A hiker was rescued by helicopter after clinging to a cliff for over an hour on April 13, 2025. The dramatic rescue took place along the Pacific Crest Trail, near the Whitewater Preserve, just south of San Bernardino County.
The hiker sent a distress message at 10:11 a.m. using a Garmin-style device. This alerted the Riverside County sheriff’s aviation team, which quickly dispatched two pilots and three crew members to the scene. When they arrived, they found the woman exhausted and precariously perched about 20 to 30 feet from the plateau.
Rescuers described the situation as “an intense, technical rescue.” The hiker was struggling to maintain her grip, with her shoes barely holding onto the rocky surface. She was also weighed down by a heavy backpack filled with supplies.
A rescuer descended from the helicopter and carefully approached the woman, guiding her through the rescue process. At one point, the hiker panicked and grabbed onto the rescuer’s ears for support instead of his body. The aviation team later explained that they could not risk asking her to let go of the cliff.
After several tense minutes, the helicopter lifted both the rescuer and the hiker to safety. Once on solid ground, the woman quickly reached for a water bottle, clearly relieved to be out of danger. Fortunately, she did not suffer any significant injuries, though she had some scrapes on her legs and knees.
The Riverside County sheriff’s aviation unit has had a busy season, with multiple rescues in recent weeks. Just last month, they saved three hikers along the Pacific Crest Trail, one of whom was in serious medical distress. The team continues to respond to emergencies in the area, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring the safety of outdoor enthusiasts.