CHP chopper plucks hurt hiker off Lake Berryessa cliff (w/video)

A CHP helicopter crew rescued a 20-year-old hiker who was stuck on a cliff Sunday near the Monticello Dam on the southeast end of Lake Berryessa.

The hiker, who was not identified, was climbing on the steep cliff when he tumbled down several feet and got stuck about 50 to 100 feet from the bottom, according to CHP officials in Napa.

“It would have been a life-threatening fall if he had fallen,” said CHP Officer James Andrews.

The Napa-based CHP helicopter, piloted by Officer Dave Power, was called to the scene at about 3:30 p.m. CHP paramedic Ben Schmidt was lowered down to the hiker and within minutes hoisted him up with a lift collar.

Andrews said it remained unknown whether the man was climbing up or down the cliff. He was about 200 feet from the top.

The hiker sustained minor injuries from the fall and was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital, Andrews added.

“He’s a very, very lucky guy,” he said.