7 days Alone in Yosemite Backcountry.

► Support these films by joining my PATREON community: / harmenhoek
harmenhoek.com/links/
STORE WITH PRINTS - store.harmenhoek.com/
In October 2018 I did my first ever backpacking trip in Yosemite National Park, California, USA.
I did 2 trips:
1. a 5-day trip starting in Tuolumne Meadows. Total Length: 81.8 km | Max Elevation: 3253 m | Min Elevation: 2160 m | Total Ascent: 3833 m
2. a 4-day trip starting in Yosemite Valley and looping around Tenaya Canyon. Total Length: 71.0 km | Max Elevation: 3026 m | Min Elevation: 1211 m | Total Ascent: 3798 m.
Full travel itinerary on: harmenhoek.com/.
Follow me on Instagram: / harmenhoek
Gear on harmenhoek.com/gear.

[@Perception_]

This is the kind of outdoor content I love the most. Little to no distractions - Just pure nature at its best. Great work.

[@HarmenHoek]

Awesome, thank you!

[@andrewwarcstor]

It's smells like poop

[@RollandAnthony]

no distractions - only camera equipment and video production xD

[@zafaryab192]

excetly there is no bad people

[@puccienrico948]

dont lie tho outdoor boys is fire

[@tavigreenfield4421]

As a graduation requirement for highschool, I spent 26 days in the Yosemite backcountry...I actually recognize a few of the lakes in this video. By far the best month of my life, and the Sierras are one of my favorite places on earth. Thanks for letting me relive those memories.

[@HarmenHoek]

How cool is that! Thanks for sharing

[@nedanother9382]

Wow, I'd like to know what high school required that (and when)....how interesting

[@nedanother9382]

@@tavigreenfield4421 thats just awesome. Makes you graduating this year. Best of luck to you. Im going to check out the program, thanks

[@travisbot1414]

i wouldnt want to get eaten by a bear

[@synthfamous]

Did you experience Any thing strange?

[@foxtailmedia8189]

Mad props. Those lapses were epic. Respect to all the dedication setting up a shot, walking through and past scene, and knowing ya gotta walk back to get the gear every single time!! Good stuff

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks a dozen!

[@MichaelBrown-ks8jr]

thats why it took 7 days!!

[@aaronmaclean4464]

7 Days in 25 Minutes, 39 Seconds and only one word. "WHOOO". I'm sure you're an amazing narrator, smart and eloquent, but thank you for letting us all enjoy your video without filler. Blessings.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you so much!

[@phillipmh13]

This needs to be nominated for an award. This is pure art like music , poetry, writing, and painting, an undescribable connection to the collective soul. Cheers to you.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks (:

[@apinanraivo100]

It really is. Very well put, mate.

[@pipfox7834]

for anyone who is trying to learn English from the internet, 'indescribable' is the correct word. Have a great day every walker and would-be walker here...

[@rickball3147]

I love how you capture all the little things of backpacking: opening the bear can; lighting the burner; unzipping the tent; that last drip of the coffee! Man, this was so artistic and captures the whole experience.

[@michaelfilippi1520]

But now aвise faith, hope Love these three; but the greatest of these is Love 3 Cor. 13:13

[@TomDutch]

I just wrote a similar comment.. but focussing on all the sounds these typical outdoor acts make. ❤

[@michaelfilippi1520]

I love how you talk to your emotional well-being in an unknown personal universe while doing bisep curls to this spirit song of hope! Get out of my way! Clock in in of times, and I fell in love with the ocean! Get out of here for a bit and enjoy your time with your protein synthesis! Yall Californians are so blessed yall dont even know that might sound socialpathic to you and other people to serve you and other people to serve you and other spiritual evanescence of your surroundings! You will be a part of me for the lasting remainder of my God-given life 🙏 and the bible of the Alberta lot 5th week was successful in the Colorado mountains, yeah 😀 and the other one was in December 24th and I read The book on a personal adventure 😀

[@robins5828]

I had a stressful week, and fortunately the KZbin algorithm recommended this video to me. That was absolutely beautiful and peaceful and exactly what I needed. I love that you let the scenery speak for itself. Yosemite is truly one of the wonders of the world. Thank you for showing us some of the less traveled areas that most of us will never see.

[@HarmenHoek]

I'm so glad! Thanks

[@underdogoverland]

The music choice was a beautiful backdrop to the crackling nature sounds. I camp to stargaze, having only recently discovered that I needed glasses, I looked up to the night sky and it was like seeing it for the first time in my life. I saw hundreds, if not thousands, when before I could only see the brightest few without my glasses. That shot around 21:13 reminded me of that exact moment, thank you for taking me back to a one of the best moments of my life.

