My Near-Death Canyoning Experience | Surviving a Flash Flood in Utah

[@nathansharp3193]

This should be required viewing at the visitors center.

[@sandyworkman3025]

Right, maybe it would make folks take it seriously.

[@simonwilliams6834]

@@sandyworkman3025 òò⁹o99ò9

[@heatherlegrand2535]

Good idea I dint think out of town people understand the power and speed of flash floods

[@traviscoates6878]

Except nobody goes to the visitor center

[@nickbracken5250]

Yeah maybe that’s a good idea for the handful of national parks… but Utah is full of places like this that don’t have “vistors centers”.

[@ericretterbush]

I am dude dangling on the line, the "other" Eric. For severity sakes I would like to add: 5 minutes earlier we would have walked out, 5 minutes later I would have taken a ride off the cliff without the rope. Also a little over a year later we shared a similar start of the story with another group of zion canyoneers though the end wasn't the same as 7 lives were lost that day. I have become an excellent risk assessor since then and yes we started wearing helmets! Mistakes were made that day and grateful for every day here to tell the story.

[@AdmiralTrevMan]

I've done many canyons in Zion. Only once did we have a possibility of flash flooding. We opted to run that particular canyon last minute the night before the rain. The next day we watched the water fall flow from the canyon. It is crazy how dangerous the water can be.

[@richardcarrier9536]

So glad that Jesus Christ had his hand on you and your friends that day! Very scary!

[@ostapbendervan7874]

So if you did not come down?mister erik Did authoritative voice Push you,LET'S GO 5 MORE MINUTES YOU BE IN COOL WATER In jesus name,you need leader in bad situation Either you follow & live or die,but decisions must be made.be so hard for me to follow of that cliff In jesus name,you made right choice..this is real tape

[@peachestx1969]

Thank God you all made it out safe 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@evanrose2382]

I've made eight trips to Zion for canyoneering since 2013, and have done Behunin a half dozen times, so I was very interested in the video. That last rappel is long and exciting enough without the rain and danger component. I have canceled canyon descents in Zion three times due to weather (Das Boot, Mystery, one other). In all three cases, the weather did not produce a flood, so watching this video is instructive and supports a high level of caution. Thank you for sharing your experiences for the benefit of the canyoneering community. The Keyhole Canyon event (seven deaths) took place in 2015. I see from Outside Online that your event took place in 2017. Wishing you many more happy years on the rope.

[@doglady9334]

I've been mocked for being cautious before, this is why I ignore it.

[@rambo-cambo3581]

Good man

[@aaronlax22]

Areas like Zion are shaped that way *because* of flooding. I wouldn't worry about people's complaints, they really don't even understand the situation they're in. You are doing the right thing by being cautious.

[@stiffupperlip4]

better safe than sorry. sounds cliche but it's true

[@lisaspencer1057]

I’m glad this dude was honest and didn’t use “At least I would have died doing what I love” BS. It’s a dangerous lie. Glad this guy is ok.

[@phin422]

I saw a flash flood happen in a canyon I was doing. We knew it was a possibility, so we were in an area where we could still climb out, but sitting under that rock, halfway up the side of the canyon, then seeing a wall of water come around the corner was terrifying. Since then, any clouds in the sky while I'm in a canyon freaks me out.

[@michaelharris4503]

Wow. Amazing to see how quickly things went from safe to dangerous. Great video . Truly awesome . Thank you for sharing. Ranger stations should display this video to all people going hiking in slot canyons all over the western United States.

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you. Yeah I hope this can be a resource for people who want to spend time in canyons!

[@igotskunkyfunky]

How is it amazing it went from safe to dangerous that's not amazing that's terrfiying.... You're a fuckin weiner in a box brodie

[@thehikingelf9069]

Look up Albert Pike, AR. To this day that trail is still not maintained or even listed.

[@sunnymidnight1128]

I.think I'll die easiest I don't know how to swim 😆😂

[@jerrylee8261]

@@sunnymidnight1128 Learn how. Dog paddling is simple and is something I learned at about 8 years of age. Took a lot of unecessary risks at that young age and could have drowned. As a matter of fact, once when I almost went under I decided to learn how to swim. Probably saved my life.

