Thomas Irwin began a solo road trip from Los Angeles, California to his residence in Indiana on January 13, 2024. On January 14, 2023, Irwin arrived in Cortez, Colorado. On January 15, 2024, Irwin entered Mesa Verde National Park. Irwin's vehicle was located on January 15, 2024 parked in the headquarters area of the park. A subsequent investigation believes that Irwin hiked the Petroglyph Point Trail in Mesa Verde National Park on January 15, 2024.