Pacific Crest Trail 2023 Adventure of a Life Time - PCT Thru Hike

This is my story of doing a long thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. It is and will be one of the greatest adventures of my life. In 2023 I hike 1170 miles of the PCT and in 2024 I am going to hit the trail again to start all over again. I am a 62-year-old thru-hiker trying to hike from Mexico to Canada on the PCT to fulfill a dream of a lifetime. Join me as I face absolutely everything that comes with hiking the PCT. From run-ins with bears, and snakes, summiting snowy passes, going through the desert, dealing with wildfires, making new trail friends and seeing some of the most beautiful places on Earth, and surviving yet thriving in these truly wild spaces. Join me for some Type 1 and Type 2 fun and hopefully not too much Type 3 fun. I hope you enjoy the video and my story inspires you to get outside!
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Fund Raiser to raise money to find a cure for Crohn’s Disease. Please make a donation to help with the fight all money goes directly to Crohn's Foundation.
p2p.onecause.com/nationaldiy/...
KZread 2023 PCT Hike Playlist
• PCT 2023 -Pacific Cres...
KZread 2022 JMT Hike Playlist
• John Muir Trail NOBO T...
KZread Grand Canyon Hiking and Rim to Rim Playlist
• Grand Canyon Hiking an...
KZread 2024 PCT Hike Playlist
• Pacific Crest Trail 2024
▶︎If you don't know what type 1,2, and 3 Fun is this is for you.
www.rei.com/blog/climb/fun-scale
#pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2023 #pct2023 #pct2024 #pct #hiking #thruhike #backpacking #smoothonthepct #california #oregon #washington #mtwhitney #yosemite #sequoia #kingscanyon #nationalparks #nationalpark #mountrainier #northcascades #sierra #sierranevada #mountains #camping #thruhiking #hike #hiker #backpacker #hike #hikingvlog #adventure #tunnalfalls #waterfall #backpacking #backpackingadventures #campo #eaglerock #lassen #snake #tahoerimtrail

Пікірлер: 83

  • @user-un8oc2vk4d
    @user-un8oc2vk4d4 ай бұрын

    Incedrible journey Mike (Smooth)! Beautiful video and narration. You’re right, it’s all about the people you meet. Thank you for your companionship and friendship, Gadget.

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks, Gadget you made the trip a great one for me. Good memories! I was so lucky to have the opportunity to hike with you. I learned a lot from you and I am looking forward to hiking with you again in the future.

  • @j.stephens257
    @j.stephens25715 күн бұрын

    Hope you're out killing it on the PCT again this year, best of luck! What an awesome journey.

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    10 күн бұрын

    Thanks it’s an Adventure you will have to watch the next couple of videos of us going through the Sierra in the snow. It get more intense as we go.

  • @boblabrash7382
    @boblabrash73822 ай бұрын

    Howdy Mike enjoyed you 2023 Hike summary and being with you for 1170 miles!! We watched the who tape as a real movie!! Thanks for sharing your awesome trip! Sorry you got hurt a long the way! Bob La Brash from KK

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks Bob I am glad you enjoyed it. I am at mile 196 right now taking a break on the PCT coming down off San Jacinto. I’m going to do my best to go farther this year. Take it easy the Kactus Kickers got me hooked on hiking.

  • @hyklyfmatto9714
    @hyklyfmatto97143 ай бұрын

    Thanks for taking us along on your journey. Love footage and your continuous joyful spirit .

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    3 ай бұрын

    I’m glad you enjoyed it!

  • @morgs365
    @morgs3654 ай бұрын

    Love seeing someone older concurring the PCT! Loved this documentary, thank you for bringing us along!

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    Ha Ha, I have not conquered the PCT by any means. I’ve hiked half of it now let’s see what happens this year. Hopefully, I can do the whole thing in one year. I’m glad you enjoyed the video.

  • @jamesmccarthy8102
    @jamesmccarthy81024 ай бұрын

    Great job with the video and sharing the challenge & beauty of the PCT. Best wishes on the PCT in 2024! I'll be hiking the last 1000 miles on the AT starting on April 1st - no joke! 😊

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks and good luck on the AT I hope you have a great time!

  • @glenloewen7507
    @glenloewen75073 ай бұрын

    I love your video and journey! It’s looking like I’m lining up for 2025 or 2026 so I’m sorry I missed you out there! Good luck this year!!!

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks I’m glad you enjoyed the video. And good luck on your 2025 or 2026 hike remembered to enjoy the journey.

  • @megeshom729
    @megeshom729Ай бұрын

    Hi Smooth, Great video! I wasn’t aware of your fundraiser. My mother-in-law is in advanced stages of Crohn’s disease. As part of her critical care team, I had to get off trail when I did to care for her. Heartbreaking 💔 I sure enjoyed the times hiking with you and Gadget. I’ll be following your adventure in 2024! Hattie

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    Ай бұрын

    Hattie, it was great hiking with you and I’m sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. I really appreciate your donation to the Crohn’s foundation. With some luck, maybe I’ll see you on the trail sometime in the future. Take care.