[@katherinechatham9032]

Thank you for sharing. Several years ago I planned to go through the canyon but my plans changed. I have seen many videos of flooding in the canyons and it’s just shocking. I can’t imagine the fear you must have felt. The Lord answered your prayer.

[@TomDutch]

Amen!

[@yotersmitt]

Even when all precautions are taken… things can still happen. Good lesson to be shared. Thanks much!

[@MartinMCade]

When it comes to safety, being "smart enough" to handle anything also means knowing when you CAN'T handle it and instead stay away, and come back another day. Sometimes things aren't predictable, and that's when we gain wisdom and get a little smarter. I'm glad everyone survived this situation.

[@sodajones2576]

Eric, I remember when the original footage came out. My group of friends and I were pretty blown away by it. We run Behunin every year when we can get permits. It was really eye-opening. Thanks for sharing this new video which provides more context for your decision making and what you experienced. I'm really thankful you and your crew were able to walk away from this and share it as a learning experience for the rest of us.

[@melaniegamble1899]

I wouldn't be out there at all if I wasn't willing to take some risk, but if there is anything more than a 10% chance of rain within 2 hours of our expected finish, I don't do the canyon (but I know a lot of people who will, even with more than 25% chance during their scheduled timeframe--it's just suicidal). I would rather err on missing a few more canyons than I could have done, rather than doing just one canyon I shouldn't have--only Mother Nature knows what's coming, and I'm not one for Russian Roulette. Thank you so much for sharing such a harrowing experience--the beginning of which so many of us can identify with! I'm so glad you're all ok!!!

[@mariawhite7337]

One things I will respect forever is when me and my mom, dad, and two dogs went climbing up this crack (with a kiva/building) and we were really late coming out. Some guys who had passed us because they were going the opposite way (coming down from the crack then back up, we went down then to the crack to go up on top of the canyon) had stayed keeping their headlights on as we were out there after dark when we made it finally up on top. They really didn't have to stay, but they did and I am very grateful that these people stayed there to make sure we got out. This is why when I plan on going backpacking myself to carry some extra gear/food should the need arise. Payback these guys.

[@bigdenver7325]

This was truly one of the most incredible things I've ever seen on KZbin. Thanks for sharing, be blessed!

[@Malvinjyoung]

That was intense. I felt like I was there experiencing it with you. Thanks for sharing.

[@BackpackingTV]

You're welcome Malvin. I'm glad some of the intensity came across!

[@UnlikelyHiker]

Thanks for sharing this. Your video footage made it so real. It’s easy to forget when we go out there something could always happen. I’m typically a solo hiker and do often I forget. I’ve been in a few precarious situations, but nothing close to your experience. Thank you again for sharing.

[@BackpackingTV]

Glad you found a good reminder here. I'm not an alarmist and don't want others to be either. But it's good to have a solid understanding of the risks and knowing when it's better to stay out of these places.

[@williamm374]

In the 70s, I was a 10-year-old camping at Zion with my family. We were in a ravine with a creek one day about noon, under a clear blue sky. As we left the ravine for lunch, there was a tremendous roar like thunder or a locomotive. We turned around and saw a wall of muddy water rushing through the ravine, with entire trees. These flash floods are insane and a death trap.

[@lh7801]

That must have been the best beer of his life

[@theaviary238]

Bong.

[@elsawolrab6253]

Great story thanks for sharing. I live in Southern Utah and we used to watch the flash floods come through the creek in our town. In 2015, 2 local families were swept into one of the biggest floods we had ever seen and only 3 out of like 16 people survived it was a very humbling experience for everyone, so thank you again for sharing and God bless

[@mtadams2009]

Thanks for sharing. I think the more time we spend outside and the more confident we get we also lose something, we get over confident. I had a bad situation this summer in Vermont. It had been raining off and on for well over a month when I headed out on my 100 mile hike. I also had my hiking companion Maggie, my best friend who happens to be a dog. They predicted rain, mostly thunder storms for the entire week. I lacked cell coverage so I never heard that a massive storm was coming in. That night over 10 inches came down. The mountains became one big flash flood. I was concerned for our safety but especially Maggie’s safety. Things worked out for us but not for another hiker who drowned on the AT in Vermont. Back in the day I would have never hiked in those conditions but since we spend so much time in the wilds, bad weather became the norm. I am happy to see you came out alive and no one was harmed. I do have a new found respect for water, even on the East Coast. Take care

[@flcollins]

This may be my favorite video you have ever done. Thank you for letting everyone know how dangerous things can be, even when you are a professional. Happy that all of you are still with us.

