Hiker Found Half Naked and Alive After 10 Days Stranded in Santa Cruz Mountains

Lukas McClish, 34, was rescued from the Big Basin Redwoods State Park in Boulder Creek, California after 10 days

A Californian man, Lukas McClish, 34, has been found after being stranded for 10 days in the Santa Cruz Mountains, surviving mostly on water. Covered in dirt, McClish reunited with his family late last week after his ordeal.

McClish set out on a hike on June 11 from his hometown of Boulder Creek, intending it to be a short outing before work. However, he became lost after failing to recognize landmarks that had been destroyed by wildfires. A seasoned hiker and backpacker who works in wildfire-ravaged forests, McClish told The New York Times that he was trying to reach a granite outcropping but became disoriented in an area devastated by the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex fire.

The moment that Mr McClish was reunited him with his family

“The fire turned it into a desert, and I couldn’t find my bearings,” he explained.

When McClish failed to attend a Father's Day dinner on June 16, his family reported him missing. Four days later, multiple reports of someone yelling for help led authorities to search Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

“Just help, help. I’m over here,” McClish recalled shouting. “I want a burrito and a taco bowl, that’s what I thought about every day after the first five days.”

McClish was reported missing by his family after he did not show up for a celebration on Father’s Day

Around 3 PM, several witnesses heard his calls near Foreman Creek off Big Basin Highway. Responders from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, State Parks, Cal Fire, and Boulder Creek Fire Department used drones to pinpoint his location. State Park rangers and fire crews soon reached him.

McClish, fortunately, had no major injuries and was able to reunite with his family. He expressed gratitude for the extensive rescue effort: “It was just really humbling and an awesome experience.”

Rescue personnel from different agencies all assisted in the search for the missing hiker

He had set out with minimal gear: a pair of pants, hiking shoes, a hat, a flashlight, and a Leatherman tool. Despite the lack of supplies, he managed to survive by drinking a gallon of water daily. As the days wore on, however, he realized he needed food.

“I just kept hiking, going up and down canyons, and even encountered a mountain lion,” McClish said, noting the animal kept its distance. Despite losing around 30 pounds during his ordeal, he remained calm, using the experience to test his survival skills.

34-year-old Lukas McClish reunites with his family after getting lost in the Californian wilderness for around 10 days

Now safely back with his family, McClish plans to take a break from hiking: “I think I’ve done enough hiking for probably the whole rest of the year.”