A missing camper was found alive after spending three days stranded in the Arizona wilderness.

Janelle Banda, 32, had reportedly joined her father, David, on a trip into the rugged Coconino County.

She wandered away from their campsite at the Edge of the World near Sedona on June 13 at around 10:30 p.m.

When David realised she had not returned, a frantic multi-day search was launched.

The hiker was eventually rescued by an aerial crew near Bear Sign Canyon on the afternoon of June 16.

Dramatic footage shows the search team hoisting her out of the treacherous terrain using a Bell UH-1Y Venom helicopter.

The Coconino County Sheriff's Office led the rescue effort, assisted by the Yavapai, Maricopa, and Pinal County Sheriff's Offices, along with Arizona DPS Air Rescue.

Ground personnel, search dogs, and helicopters were deployed to scour the dangerous area.

Sarah Banda, Janelle's sister, said: 'One of the rescuers rappelling in the area found Janelle dehydrated with minor injuries, but thankfully she had no broken bones or major trauma.'

A Super Huey helicopter from the Pinal County Sheriff's Office was used to retrieve Janelle from the canyon.

She was then flown to Sedona Airport and later taken to Verde Valley Medical Center for treatment.

Sarah added: 'It's a lot. It's so heavy, but now, it's a good heavy. We had prayed for her safe return while preparing for the worst. We were like, wherever she is, we will find her.'

An investigation revealed that Janelle had been spooked by something in the dark woods, prompting her to stray from the campsite.

The steep cliffs and ravines of the Edge of the World posed a deadly risk, with the remote site known for its rugged terrain, limited cell service, and history of search-and-rescue operations.

Local authorities noted that the Coconino County Sheriff's Office responds to dozens of distress calls annually in the surrounding wilderness areas, many involving lost hikers, falls, or medical emergencies.