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

[@MarkZawalski]

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]

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.

[@hyklyfmatto9714]

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

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@morgs365]

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

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

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.

[@SixInchChaka]

I have bad ankles so I would never be able to do this. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us. Wishing you good health and a happy life

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

Thanks I’m glad you enjoyed the video take care!

[@jamesmccarthy8102]

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]

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

[@glenloewen7507]

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]

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

[@debkheiry5846]

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]

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

[@mariojsworld]

Amazing adventure of a life time.

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

It was a great adventure!

[@larryputman6660]

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

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@traviswalker6831]

Good job buddy!

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

Thanks

[@CherylRunberg]

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

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

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.

[@JiuJitsuAdventureGuy]

Thank you for sharing. Awesome video 😎

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

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

[@trexinvert]

You sure an Epic year to hike it.

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

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.

[@robbailey464]

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

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

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.

[@Casual_BackPacking]

Amazing video !

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

Thanks! I glad you liked it

[@Olympia_Outdoors]

Great Video, Washington in Summer is amazing if you ever get a chance to check it out. I like to hit the PCT in AUG here. Take care dude!

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

I will definitely try to do that!

[@j.stephens257]

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

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

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.

[@js7489]

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

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

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

[@boblabrash7382]

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]

Thanks Bob and Christine

[@megeshom729]

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]

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.

[@boblabrash7382]

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]

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.

[@jeroenbrink4710]

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

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

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

[@Lifesatrip321]

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

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

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

[@fcboomstick]

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

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

Sounds great have an awesome hike.

[@stevekigawa7735]

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]

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

[@PhoenixGenesis]

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]

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

[@ScottSteiner-k2c]

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]

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.

[@williamgarling8769]

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]

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

[@carolenglish4978]

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

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jeroenbrink4710]

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

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

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

[@AWalkOnDirt]

41 days and I will be starting.

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

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

[@AWalkOnDirt]

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

[@jeffg3895]

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

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

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

[@tiger2too18]

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

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

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]

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.

[@wildoceanappaloosawomangay2535]

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]

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

[@rajutailor9292]

What was low point of your experience?

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

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

[@seananthonyjohnson]

2024 when will u start

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

Next week I can't wait! 👍

[@Joooooot]

Anybody know what trail this is?

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

It’s the PCT the Pretty Crazy Trail 😂

[@kelbud43]

When did you start?

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

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

[@thekingfish4574]

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

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

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

[@oriente2b602]

And your age ?

[@MikeRiggsAdventures]

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