Arizona woman missing for almost a week in Montana found alive

A 23-year-old woman who disappeared on a hike in Montana last week has been found several days after rescuers began searching for her.

Connelly was in the area visiting relatives and reportedly went for a day hike on Thursday, May 4, accompanied by her dog. Members of a trail crew, either with Glacier National Park or the Flathead National Forest, came upon Connelly and her dog, Mogi, Wednesday morning.

A hiker who was missing for six days in Montana has been found alive.

Connelly tells us how she excited she is to finally be going home and how much she appreciates all the search efforts.

"I kind of just thought I was going to make it to my auto this morning and go get a coke and then [go to] my uncle's", she recalled as her parents laughed beside her.

The Flathead County Sheriff's Office, Glacier National Park rangers, Two Bear Air and members of the North Valley Search and Rescue and other search teams have been looking for Connelly since Saturday. A full-scale search began two days later, after her auto was found at the Bear Creek Trailhead, about 4 miles south of Essex on US 2.

Madeline said she became lost after she stopped to swim and hydrate at a lake.

"She did get lost, got turned around and didn't know where she was", Curry said.

She estimates that she hiked about 10 miles a day and at night, she and Mogi slept under trees.

Her vehicle was found near the trailhead where search crews also found her tracks.

They had no food or shelter and no idea of the rescue efforts. "She is 5'5" about 120 pounds and was hiking with her dog, "Mogie" who is medium sized, tan and white dog. "I feel like an idiot honestly". She called her daughter's safe return the "best Mother's Day gift ever". "She is an outdoors girl".

Her parents said they are still in a bit of shock.

A vigil was held Monday night at St. Luke Parish in River Forest, Illinois.