  • @PhoenixGenesis
    @PhoenixGenesis3 ай бұрын

    Great video. You are a tough guy. Farthest I got was Kennedy Meadows last year. Back again this year for less type 2 fun.

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    3 ай бұрын

    Ya hopefully we’ll have a little less type two fun this year. Maybe I’ll see you on the trail!

  • @AWalkOnDirt
    @AWalkOnDirt4 ай бұрын

    41 days and I will be starting.

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    Really March 26th? Thats great I will see you on the trail!

  • @AWalkOnDirt

    @AWalkOnDirt

    4 ай бұрын

    @@MikeRiggsAdventures Impressive math skills! I will see ya out there.

  • @Casual_BackPacking
    @Casual_BackPackingАй бұрын

    Amazing video !

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks! I glad you liked it

  • @wildoceanappaloosawomangay2535
    @wildoceanappaloosawomangay25353 ай бұрын

    Petrified of ticks, Lyme disease. Also, I take two long showers daily cannot stand feeling dirty and can’t be away from my dogs, they’re my family and heart Although, I know hiking the trail would transform me ☮️💚

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    3 ай бұрын

    That’s ok just do day hikes you can also use Permithrin to protect yourself from ticks. Try it.

  • @debkheiry5846
    @debkheiry58464 ай бұрын

    Awesome video! I’m from SoCal and have hiked so many short sections of the PCT. It was fun tracing your steps. BTW, it’s pronounced, “Ka-Hone” pass. :). (Cajon).

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    Hey thanks for letting me know how to pronounce Ka-Hone pass. Correcting me is a full time job! 😂 Take it easy!

  • @user-lg2ve7pm2i
    @user-lg2ve7pm2i4 ай бұрын

    Great! Im giving the Oregon pct section a try this summer. So ready

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    When you’re going into cascade locks, make sure you take the alternate and check out tunnel Falls it’s awesome. Enjoy you’ll love it.

  • @boblabrash7382
    @boblabrash73822 ай бұрын

    Mike, I was shocked but real happy you contacted me, these phones are amazing. My youngest brother Rodger 11 years younger than me, who owns a Welding Blacksmith shop here in Phoenix called Grizzly Iron. He hikes almost every day on one of the mountain trails before he goes to work at 4:30 am. 2 weeks ago he hiked the Tanner Trail in Grand Canyon and is hiking the Arizona Trail some times. He has done over half of it! My other brother Randy 3 years younger than me who lives in Show Low hikes almost every week too with his wife right along besides him. I have not been hiking in a long time. Who knows when. You have a wonderful trip and no falling this year, it hurts too much!! Please give Monica a Hi for us too! Bob & Christine

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks Bob and Christine

  • @carolenglish4978
    @carolenglish49783 ай бұрын

    Ohh just found your channel. Im so excited to see where you go i subscribed so i could be with you. Happy trails

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    3 ай бұрын

    Awesome! Thank you!

  • @LucasBedardbjjNorthernRonin
    @LucasBedardbjjNorthernRonin3 ай бұрын

    Thank you for sharing. Awesome video 😎

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks I am glad you enjoyed it! Have a great day

  • @larryputman6660
    @larryputman66604 ай бұрын

    Good job on your photography and editing. Thanks for taking me along.

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @robbailey464
    @robbailey4643 ай бұрын

    Great job on the video Mike! It made my heart soar! Hopefully we'll get to hike together again someday.

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    3 ай бұрын

    Rob, we’re definitely going to hike again together someday. If nothing else I’ll drive all the way down to Arkansas to go mountain biking with you. You’re a good friend stay in touch.

  • @mariojsworld
    @mariojsworld4 ай бұрын

    Amazing adventure of a life time.

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    It was a great adventure!

  • @nutthrower4415
    @nutthrower44154 ай бұрын

    Really enjoyed this adventure with you. I’m not sure what it is that has made your vid better than others but it was. Thanks for sharing

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @js7489
    @js74894 ай бұрын

    Pretty Crazy Trail! Good luck in 2024! We are rooting for you!

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks I really do appreciate the support and the donation to Crohn’s. You guys are awesome!

  • @williamgarling8769
    @williamgarling87694 ай бұрын

    What a great video Mike. You did a fantastic job on editing along with the really good music. I watched it all the way through except for the short time I had to help Carmen. Thanks again for making it. I know I won't be able to go but at least I have a little understanding of the trail now. Thanks again!

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    Bill, I wouldn’t be on the trail if it wasn’t for you! You’re the guy that inspired me to hike dragging me down to the Grand Canyon and back out again on the rim-to-rim hikes. Those hikes in the GC have inspired me and gave me the confidence to do the thru-hikes. You have truly made a positive impact in my life. Thanks, Bill

  • @stevekigawa7735
    @stevekigawa77354 ай бұрын

    Great inspiration and mental fortitude, makes me want to consider the PCT for next year. I`ll have to hit you up for tips for 60+ backpackers.