[@seniorrider9337]

You guys were extremely lucky. I am glad you did make it and made this video to help people prepare to go on risky hikes. Number one rule. " when performing risky activities, always maintain situation awareness."

[@SergeantFunkDan]

Just wow. I might add, awesome to hear someone pray authentically like that (and allow it to remain in the video - boldness!).

[@imagseer]

Those are the kind of prayers that work. Never doubt them.

[@MrDmadness]

A few things to note. Often preceeding rain you will smell the foliage opening up, you also in a canyon will often get a wind wave before water, if you get sudden fast wind from one side this means its moving toward you. If there's any chance of rain don't do slot canyons, also often a small humidity meter will give you better war 8ng at the rising humidity indicating incoming rain. Don't ever think you can overcome water, this could have easily been fatal, mother nature doesn't care about your schedule always be carefull out there. Good video, thanks for posting the reality of what can happen

[@vaniasbooks]

when you prayed i was almost brought to tears... so glad you all made it out safely

[@12STONESADVENTURES]

Just wow. I didn't have a complete grip on just how dangerous a place like Zion could get. I appreciate that you prayed for God's protection in that moment, and I'm thankful that's exactly what took place and this didn't turn tragic very quickly. Amazing story!

[@alanc4264]

Great reminder to look at the weather report and take them seriously when they look like your plans may be inconvenience. Thanks for sharing the experience.

[@BackpackingTV]

Absolutely. That was definitely part of the problem. I underestimated just about everything, including downplaying the weather report. Much better to be safe and a little disappointed you didn't get to do exactly what you planned than to have it go terribly wrong.

[@rustyshackle917]

I remember EXACT same thing happened to Zion search and rescue while they were training in the same canyon / same spot way back in 2000.

[@brendonnevin3005]

Your story really resonated with me. I had a similar experience in Mystery canyon, just a short distance away. I was engineering solo and watched the cloud come over, when it started to rain I ran and ran. I knew the flood was coming. I was on the last series of pitches and saw a couple of nearby canyons flash. I remember hearing the wind as it came down above me. When the flow started I had head sized boulders crashing around me. I was soaked in seconds, fortunately I had a spot to shelter in safety. Apart from a trashed rope I walked away. The elation you spoke of lasted for days - my pulse still races when I think about it. I thought I knew about the risks but I only comprehended flash floods once I'd felt one up close. Thank you for sharing your story, it brings back mixed memories for me.

[@BackpackingTV]

Wow that's a crazy story! I've done Mystery. It's a classic. But that's really scary. And yeah, it's hard to understand the power of flash floods until you experience them up close, which of course, I don't recommend.

[@bigmikehikez2927]

Wow, a very dramatic portrayal of first hand experience of a flash flood. Hope we all learn from watching. Great content.

[@fraaggl]

it's funny how praying can take a deep deep deep meaning in some situations !! Thank you very much for the sharing of this horrifying experience.

[@randomvintagefilm273]

So beautiful to watch from afar but so dangerous up close! Thank God your prayers were heard.

[@ajpastula8607]

Glad everyone made it okay, and glad you are starting to wear helmets now too. Water can move a lot of rocks too - especially in canyons that aren't normally flowing, so it's very lucky nobody was hit by falling rock either. From 200 feet, even smaller rocks could be dangerous or deadly. Thanks for putting the video out there, and helping others understand the power of the August monsoons... (and hopefully there is the realization of how much worse that likely would have been had you still been IN the canyon...)

