Incredible moment family-of-five are rescued from icy Colorado hiking trail after they were stranded for seven hours without food and warm clothing amid plummeting temperatures

A family-of-five who got stuck on a Colorado hiking trail amid icy conditions and bitter winds have been saved following a grueling seven hour mission.

The three adults and two children were rescued from the Greenhorn Mountains after becoming stranded on Wednesday evening.

The group, from Chicago, were nearing the summit when they were overcome by the effects of the altitude, unexpected snow and their experience level, Pueblo County Sheriff's Office said.

With dusk approaching, the family realized they were running low on food and ill equipped for the freezing temperatures and 10mph winds.

Luckily the sheriff's units, Rye Fire and Flight for Life were able to reach them before they succumbed to the bitter conditions amid the encroaching nightfall.

Members of the SAR team were airlifted by Flight for Life to the top of North Peak, where the used GPS to locate the cold and hungry family and gave them food, water and warmth. 

As darkness fell on them, the SAR team members hiked with the family about a mile over the peak where they were met by fire personnel who had hiked from the Bartlett Trailhead. 

The entire group then hiked the rest of the way to the top of Ophir Creek where emergency vehicles were waiting for them. 

They arrived down the mountain safely and were reunited with concerned family members who sat out the hike.

'While this rescue took extensive time and coordination by all involved, we commend this family for the things they did that led to their successful rescue,' Pueblo County Sheriff's Office said.

'The family had several of the items recommended in an outdoor survival kit and they told family members of their hiking plans prior to departure. 

'They also had the awareness to call for help before it became a life-threatening emergency, before it got dark, and before their cell phone died. 

'They also followed 9-1-1 operator instructions and remained in one location until rescuers could arrive and locate them.' 

The police urged hikers to be prepared and aware of conditions and abilities before going out, especially this time of year when conditions can change rapidly, and the sun sets earlier.

'We commend all the responders for a successful and safe operation,' the statement added.

The impressive operation earned the teams praise from social media users. 

'We are so blessed to have the men and women willing to go to the rescue no matter when or where. Thank you,' Carol Lombard wrote. 

Mary Kay Deveritch said:  'Glad it was a rescue and not a recovery. I saw the helicopter coming from Pueblo and flying around with search lights on an hour later.'

Debbie Cordova added: 'Awesome job! Glad everyone is safe. Could have gone a lot differently. Glad they had cell service.' 

The Greenhorn Trail is 7.8 miles long beginning elevation at 7,460 feet and ending up at 11,340 feet, a gain of 3,880 feet. 

The trek is described as moderately difficult for hiking by the US Forest Service.