Father, toddler found safe after hiking in Ventura County

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (KABC) -- A father and his 5-year-old son were found safe on Sunday morning after they were reported missing during a hike in the Sycamore Canyon area Saturday afternoon.

Patrick Gardner, 35, and his son, Matthew Gardner, walked out with just a few scratches from their hike and were located by officials, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.

The pair were located around 9 a.m. Sunday. Gardner and his son had become lost sometime after sunset and they found refuge in an unoccupied dwelling east of the Sycamore Canyon Campground, officials said.

The father's blue Toyota Corolla was located in the day-use area of Sycamore Park the night the pair was reported missing, but they were nowhere in sight.

Sheriff's officials said Gardner and his son were in good condition. No further information was available.

The Ventura County Search & Rescue, Ventura County Mounted Unit and Air Unit were all involved in the search efforts.