LAKESIDE, Calif.—A 34-year-old man who went missing this week during an outing in the mountainous eastern San Diego-area backcountry was found dead Aug. 1 in the rugged area, authorities reported.

The hiker’s body was discovered about 8:45 a.m. near a footpath on El Cajon Mountain in Lakeside, according to the county Sheriff’s Department.

The man, whose name was withheld pending family notification, had set out to hike trails around the landmark peak southeast of Barona Casino about 9 a.m. Monday. When he failed to return home when expected, his family reported him missing, Lt. Chris Katra said.

Members of the sheriff’s Search and Rescue Detail looked for the man through the night and into Tuesday morning with help from a crew aboard a patrol helicopter, the lieutenant said.