Woman Who Went Missing During Hike In Campo Found After Two Days

A 50-year-old woman reported missing in the rugged backcountry near Lake Morena in Campo, California, was safely rescued on Sunday after nearly two days. She had set out for a hike on Friday morning but lost contact with her family soon afterward. The San Diego Sheriff’s Office coordinated an extensive search and rescue operation that ultimately led to her safe recovery, supported by sheriff’s volunteers, a rescue helicopter, and a specialized search team from the U.S. Border Patrol.

A Routine Hike Turns into a Rescue Operation

The woman’s family became concerned when they hadn’t heard from her since her last text message, sent at around 8:30 a.m. on Friday. She mentioned she was beginning a hike near the Lake Morena campground, where she had rented a cabin. When San Diego Parks and Recreation staff later found she had missed her checkout time and left her belongings in the cabin, they alerted the sheriff’s office, and an official search began.

A Massive Search Effort Unfolds

The San Diego Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit deployed approximately 30 volunteers, aided by a sheriff’s helicopter and two members of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Search, Trauma, and Rescue Unit, along with a search dog. By Saturday evening, search teams located a series of shoe prints on a nearby trail, which they believed matched those of the missing hiker. The team’s extensive search efforts paid off when the woman was found before dawn on Sunday in a remote, rocky area almost 10 miles from where she had initially parked her car.

Upon her discovery, search and rescue volunteers assessed her condition, noting that while she was exhausted, she was otherwise unharmed. The volunteers stayed by her side until the sheriff’s helicopter was able to hoist her safely from the steep terrain. The helicopter transported her back to the Lake Morena campground around 8 a.m., where she received medical attention before reuniting with her relieved family.

A Safe Return from a Harrowing Experience

The successful rescue highlighted the coordinated efforts of local law enforcement and federal agencies, each playing a critical role in the challenging terrain. This operation is a reminder of the importance of preparation and communication when hiking in remote areas.