment known for its steep and snowbound conditions. Their encounter with other hikers, including a group from Indiana who warned against crossing Dead Horse Pass, illustrates the shared concerns and the critical decision-making involved in the search.

Dead Horse Pass: A Critical juncture

Dead Horse Pass serves as a focal point in the search narrative. Its treacherous reputation is intertwined with local lore and historical accounts. Art Lang recounts his apprehension and ultimate decision to traverse the pass despite warnings, revealing the thin line between hope and risk in SAR operations. “[07:48] Julia Geisler: Yeah, more rural county as opposed to Summit, which is definitely more populated.”

The decision to proceed towards Dead Horse Pass was pivotal, as it represented both the most likely location where Eric might have encountered trouble and a significant physical barrier that intensified the search's complexity.

The Intersection of Modern Search Efforts and Historical Land Use

The episode intricately weaves the present-day search for Eric with the historical land use policies that have shaped the Uinta Mountains. The ongoing debate between conservation and agricultural interests, particularly regarding sheep grazing, is presented as a significant factor influencing the region's ecology and accessibility. This historical perspective provides a deeper understanding of the current challenges faced by those attempting to navigate and search the Highline Trail.

Personal Struggles and Determination

Marilyn’s personal journey is poignantly captured, illustrating the emotional toll of Eric's disappearance. “[41:44] Marilyn Khulstra: I was ready to sit on the floor and, you know, give up.” Her resilience and determination are tested as she grapples with exhaustion and the daunting task ahead. Rachel’s supportive role is evident when she encourages Marilyn, saying, “[42:17] Rachel Marsden: I think she’s not that great at asking for when she does need help. So I think I just had let her know that, you know, I'm here if you need me.”

Their collaboration with searchers like Julia and Blake, despite initial frustrations with the local SAR infrastructure, underscores the familial bonds and shared commitment driving the search effort.

Key Moments and Turning Points

Several key moments highlight the interplay between hope and despair in the search for Eric:

• Helicopter Deployment ([07:09] Julia Geisler): Julia and Blake are airlifted to a strategic location near Dead Horse Pass, symbolizing a calculated approach amidst increasing uncertainty.

• Encounter with Herders ([21:47] Art Lang): The interaction with Chilean or Peruvian shepherds reveals cultural and operational barriers within the SAR efforts, highlighting the complexities of coordinating across diverse groups.

• Marilyn’s Media Engagement ([58:31] Marilyn Khulstra): Marilyn's reluctant yet crucial interview with KSL TV epitomizes the public relations aspect of the search, balancing personal anguish with the necessity of reaching a broader audience.

Environmental Stewardship and "Leave No Trace"

Cawley emphasizes the environmental ethos that Eric embodied—“Take only photos, leave only footprints”—and its impact on the search. This principle, rooted in the "Leave No Trace" campaign, underscores the minimal clues left behind, complicating the identification and rescue effort. The responsibility of maintaining wilderness areas amid environmental degradation and limited resources is a recurring theme, reflecting broader conservation challenges.

Conclusion

"No Trace" masterfully intertwines personal narratives with historical and environmental contexts to paint a comprehensive picture of Eric Robinson’s disappearance and the ensuing search efforts. The episode highlights the intersection of human determination, familial bonds, environmental stewardship, and the often-overlooked complexities of wilderness management.

Notable Quotes:

• Julia Geisler ([05:07]): “How far could a person go in a day? 10 miles, 12 miles, whatever that is, 20 miles? In that circle, the radius just gets larger every day.”

• Rachel Marsden ([02:15]): “It was hideous. They were literally sitting all around us.”

• Marilyn Khulstra ([41:44]): “I was ready to sit on the floor and, you know, give up.”

• Art Lang ([17:04]): “Walking this trail was not terribly difficult, navigation wise, but also wasn't very risky because it is not dangerous to travel the backcountry as long as you're sane about it, as long as you take some precautions.”

• Cawley ([57:33]): “[...] Eric Robinson's outdoor ethic mirrors my own. He intended to leave no trace. But that meant when he disappeared, the people who went out to search for him had very little to go on.”

Final Reflections

No Trace not only narrates the desperate search for Eric Robinson but also serves as a meditation on the fragile balance between human ambition and the relentless forces of nature. It questions the efficacy of current wilderness policies and the human capacity to navigate both the physical and emotional landscapes of loss and resilience.

Listeners are left contemplating the profound connections between past and present, the visible and invisible markers we leave behind, and the enduring human spirit in the face of uncertainty.