Human remains found in Joshua Tree National Park in California have been identified as missing Guelph man Paul Miller.

The 51-year-old disappeared on July 13, 2018, while on a solo hike in the park.

His remains were discovered on December 20, 2019 in a 'desert wash' area, Gabriel Morales, Supervising Deputy Coroner with the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner told CBC Kitchener-Waterloo

Morales indicated Miller was identified on Monday through dental records.

He said the coroner's office will be conducting additional testing to determine a cause of death.

'Easy to get lost in there'

Morales said it's not uncommon for people to disappear in the park.

"There's a lot of very remote areas," he said. "There are missing people out there that are not found for quite some time. It's easy to get lost in there."

Morales said Miller's body will be released in the next couple of days.

Family continued searching

Miller was near the end of a hiking vacation with his wife Stephanie when he disappeared after setting off solo to explore the difficult but well-marked 49 Palms Oasis trail.

The trail is located in the southern area of the vast desert park about 150 miles (241 kilometres) east of Los Angeles.

Several extensive searches were conducted after his disappearance.

According to a Twitter account associated with the rescue effort, arrangements are being made for a memorial and celebration of life.