[@HarmenHoek]

It was during this trip I looked up at the sky and saw the milky way low in the sky only to realize seconds later that it was not just down in the sky but a massive band above me as well. First time I saw we are part of the milky way.

[@owenfetherston6906]

This was a masterpiece, it is one of few videos that I've seen where it really feels like I'm there. Thanks for giving me some quality storytelling while I wait for summer backpacking to start again!

[@86GT11]

The most amazing part of this video is the amount of times you had to go back for your camera after filming yourself walk across. 😆

[@acdebiase]

Wow that's awesome! You did it! I went there once in 1981 and I've dreamed of doing it ever since. I'm 66 now so my dream probably won't come true. This place is magical and I always rejoice whenever someone has the balls to go in alone. I envy you and thanks for posting this.

[@andreasjauss3838]

Yosemite rates 15 on my 0 to 10 scale. Some landscapes on earth come close but none of them surpasses. Thank you Harmen to create such an epic documentation of this one of a kind scenery !

[@tinabryant3051]

I am 61 yr old Southern lady who has been to Cali many times, but Dec 2020 came to Yosemite w my youngest son, who has never been.Our time was short, but we’re in awe of the beauty there. So enjoyed the video, so much tranquility, and thanks for the calm, quiet music background. Epic video!

[@thefellbeyond7206]

I've only recently discovered your channel Harmen and I have to say I'm loving it. As a keen hiker and wild camper myself I can really appreciate your gentle touch in the overall feel and theme of your adventures. Not just the beauty of the landscape, framed and shown off in all it's glory but in how you interact and fit in with it; how absorbed and enamoured of it you are. Solo hiking truly allows a man to become absorbed in his surroundings and it reflects in our souls. Brilliantly composed and edited. I also have to say that the colour of your rucksack is complemented wonderfully by so many of the colours of Yosemite's palette; conscious, sub-conscious or merely a happy coincidence? 😃 ATB Elton.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you Elton for your comment! Love to hear from people watching my videos. Makes me humble. And it's coincidence. I just happened to like this color more than the green version. (;

[@garypalmer2066]

I spent 5 months winter mountaineering Yosemites backcountry from January 1st to May 31st 1980 when I was 24. Backpacking, ski touring, built a igloo as a base camp on top of El Capitain, camped at Glacier Point, Little Yosemite Valley, circumnavigated the rim of Yosemite Valley, camped on Yosemite Creek above the Yosemite Falls, ski toured the Tioga Road from Porcupine Flat to Mono Lake, camped atop Clouds Rest. Best memories of my 50 years of backpacking.

[@dateunhike]

A lot to learn of you, Mr. Gary. All my Respect.

[@justinenicole8828]

I had to go back and watch this video again after the JMT video. It's such a pleasure to watch it Harmen. All the details captured like the clouds passing by, the fire, chipmunk, book, pinecones, stars and of course the coffee, they really make your videos beautiful and memorable. I noticed how your hiking gears have changed. I even noticed how you struggled walking with your bulky bagpack. In your latest videos, you look like you walked the earth easily. And the music, it gets me every time. Beautiful! I haven't been to America but I would love to visit it someday and the Yosemite wilderness will be my first stop. I can't wait for your Grand Canyon film!

[@jillyelston6145]

At last, a beautiful video where the hiker doesn't have the camera constantly on his face! Just peace, quiet, incredible scenery, the awesome sky at night, absolutely beautifully filmed, everything I love, thank you so much!

[@frankiehands]

Just got back from visiting Yosemite for the first time. I am obsessed. It is a truly magical place and I am already dying to go back.

[@HarmenHoek]

Haha I know that feeling. Visited 7 times in 2 years. One of my favorite places on this planet

[@frankiehands]

@@HarmenHoek Amazing!!!! Thanks for the content. Great stuff!

[@acana123]

When you pick up your backpack - I bend under its weight... that's the power of your films. I love them

[@Nico-ht5fe]

The nighttime Timelapse shots…just magic! Made my heart warm up

[@matthewjaeger8036]

what an absolute journey this must have been! glad you shared it with us. thank you

[@nickperrotti]

I did a similar stint in Yosemite in 2020, and vlogged the whole thing. This totally different format is so peaceful and calming and captures the beauty so much better than I could've imagined. Thank you for creating this.

[@willybilly3431]

Beautiful! This video really captures the essence of Yosemite. Watching you hike the same trails I have, capture amazing views of peaks I've summited and routes I've climbed over the years reminds me why this is the most special place I've ever been, and will continue to go back until the day I leave this earth.

