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Joshua Best Missing Person Case

Last seen in Palm Springs, California on Sep 11, 2000

Victim Details

Mar 12, 2015

Feb 8, 2018

Joshua

Best

62

36

73 inches

205 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Sep 11, 2000

Palm Springs

California

Riverside County

16407

Palm Springs Police Department

Palm Springs

California

,

00-255-0038

Palm Springs Police Department

Brown

Hazel

Hazel

No

Oct 8, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP28001) and 6 other sources
Joshua David Best, a 36-year-old resident of Palm Springs, California, went missing on September 11, 2000. Best was last seen by his employer, but his exact plans at the time were unclear. On September 11, his family found his car parked near the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Search efforts were initiated, but no immediate clues surfaced, and bloodhounds could not track him in the foothills. However, when taken up the tramway, they picked up a scent in the Long Valley area, leading to a more focused search.

On September 24, 2000, Best’s brother-in-law discovered his wallet near Leatherneck Ridge, along with a tramway receipt from September 9, the last day he was seen. This prompted authorities to resume the search, which included footprints believed to be from Best's size 13 shoes. Despite these efforts, no further significant evidence was found. Volunteers continued searching the steep, rugged terrain of the San Jacinto Mountains, but Best has not been located, and his fate remains unknown.

The search for Joshua Best was called off in late September after no additional clues were found. His family remained hopeful for answers, but his case remains unresolved.
Last Seen: Sep 11, 2000

Links to Additional Sources (6)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Search for Hiker Is Renewed After Wallet Is Found
  • Mission 2000-023 - Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit
  • Mission 2000-021 - Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit
  • Best, Joshua 9/2000 CA - Porchlight International for the Missing ...
  • Hiker Found on Mt. San Jacinto; 2nd Still Missing - Los Angeles Times
  • NPS Incident Reports - Joshua Tree National Park

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (10)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    78%Possible
    John Doe — San Bernardino, California - unidentified case UP88020
    John Doe — San Bernardino, California
    UP88020 • Found Feb 9, 2021
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 50–70 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 90%47 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 20 years after last seen
    Height 100%6'0" vs 6'1"
    Weight 100%206 lb vs 205 lb
    Hair 70%Gray vs Brown
    Eyes 100%Hazel vs Hazel
    77%Possible
    John Doe — Altadena, California
    UP3108 • Found Sep 19, 2004
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 40–50 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 77%94 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 4 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'10"–6'2" vs 6'1"
    77%Possible
    John Doe — Holtville, California - unidentified case UP13224
    John Doe — Holtville, California
    UP13224 • Found Jul 17, 2003
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 20–40 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 76%97 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 3 years after last seen
    Height 100%6'0" vs 6'1"
    Weight 100%200 lb vs 205 lb
    Hair 60%Black vs Brown
    Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
    76%Possible
    John Doe — Buena Park, California - unidentified case UP12758
    John Doe — Buena Park, California
    UP12758 • Found Jul 1, 2014
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 99%Est. 50–65 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 80%83 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 14 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'11" vs 6'1"
    Weight 99%183 lb vs 205 lb
    Hair 70%Gray vs Brown
    Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
    76%Possible
    John Doe — Irwindale, California
    UP12863 • Found Feb 13, 2014
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 40 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 79%84 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 13 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'7"–6'1" vs 6'1"
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    76%Possible
    John Doe — Long Beach, California
    UP3051 • Found Dec 3, 2005
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 39–49 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 76%95 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 5 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'9"–5'11" vs 6'1"
    Weight 100%180–210 lb vs 205 lb
    Hair 40%Gray vs Brown
    76%Possible
    John Doe — Long Beach, California - unidentified case UP3074
    John Doe — Long Beach, California
    UP3074 • Found Oct 24, 2005
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 40–50 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 78%91 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 5 years after last seen
    Height 84%5'11" vs 6'1"
    Weight 62%148 lb vs 205 lb
    Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Los Angeles, California - unidentified case UP12864
    John Doe — Los Angeles, California
    UP12864 • Found Feb 13, 2014
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 28–50 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 75%99 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 13 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'7"–6'0" vs 6'1"
    Weight 100%175–190 lb vs 205 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel
    75%Possible
    John Doe — South Gate, California
    UP10986 • Found Oct 2, 2012
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 28–38 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 76%96 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 12 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'7"–6'1" vs 6'1"
    Weight 73%157 lb vs 205 lb
    Hair 60%Black vs Brown
    75%Possible
    John Doe — San Diego, California
    UP11477 • Found Aug 13, 2010
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 45–65 vs 36 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 81%79 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 10 years after last seen
    Height 100%6'1" vs 6'1"
    Weight 36%281 lb vs 205 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 60%Brown vs Hazel

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

    Latest News

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    Forum Posts (1)

    Just came across this case and something really stands out to me: the tramway receipt dated... ...Read More
    04/24/2023

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