Miracle as missing hiker, 70, is found alive after five days in the blistering Sierra Nevada - as he reveals the mistake got him lost and the trick he used to survive

A missing 70-year-old hiker who was miraculously been found alive after getting lost for five days in the blistering heat of the Sierra Nevada mountains has revealed how he managed to survive.

Warren Elliott disappeared last week after setting out on a stroll from his campsite in Rubicon Springs.

The experienced hiker made a wrong turn at around 3pm on Friday and ended up getting lost as the mercury soared to 90F, drinking from the nearby river and snacking on berries to survive.

He was spotted by another hiker passing California’s Hell Hole Reservoir on Wednesday morning.

Missing hiker Warren Elliott, 70, has miraculously been found alive after getting lost for five days in the blistering heat of the Sierra Nevada mountains

A dramatic video shows the moment an exhausted and bedraggled Elliott was reunited with his ecstatic family.

The senior is seen exiting a helicopter to cheers and applause before he is handed back his beloved cowboy hat.

Elliott was in the area doing trail rehab ahead of the Jeepers Jamboree car event.

His disappearance sparked a huge manhunt with up to 100 searchers from across 10 agencies out every day.

Blackhawk helicopters, ATV vehicles and canine units were all deployed to assist in the search. 

After he was spotted, the beloved senior was airlifted to safety to the command post at Homewood Mountain Resort.

Elliott disappeared last week after setting out on a stroll from his campsite in Rubicon Springs but has since been reunited with his family

His disappearance sparked a huge manhunt with up to 100 searchers from across 10 agencies out every day

The experienced hiker made a wrong turn at around 3pm on Friday and ended up getting lost as the mercury soared to 90F

'From the point he was last seen, near Cadillac Hill, to the area he was found, Hell Hole Reservoir, is roughly 9 miles as the crow flies; however, he walked much further than that over the five days,' Placer County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

'Mr. Elliott was not hurt and is in good spirits. This is a tremendous relief for Mr. Elliott's family and friends.

'A heartfelt thank you to all the search and rescue teams who tirelessly assisted from across the state. 

'We are also immensely grateful to Jeepers Jamboree for their support and hospitality extended to our search teams. They provided food, drinks, and a place to camp overnight.'