This is the dramatic moment a sheriff saved two hikers who plunged down an 800ft (244m) cliff in California.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office reported that the rescue operation began on March 1 when a male and female mountaineer fell from a ridgeline trail above Idyllwild.

Authorities said: 'Riverside Sheriff helicopter Rescue 9 initially responded and made several attempts to hoist the victims out, but could not due to very high winds.'

Helicopter crews from the Orange County Fire Authority and Cal Fire also attempted rescue but were unable to reach the victims.

A ground team from the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit was dispatched and stayed with the hikers overnight.

The following day brought additional challenges. Authorities noted: 'Several attempts were made by helicopter but were unsuccessful due to mountain obscuration and high turbulence surface winds.'

The hikers and ground crews endured a second night in frigid conditions.

On Tuesday morning, after three attempts and less-than-ideal windy conditions, Riverside County's Rescue 9 helicopter crew completed the hoist rescue.

Bodycam footage shows a rescuer descending into the forest, narrowly avoiding trees, and eventually landing on the snow-covered terrain, where he was directed to the victims by ground crews.

The male backpacker, who sustained the most severe injuries, was hoisted into the aircraft and flown to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment.

A Cal Fire helicopter crew then rescued the female mountaineer.

Officials thanked the entire team: 'Many, many thanks to all those ground crews that were involved as well as all the helicopter crews who were involved in this rescue.'

The condition of the holidaymakers remains unavailable.