Hiker Found Alive After 10 Days Lost In Mountains Shares Scary Survival Story

A hiker who recently went missing in California has opened up about his intense experience after being rescued.

Lukas McClish headed out for what he thought would be a routine three-hour hike in the Santa Cruz Mountains on June 11.

He was so used to these hikes that he didn’t even bother to wear a shirt that day. However, this time, things didn't go as planned, and he ended up getting lost.

McClish was officially reported missing six days later when he didn't show up for a Father's Day dinner. Thankfully, he was rescued four days after that.

McClish reunited with his family after ten days. KSBW / SLV Steve

In an interview with ABC 7 LA, the landscaper shared that navigating was particularly tough because many landmarks had been destroyed by recent wildfires in the area.

He explained, "That’s one thing that I didn’t take into consideration — when the fire comes through like that and decimates it, it turns into the desert, and you’re unable to find your bearings."

While he did manage to find a reliable water source, dehydration wasn’t his only concern. 

McClish revealed a chilling detail about his ordeal—he had spotted a mountain lion stalking him during his time lost.

Luckily, the mountain lion kept its distance. McClish recalled the encounter lightly, saying, "He kept his distance, he was a pretty cool lion, I guess."

Being lost, McClish also had to make sure he found adequate shelter from the sun, especially important because he has albinism.

And although he found water, food was a different challenge. The 34-year-old said he survived by eating wild berries, all while dreaming of more filling food.

He shared how he called for help, saying: "Just ‘Help, help. I’m over here.’

"Or ‘Is anybody out there? I want a burrito and a taco bowl,’ that’s what I thought about every day after the first five days, when I started to kind of realize that I might be in over my head."

McClish was found after a multi-agency search. Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office

He added humorously, "Every day I hoped they would find me before 8 p.m. so I could get a burrito and taco bowl."

After a coordinated effort by multiple agencies, McClish was finally rescued. Once checked out at the hospital, he was able to satisfy his long-held craving for a burrito and a taco bowl.

It’s safe to say that meal was probably the most satisfying burrito and taco bowl he's ever had.