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    Pro tip don’t act like you’re 60 😂 60s the new 40😎

  • @uglybastard6
    @uglybastard64 ай бұрын

    Love your channel sir. Subscriber from the Philippines.

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    Awesome, thank you!

  • @user-vn6xz5hv9d
    @user-vn6xz5hv9d4 ай бұрын

    Stellar video Mike, with very creative production. The beauty of your trek near Tahoe was spectacular, and on my list of must-see's. I look forward to hiking with you soon. Stay smooth! Your zonie amigo, Scott p.s. I am stoked that Stovepipe Bonnie made an appearance in the vid 🥹

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    The beauty of Lake Tahoe really surprised me it was incredible! It was one of my favorite sections of the trail. When I did the video I was just trying to tell my story of my 2023 hike and Bonnie was part of the memory. The fun part is the people you meet. I was shocked when she pulled out the cot. She was strong on the trail I could not handle that load. I am looking forward to hiking with you take it easy.

  • @trexinvert
    @trexinvert4 ай бұрын

    You sure an Epic year to hike it.

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    Yeah 2023 was a crazy year on the PCT. With record snowfall it was a little different we’ll see how 2024 goes woo hoo.

  • @jeroenbrink4710
    @jeroenbrink47104 ай бұрын

    Awesome adventure. Hope to do it someday too. Well done 👍

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    If you get a chance, you have to do it even if it’s a small section hike

  • @traviswalker6831
    @traviswalker68314 ай бұрын

    Good job buddy!

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks

  • @fcboomstick
    @fcboomstick3 ай бұрын

    I'm starting NOBO on 12th April 2024, see you out there!

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    3 ай бұрын

    Sounds great have an awesome hike.

  • @Lifesatrip321
    @Lifesatrip3214 ай бұрын

    I start the end of April, hope we run into eachother. Keep on rockin old man, lookin great🤙🏼

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    Have a great Hike PCT 2024 WooHoo!!!!! 👍

  • @jeffg3895
    @jeffg38954 ай бұрын

    Love it! When and where are you starting in 2024?

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    March 26th I can't wait!! Campo start.

  • @jeroenbrink4710
    @jeroenbrink47104 ай бұрын

    That looks like a super comfy and airy hat. What type is that ? Cheers from Holland 🇳🇱

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    It’s a Tilly airflow hat. It works great for desert, hiking and keeping the sun off you.

  • @tiger2too18
    @tiger2too184 ай бұрын

    Great video thanks. What date did you start? How long did it take?

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    I started on March 26th however it was a crazy snow year. I got off after 704 miles in Kennedy Meadows May 25 I got off the trail and went up to Oregon & Washington in late June and hiked 75 miles. Then made two trips to Alaska and got back on trail at Echo Lakes in South Lake Tahoe hiked to Donner Summit Trail Head got off trail again 7-24-23 due to a fractured rib after a fall in the snow, and came back again healing up and starting back at Donner 8-22-23 and hiked to Dunsmuir to finish my hike 9-21-23. I had to get off trail at that point due to a family emergency. I am looking forward to starting again this year March 26th in Campo and trying to make it all the way without all the breaks. We will see how it goes one day at time. Have a great day!

  • @tiger2too18

    @tiger2too18

    4 ай бұрын

    I can see it was more of an adventure than you expected. Thanks for responding. Great inspiration for other hikers. I’m 57 wanting to do PCT . Need to get last teen thru college b4 starting.

  • @rajutailor9292
    @rajutailor9292Ай бұрын

    What was low point of your experience?

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    Ай бұрын

    In 2023 when I fell and hurt my rib and had to go home. I thought my hike was over I was devastated, but I was able to come back a month later and hike from Donner Summit trailhead to Dunsmuir

  • @kelbud43
    @kelbud434 ай бұрын

    When did you start?

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    March 26th and that’s when I will be starting again this year.

  • @thekingfish4574
    @thekingfish45744 ай бұрын

    Mike: can you provide the info on the music you play on the video? Artist and name of songs? Thanks. Kingfish

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    All of the music and sound effects are from www.epidemicsound.com/ I’ve purchased a subscription to legally use all the music.

  • @seananthonyjohnson
    @seananthonyjohnson3 ай бұрын

    2024 when will u start

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    3 ай бұрын

    Next week I can't wait! 👍

  • @Joooooot
    @Joooooot4 ай бұрын

    Anybody know what trail this is?

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    4 ай бұрын

    It’s the PCT the Pretty Crazy Trail 😂

  • @oriente2b602
    @oriente2b6022 ай бұрын

    And your age ?

  • @MikeRiggsAdventures

    @MikeRiggsAdventures

    2 ай бұрын

    I act like a seven-year-old eat like a 17-year-old and I’m 62