Big Bend National Park, Texas - In a successful search and rescue operation, park officials announced on Friday that a hiker who had been missing for over a week was found alive in Big Bend National Park. Identified as Christy Perry, a 25-year-old from Houston, she was located and safely rescued by a highly skilled team in collaboration with outside law enforcement.

According to the National Park Service, Perry had been missing since November 9th. She had planned to return home to Houston after her trip to Big Bend National Park, but her family reported her missing when she failed to do so. Perry had picked up a rental car in Midland and arrived at the park, but she did not make it to her camping reservation at the Chisos Basin Campground.

The rental car was discovered later at the trailhead of the Lost Mine Trail. Following the report of her disappearance, Park Rangers and U.S. Border Patrol Agents commenced a search for Perry on Wednesday. The Lost Mine Trail, a 4.8-mile round trip, was closed on Thursday to provide ample space for the search teams.

After an extensive search effort spanning several days, Perry was finally found at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Friday. The National Park Service reported that she was discovered "approximately 1/4 mile below the summit of the Lost Mine Trail." Although specifics about her condition were not disclosed, officials did mention that she was awake and talking at the time of her rescue.

Perry was immediately provided with medical care and subsequently transported to a hospital in Odessa, Texas. As Big Bend National Park encompasses around 800,000 acres, the search and rescue operation required the expertise and collaboration of various agencies.

Big Bend National Park, located in southwestern Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border, remains a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. The successful rescue of Christy Perry serves as a testament to the dedication and diligence of the park's search and rescue team in ensuring the safety of those who visit.

The details surrounding Perry's disappearance and subsequent rescue will be further investigated in the coming days, providing valuable insights into the events that transpired during her time in Big Bend National Park.