How a Hike Drew Mike Clelland Into a World of UFOs and "Owl Synchronicities"

Spending time in the wilderness can help us realize essential truths about ourselves. Some of us rethink our careers and lives, others just find an enduring love for nature that keeps them going out again and again. Mike Clelland realized he had been abducted by aliens.

Clelland, a New York ad man turned mountaineer turn ultralight hiker, was camping in the northern Rockies when a trio of owls flew into his campsite. The encounter led him down a rabbit hole of coincidences, folklore, and UFOs. In this special episode of Out and Back, he tells his story.

Out and Back is presented by our colleagues at Gaia GPS. Outside+ members get a premium subscription, along with access to everything Backpacker and our other titles publish. Sign up today.