Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park

Jake Evans is the story’s protagonist. The story is written in third person limited, with Jake’s inner world being the only one known to the reader. Jake is 13 years old when he begins his quest set out for him by the men who came before him. He lost his grandpa six months before and continues to miss and think about him every day. Jake’s grandpa was a strong and adventurous man, and Jake hopes to embody those same characteristics. He loves the idea of following in his grandpa’s footsteps, Connecting to One’s Legacy, and solving clues laid out for him by someone he loves. It is not until much later that Jake realizes just how far back this legacy goes, as he discovers Abe’s journal and realizes that this is much more than a simple scavenger hunt.

Jake is intelligent and a highly logical thinker who can quickly decipher most clues and use various techniques to solve them. Jake also quickly learns how to use the topographical map, and each mistake that he and the others make along the way is something he takes as a learning experience. When the kids are late coming back from a hike, Jake takes responsibility for it, showing leadership and maturity.