Whitewater, California – Riverside Sheriff Aviation responded to a call on the Pacific Crest Trail for a stuck hiker.

The rescue took place just south of San Bernardino County.

Rescue 9 was dispatched to the scene.

The hiker managed to send an emergency text to 911 using a Garmin-type communication device.

She was stuck in a precarious position on the trail.

The hiker had been clinging to the cliff for over an hour.

She was carrying a heavy pack and had unstable footing.

Due to the danger of her location, a technical rescue was required.

The rescue specialist decided the safest method was a direct climb and bear hug lift.

He could not risk asking her to release her grip to attach a rescue strap.

Both the hiker and rescuer experienced a strong adrenaline rush once they reached the top.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download