A California man, Lukas McClish, 34, was stranded for ten days in the Santa Cruz Mountains after getting lost on a hike. McClish had set out for what he thought would be a brief three-hour hike on June 11, but the hike took a dangerous turn due to the recent wildfires that had destroyed local landmarks, making navigation difficult.

When McClish failed to show up for a Father’s Day dinner on June 16, his family reported him missing, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation. According to CNN affiliate KGO, the rescue effort was spearheaded by the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office, and McClish was eventually found on June 21, thanks to a drone. The drone located him in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the oldest state park in California, known for its ancient coast redwood trees.

During his time in the wilderness, McClish had to rely on his resourcefulness and the natural water sources around him. “I just made sure I drank a gallon of water every day,” he told KGO. He found water in creeks and waterfalls, which was crucial for his survival as he hiked through the forest each day, calling out for help.

McClish's ordeal left him exhausted and with a lost voice, but he suffered no major injuries. He was found with only the clothes he left in: a pair of pants, hiking shoes, a hat, a flashlight, and a pair of folding scissors. “I left with just a pair of pants, my hiking shoes, and a hat,” he said. “I had a flashlight and a pair of folding scissors, like a Leatherman tool. And that was about it.”

Witnesses had reported hearing someone calling for help, but pinpointing the exact location proved difficult. The drone from the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office played a crucial role in locating McClish. Cal Fire San Mateo highlighted the challenging search in an X post, expressing relief at finding McClish safe.

Reflecting on his experience, McClish expressed deep gratitude for the search and rescue teams. “Seeing the number of search and rescue workers who worked to find me was really humbling,” he said. “It was an awesome experience.”