[@marieredgrift1432]

HI Harmen…I just wanted to tell you how much my husband and I enjoy your videos. We also like to backpack and you have shown us so many trails we would love to do. Thank you for all your effort, appropriate music choices and making them relaxing to watch. So many ppl post with so much talking and crazy music that takes away from the experience. You do a fantastic job!

[@denispolovynka2608]

Beautiful film, it's nice to see our movement gaining more and more fans around the world. The mountains are the love of a lifetime. Greetings from Poland!

[@MikeyGaumann]

This was so beautifully done. Thank you for not speaking a word throughout that entire video. That area of Yosemite speaks to me more than any other place on Earth. You planned your trip out perfectly, every day you had was epic. Doing it solo must have made it an even more unique and special experience. Thank you for making this, it made my night

[@eddieace345]

I’m dying to go back. There’s nothing like folding up your jeans and fishing the streams for wild rainbow trout. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.

[@uhhRocket]

Out of allll the outdoors channels, you Sir are top notch the best at creating an immersive experience for us to feel like we're there with you. Bravo, well done keep doing what your doing and thank you , for taking the time !

[@blasborg]

That was simply stupendous. What a majestic place and what an amazing emotional journey you brought us on with you. Thank you for sharing this with the world. I can only imagine the awe Yosemite inspired for you!

[@axel7918]

hey. Your video was one of the reasons for me to go into Yosemite for five days alone. It was absolutely amazing. I am very grateful you took the effort to make this video. You are great.

[@kawsforerik]

Absolutely love it. Subscribed and watching rest of your content. Was in Yosemite myself in June 2019. Climbed Half Dome. My favorite national park. Went again last fall. Thanks for the time and effort needed to produce your beautiful videos.

[@rocket5557]

That brought back a lot of memories. I haven’t been there for over 25 years. It’s just as beautiful as I remember. It’s amazing after that hike up to the top how everything flattened out. An experience reserved only for those dedicated enough to endure that initial journey in.

[@marialynnedesigns]

It is so hard for me to fathom doing something like this and then going back to a 9-5 job and everyday life.. I have yet to do something this intensive in nature...merely visiting yosemite was enough to make it hard to go back to reality and every day life...this is absolutely stunning.

[@HarmenHoek]

I can totally relate. Most of my days I’m still behind a desk .. But moments like these energize me

[@melbaker9495]

There is a docent program with the Yosemite Conservancy where they give you a campsite for a month and you "work" answering visitor questions for 32 hours a week and then have the remainder of the time to be in and explore the park on your own or with other volunteers. It's my retirement fantasy. I've spoken with those who do it and they come back every year, helping others enjoy the park and getting to live there.

[@aurih2o]

I love how you did this video! It is so calm, quiet, and relaxing! Thank you for the time you spent creating this! Absolutely stunning views!

[@itsthekreev6098]

You’ve done a phenomenal job at capturing the beauty and purity of nature. These types of videos make me truly appreciate our planet and everything on it. Thank you for reminding me of what I sometimes take for granted

[@s.c.i.7506]

Yosemite is beautiful and beyond. I've been blessed to visit the park several times and feel as if I left a portion of my heart there!

[@pipfox7834]

THANKYOU, this was peaceful, immersive, atmospheric viewing. Well done (from someone who has been walking solo in remote areas for fifty years, since childhood). We lived in Central Australia in the sixties, some of my earliest memories are of just taking off for the whole afternoon in countryside where you didn't see another soul. Children had more freedom then... and more ways to stir the imagination and test out our capabilities.

[@schluckauflauf6902]

Absolutely magnificent work! Incredible how you managed to capture the beaty of the backcountry, you can really feel the atmosphere. Now i really want to go hiking agan!

[@DBoone123]

I know I’m discovering this a year late but it is exactly when I am supposed to discover it. This is incredible in many ways. Thank you for what you do and who you are. Godspeed.

[@Shell.Bug.]

Just beautiful. The hiking, the views, the editing, the music, the silence. Nature as it should be. Pure, simplistic and soul-stirring. Well done! Well done!

[@petercollins7848]

I have only visited Yosemite once on a trip from Great Britain. We could only see a small section of it of course in the time we were there, but your beautiful video has brought all the memories back, and also shown how vast and impressive the whole area really is. Fabulous production! Thank you.

[@HarmenHoek]

Totally agree! Such a wonderufl place.

[@johnnyz3075]

Harmen, you have a wonderful style of video production. Your filming is very artistic and moving. Your editing makes it impossible to look away from the video. Thank you for allowing us to follow your beautiful adventures.