[@utopia.exploring]

There are times when you're actually glad that once something goes up on the interwebs it stays there. I got to watch this a few years after it was posted...and I learned so much! I'm glad that you're safe You're party was safe And that you are able to share this with people for future knowledge and understanding

[@nickolassmaltz9546]

Thank God you were all alive after all that water.

[@traviso923]

All over Southern utah can be dangerous especially zion and the narrows. After living in utah my entire life, Ide like to say i know what im watching for but the weather can change very fast up river and you wont wver see it coming. A few weeks after we got back from zion, someone got swept away in a flash flood. They found her body three days later 2 miles down the river. Be careful in deserts and canyons. Stay safe everyone.

[@suze6083]

This was very informative and one of the best flash flood videos I’ve seen! Thank God you guys made it out!! I would have frozen from fear!!! Totally horrifying!

[@Howtowithpaulaandjohn]

Chilling! I Thank God that you are here to tell and warn others. Hearing your prayer choked me up a bit.

[@like60whales]

I lived in the Zion area and worked at several places in Springdale ( the city that Zion is located) and it's sad but not uncommon how many tourists die because they underestimate the rain in those canyons

[@billb5732]

That's professionalism, Man: Filming your own death. Good thing you got the footage out of there so that you could share it with us. +1

[@jeffsamiei]

Wind, water, sand and fire are the most terrifying elements in nature and if you don't respect and knowledge their superiority could end up paying the ultimate price! I'm glad luck was on your side that day!

[@jeffsamiei]

@Bridger Beyhan Snow is byproduct of water!

[@donnajess]

Oh my gosh, Eric! That was terrifying to watch. Thank God you were able to keep your wits and survive!

[@matthewwilson1017]

This is the least important part of your video, I know. But that was a great idea to go back and capture a similar storm in the same spot. I think being able to intercut footage from the outside looking in greatly enhanced the impact of this warning. It gave much broader context to the surroundings and situation. I'm glad you and your group survived this. As someone that will be living in Washington Co starting in just a few weeks, I'll never forget what I saw in your video. Tthank you for sharing it in such an impactful way.

[@corbandallas6480]

The honesty of this is a real eye opener. And the message is even more powerful. I like to go in any weather but after watching this, something so relatable i will re-think my ways and plan my trips for good weather.Thank for sharing man. Glad you guys made it out.

[@BackpackingTV]

Thanks! Glad you can take something away from my experiences.

[@thehikingelf9069]

I came to watch this as I’m preparing for my first ThruHike. I like all hikers regardless of level, should watch more things like this, because we sometimes do not take into account how quickly things can sour. It makes you appreciate things.

[@steveo601]

Which hike are you or did you do? I did the Paria river canyon thru hike.

[@SebastianMoreno82]

ive always wanted to see how a flush flood dynamic works and seeing it with you guys in it..just wow...it goes bad very very quick! glad you all made it thorugh! thanks for sharing this story man!

[@MuhammadYousaf-yf2pg]

Wow, thanks for sharing such an extreme experience, and the morale that whenever you undertake such an adventures you should have well evaluated the geography and must have a plan to come out safe in the hour of such a calamity!!

[@BackpackingTV]

Well said!

[@scottgoddard3497]

I live In a place with one of the highest rainfall in the world. As soon as you went behind that Boulder I was like no... you have to move. I'm so glad you guys all made it out okay and was a good lesson. Nature always teaches us.😊

[@flywalll]

Thank you, Eric. It's very important that you share this with us. Thank you!

[@laurenmcillfaterick8091]

Amazing video. Terrifying and awe-inspiring. So thankful you made it out safely and so grateful you're sharing your hard learned lessons with us.

[@BackpackingTV]

Thanks Lauren! I hope other people can learn from my mistakes.

[@ecka4x4]

WOW! That would've been terrifying & I'm glad you were lucky enough to survive to tell this story & give a warning to others about the dangers & how quick things can change.

[@CharliCarl_97]

Your bravery, patience and the awesome team you 4 made saved the day, Thank God you got to record and upload this video!

