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Sam Penrod ReportingThree hikers are finally safe this afternoon, after spending the night stuck on a cliff in Provo Canyon.
Sam Penrod was there as the hikers were rescued this morning and he talked to one of them about what happened.
The hikers are from California and say they were drawn to the canyon because of its beauty. But their lack of experience put them in danger and forced them to spend the night, until a rescue helicopter could get them off the mountain.
The men called for help just before dark last night. But the area they were in was too dangerous for either searchers on foot or Life Flight to get to because of the steep cliffs.
So when the sun came up, Life Flight came in with its hoist and one by one, was able to lift the three hikers to safety.
The men had a long night, although they were prepared with a few basics and were able to start a fire and huddle in a small cave.
They say they learned their lesson and know they are very fortunate to have not been seriously hurt from the position they put themselves in.
Caleb Barnes, Rescued Hiker: "It's a miracle we are alive. [We had] a lot of close calls of rock slides. My buddy smashed his finger. I caught a few rocks on the head. We're lucky, very lucky."
Sgt. Tom Hodgson, Utah County Sheriff's Office: "They made some good choices in the fact they stayed put and called us on the phone. But they made a bad choice in trying to go up a route they were unfamiliar with. They weren't particularly prepared. They did have a flashlight and equipment."
Last night as Chopper Five was helping to search, the hikers were able to signal back with that flashlight. And they were able to talk to searchers on the cell phone. So they knew help was on the way, but that help wouldn't arrive until morning.
The three hikers say their next stop on their way home to California is the Grand Canyon. But they say they won't be doing any hiking, only sightseeing.
