US Hiker's 3-Hour Trek Turns Into 10-Day Ordeal, Drinks Boot Water To Survive

Lukas McClish, 34, from Boulder Creek, California, is back home after spending 10 days lost in the Santa Cruz Mountains, according to ABC 7 Los Angeles. McClish had set out for a day hike on June 11th but became disoriented and lost his way. After he failed to show up for a planned dinner on Father's Day, he was reported missing on June 16th. A search effort was launched, and McClish was fortunately rescued four days later.

"I left with just a pair of pants, and my pair of hiking shoes, and a hat. I had a flashlight, and a pair of folding scissors, like a Leatherman tool. And that was about it," the Boulder Creek resident told the station on Friday.

"I'm tired and a little sore, I lost my voice," McClish said.

"I just make sure I drank a gallon of water every day, but then after, getting close to the end of it, my body needed food and some kind of sustenance," McClish told ABC 7 Los Angeles.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office used drones to help search for McClish. They were assisted by Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz, the Boulder Creek Fire Department, and CA State Parks.

With @SantaCruzSO1 drone Lukas McClish, 34, was located in 🌲 between Empire Grade & Big Basin Hwy near Foreman Creek in @sccounty. McClish was reported missing 5 days ago by family. CDCR
and @CAStateParks assisted.
We are grateful he's home. pic.twitter.com/oSE7GY5wCe

— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) June 21, 2024

Witnesses heard someone shouting for help around 3 pm on Thursday, according to the Sheriff's Office. McClish was discovered in a faraway canyon in Big Basin State Park.He felt grateful to see so many people and search dogs looking for him.

"It was just really humbling and I don't know, it was an awesome experience," McClish said.

"I did enough hiking for probably the whole rest of the year," he said

"Me too," his dad said.

"We've all hiked a lot," his mom said.