Hiker from Bakersfield found and airlifted to safety

A missing hiker from Bakersfield was found Monday and airlifted to safety, Tulare County Sheriff’s Department said.

Isabel Marie Vela, 36, was missing since noon Sunday in Balch Park northeast of Porterville. She was found around 1 p.m. Monday by Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Unit, said Tulare County Sheriff.

Vela was hoisted from the rural location with assistance from a helicopter from the Naval Air Station, Lemoore, Search and Rescue, the sheriff’s department said.

The Tulare County Sheriff's Department reminds people not to hike alone and let others know your destination when you expect to return to the trailhead.

This story was originally published August 8, 2016 at 8:10 PM with the headline "Hiker from Bakersfield found and airlifted to safety."