[@angrfn]

Your films feel like a gift from heaven. Every single one. I am inspired to go out and feel the outdoors more than I do today. Thank you for doing that.

[@user-om6ks3vi9v]

This film was beautiful!! I grew up in Mammoth and had to move away 3 years ago. Everyday I miss the mountains, the quiet and the beauty that only god can create. This one made me cry, especially at the end.

[@johnnyalanis7248]

Just came across your channel and feel so blessed that I did! Your videos are amazing! So much beauty in nature and I feel you captured it so well! Keep up the great work! Not all those who wander are lost.

[@orangeblossom585]

USA has many beautiful nature to explore mountains, lakes, and vast lands. Thank you for filming this pristine nature. Keeps safe.

[@HarmenHoek]

Yea, I love the vast wilderness in the US! Thanks.

[@vga3245]

The best kind of wilderness video, no talking just beautiful vistas.

[@andrewkytherios3617]

Just Amazing. The right way to make a tour video in nature. Without promoting gear and stuff. Continue like that.

[@opwave79]

I’m glad you enjoyed Yosemite. The park has been in danger of wildfires, and there’s one burning not too far away right now. I hope things improve, because Yosemite is absolutely stunning when all the trees are green and the meadows have flowered.

[@HarmenHoek]

I know, it's really sad to see all the wildfires in Cal. I've visited Yosemite 7 times, and seen it full of smoke more than once unfortunately ...

[@xTremeSequences]

Just amazing! The flow and emotion from this video is stunning. I have been to Yosemie several times but feel like I have never really seen its beauty until now.

[@HarmenHoek]

Wow, thanks!

[@monicalifornia_]

Wow, that sky. You can totally see how The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.

[@malchel2322]

Thank you for bringing us that places ! I love flowers, butterflies , birds, sky, animals,mountains and forest. I love nature.

[@vincentlamoureux422]

Amazing timelapses! Great that you were able to catch so many wonderful landscape images in only one week! Thank you for sharing the beauty of Yosemite!

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks!

[@RonnyNunezsp]

¡Espectacular! ¡Felicidades, Harmen… espero seguir tus pasos!

[@HarmenHoek]

Gracias y mantente seguro!

[@betsymcc61]

Thanks for a beautiful video and walk down memory lane. I backpacked the Yosemite back country for a week in July 1979 when I was 17 . The most memorable backpacking trip of my life.

[@jbower1214]

Man!! Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! I visited Yosemite back in 98 (when I was a teen) & fell head over heels in love! I grew up in Central Florida, so I didn’t have a lot of opportunities to see mountains, except during the summers of my HS years. I went to Colorado in 96 & that was the first real mountains I had seen. I was completely in awe & wonder of such majestic scenery!

[@nomaddict5279]

Man, what a perfect production! Video quality, beautiful content, framing, lighting and exposure, music…. you really nailed it! Thanks for sharing your adventure!

[@HarmenHoek]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Mugsy87]

One of the most beautiful places on this planet, one of my favorite places as well.

[@deldridg]

Thank you Harmen - that was a wonderful escape from our busy lives here in Australia. You have a wonderful way of immersing your viewers with pure quality footage and beautiful production. You now have 4 new fans and a new sub here in Sydney! Can't wait for your next incredible experience. Cheers and thank you, David

[@yixinsun7986]

Pure serenity.

[@dychui]

My wife and I love watching this video from time to time. We own a home near yosemite and feel blessed to live nearby. Your work as a photographer and videographer is truly inspiring

[@HarmenHoek]

That is awesome! Thanks

[@ajda1947]

Harmen, Thanks for taking me along on this adventure, it was relaxing and meditative. The photography music and solitude complimented your journey into nature. Bravo!!!!

[@HarmenHoek]

My pleasure!

[@theresawatson9075]

Gr8 video! No annoying music. No talk. Just nature! Pure gold.

[@RossInTheWild]

Great crisp footage. Brilliant 👏🏼

[@io_metre]

Huge job you've made in production and post-production of this video. That's worth to be mentioned. Thank you for experiencing Yosemite through your eyes

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks!

[@kevinjames1930]

I usually watch ultra trail running but this caught my eye and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Most of my hiking in the UK and Germany has been done alone. There is something so special about being in nature by yourself. Great film, extremely well done and presented, a triumph!

[@HarmenHoek]

Great to hear and thanks for the comment!

[@0zymanndias773]

Mate, the artistry behind this video is unreal.

[@HarmenHoek]

Ha, thanks a lot (:

[@FindingUser]

I love the detail of you reading Into The Wild! Thank you for the hard work you did to inspire me to camp more.

