California Hunter Ron Dailey Survives 20-Day Ordeal After Getting Lost in Sierra Wilderness — Selma Man Recalls How He Made It Out Alive

A California hunter who was feared dead after vanishing for nearly three weeks in the Sierra National Forest has miraculously been found alive, recounting his incredible story of survival after enduring 20 days alone in the wilderness.

Ron Dailey, 65, of Selma, set out on what was supposed to be a one-day hunting trip on October 13. When he failed to return home, family and authorities launched a massive search effort that stretched for weeks through rugged mountain terrain.

According to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Dailey was finally discovered on Saturday near Swamp Lake Trail, more than 20 miles from where he began his trip. Exhausted, malnourished, but alive — his recovery brought an emotional end to a desperate search.

The Swamp Lake trail in the Sierra National Forest that Dailey was traveling was a extremely rugged landscape that tore apart his truck

Speaking to ABC News, Dailey said his nightmare began after taking a wrong turn while navigating a rough Jeep road. His vehicle broke down deep in the wilderness, forcing him to use the truck as shelter.

“I went over this thing, and it was scraping bottom. I looked up and saw a sign that said ‘Diamond Road, Jeep Road.’ That means you’d better have a rock crawler — and I don’t,” Dailey recalled.

He survived for about two weeks on limited food before deciding to hike out on foot. “You either try to walk out, or you’re going to sit here and die,” he said.

Ron Dailey, 65, was reported missing on October 13 when he didn't return from a deer hunting trip near the Swamp Lake trail in the Sierra National Forest

Glenda, his wife, posted how grateful she was for the efforts by officials, volunteers, and god for bringing her husband home

Battling freezing temperatures and exhaustion at 10,000 feet elevation, Dailey lost his phone after falling down a rocky hill. For days, he wandered the wilderness, praying for rescue and surviving without food for nearly a week.

Then, after 20 days missing, Dailey spotted headlights cutting through the dark forest — a moment he’ll never forget. “I raised my hand up to the car with the headlights on and said, ‘Oh God, thank you, Lord.’”

A group of hunters had stumbled upon him — weak, emaciated, but alive. He was taken to a local hospital for observation and was expected to make a full recovery.

Dailey’s family called his survival “nothing short of a miracle,” saying they never gave up hope he would return.