[@londoner1013]

As already commented, this was an amazing video, loved the fact it had no commentary and you could just admire the beauty of Yosemite from Harmen's experience. Great job!!!

[@HarmenHoek]

Yay, thank you!

[@susanliebermann5721]

So beautiful. This made me cry...tears of joy, remembering my many backcountry treks in Yosemite. Thank you.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thank you too!

[@azazulbaz1077]

The sky is amazing.. and your trip too of course

[@char2304]

It's so peaceful watching this ❤ Thank you

[@pratikkumarbiswal5089]

Better than a national geographic documentary!!

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks! :D

[@alyssagibson7077]

I am so moved by this. Have not been to Yosemite since 2012 and dying to return. This is such a reminder to enjoy everything. Not many videos can capture the true feeling of being somewhere, but I think you achieved it with this video. Incredible because it's even more amazing to be there in person! Wonderful work, thank you!

[@HarmenHoek]

I agree! Haven't been back to this place since making this video, but dying to get out there again! Yosemite is something special

[@Kevfields18]

This made me tear up. Exactly what I've gotten away from in life & exactly what I needed to see. So breathtaking!

[@andrewtoddmedia]

I love this gentle approach and editing style, where there's natural sound and soft music. Very inspiring for my own content - I appreciate you Harmen!

[@viviniaasyiqin8990]

Thank you for this amazing video, I'm bawling my eyes out because this is so beautiful. I hope I could explore the natures like you someday!

[@HarmenHoek]

I wish you can! So beautiful! Thanks

[@gokayadabas5219]

I always loved these type of videos, especially for Yosemite ones, however; this one makes me so peaceful! That is the greatest video ever for Yosemite National park! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks! Yosemite always has a special place in my heart. Been there so many times!

[@evaguo1]

I loved the colorful moving clouds and the shooting stars! 💖🧡

[@outsidelife5411]

so peaceful!

[@Doeff8]

i simply LOVE these hikes. I've walked a few parts of them during our 2017 5 week visit of the States (coming from EU), with the climax in Idaho with the eclipse....

[@HarmenHoek]

Amazing!

[@dplusd]

Amazing photography and editing. One of most beautiful hiking videos I've enjoyed. Great job.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks a ton!

[@leorubio5653]

You Live a blessed and peaceful life my friend and we are lucky that we get to experience this vicariously

[@FirstLast-pl7lc]

Love these along but never lonely videos. Thanks for the upload.

[@spiritofzen7022]

What a once in a lifetime experience, I wish I was confident enough to hike alone. I wouldn’t come back. Wonderful video too, thanks for sharing your experience

[@HarmenHoek]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@atlantamarie7764]

This is absolutely stunning. Thank you so much for sharing ✨

[@HarmenHoek]

You are so welcome!

[@christinebethencourt6197]

No useless words, just a man as a little ant walking alone in silence and sharing with people like us under their screen, his beautiful journey on Earth 🌈👌🙏

[@HarmenHoek]

Well said

[@jcepek59]

Superb. I have lived, worked, and hiked all over Yosemite for 10 years. There is a natural spirit in Yosemite that is my inspiration!

[@aminsafri3352]

Falling in love watching this.Amazing!

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks!

[@TimmyLodhi]

Looks like an incredibly peaceful and meditative experience. Awesome cinematography as well Harmen. Can't wait to check out the trip itinerary and book a trip for spring/summer!

[@HarmenHoek]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@andrewduncan7643]

Outstanding as always Harmen.

[@markhowe46]

Stunning….just stunning. Both Yosemite and a trip like yours are high on my bucket list. Thank you for taking me along on your journey.

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@Davespates]

Going backpacking in Yosemite in two weeks. I keep watching this video over and over and over in preparation. Amazing work Harmen.

[@HarmenHoek]

Haha, that's great! And being there is at least 100 times better than this video! Have a nice trip

[@LC-lj5kd]

so good.. peaceful, beautiful, relaxing

[@HarmenHoek]

Thanks!

[@craigpowell9818]

Thank you so much for these beautiful moments.

[@canadian_tabarnak]

Living in Ontario, ive been exploring amazing backcountry areas, but this is kinda a bucket list destination for me, with how much you seemed to enjoy it, I definitely want it even more

[@TheWindyBurrow]

Undoubtedly one of the best silent hiking videos we've ever come across. Bravo! Amazing views, amazing editing. New sub here, can't wait to see more from you ~francesca

[@HarmenHoek]

Awesome, thank you!

[@bixdopp]

peaceful.

[@pismodoug1321]

Thank You. Powerful in so many ways.

[@hritikwadhwa3028]

This film has my heart