[@georgenapoles5207]

Beautiful prayer in your hour of need brother 🙏

[@Mandragara]

"Hey God protect us from this rain you caused please"

[@sam.abadyah]

@@Mandragara He allows bad things to happen to people that don’t listen to His Spirit, in order to show them the value of listening to Him when He says something, and to show them that they can trust in Him. I’m almost positive God gave an unction to this man to not go on this trip, and since he didn’t listen to the intuition of God’s spirit, He allowed this taste of judgement to come. So that for the next time, the man will listen instead of disobeying. The Bible says the wages of our sin is death in Romans 6:23. Yet, in His mercy and compassion... when we sin, we can ask for forgiveness because His Son died on the stake to save us from eternal condemnation. His mercy is shown in this video. He will keep you from destruction when you listen to Him. The same is true for Jonah in the Bible. He disobeyed so the Father allowed him to be trapped in the belly of a whale for three days, until he repented.

[@Mandragara]

​@@sam.abadyah So every Christian who has died this year from COVID was a bad Christian for ignoring the Holy Spirit somehow, or doing some other transgression? What about the Egyptian children God killed through his plagues? Why not put your life in God's hands and try and escape the canyon during the height of the flood? Put your money where your mouth is. Whatever happens must be Gods will right? I've never really been able to understand religious thinking, it just seems like a lot of hoops to jump through to arrive at the same conclusion as an atheist. "It's flooding, lets seek shelter and exit carefully when it's safe".

[@jeffsmith9351]

@@sam.abadyah your reasoning is so flawed it only increases my suspicion that faith is merely mental illness

[@davidjimenez1375]

You said the perfect prayer 🙏

[@philipstrugar587]

Awesome story, thanks being humble enough to share your experience!

[@debparry]

Terrifying!! So glad all four of you are ok!!

[@serayamartinez9950]

Thanks for this story, Eric. When I think about risks and danger I sometimes criticize myself for being too worrisome. It is very serious and all too real. Will definitely have a plan myself going forward 🙂

[@triciac1019]

It is smart of you to be worrisome.

[@marknelson3672]

First off I'm so glad that you guys are here telling this crazy & wild story, once I became stranded deep in the Everglades I'll never forget how one never knows..

[@tracyross98]

Thanks, brother, for sharing this intense experience. He is our shelter in times of trouble. It may be a bit loud and soggy, but still shelter.

[@BackpackingTV]

haha, loud and soggy. Yep, that describes it well. Thanks!

[@TacoTot]

Wow, that's a crazy story. I'm glad everyone made it out.

[@annsantonino9103]

There is no doubt in my mind that it was the prayer that got ALL of you out there. Glad you did. Thanks for sharing.

[@scottgti20t]

I had a very near death experience kayaking and I too was near hypothermia... Scary shit. I've done lots of dumb crazy dangerous things and never thought twice. That day was a wake up call. Humbling is one word to use to describe it but I don't think it remotely does it justice.... Also I now use a life vest while kayaking in the river... Lol. But yea... Glad you're ok man.

[@BackpackingTV]

Thanks friend. I've done dumb stuff many times. But this was the time that it actually almost killed people. I've definitely changed my approach ever since! Including helmets... I always wear a helmet now.

[@VoltedSoldier]

Your telling me some of the worlds best rough water/river kayakers wear vests and helmets and you thought you didnt have to? L...o...l

[@JesseStLouis]

This is absolutely terrifying. So glad you made it out. Thanks for sharing your powerful story!!

[@adelitaserena4777]

I appreciate you sharing this experience, I am an avid hiker and have had a few unforeseen run ins with wildlife that have completely humbled me, you can never be too cautious, we are fragile creatures against some of natures alpha’s

[@ItsAStephanieB]

What an incredible experience. I'm so glad you guys are safe and sound.

[@BM-ms3gr]

Glad you all made it, it was a close call though. Situations like this, a severe earthquake or a storm at sea makes you realize how vulnerable we as humans really are. Happy trekking, stay humble, stay safe ✌🏻

[@DankCornbread]

Holy moly, quality video. Thanks for sharing! Glad y’all are safe

[@elnabjelland-hughes8172]

Wow I’m glad y’all got out safely! Amazing footage of that flash flood! Thank you for sharing your experience I will definitely be careful when I’m canyoning !

[@ilsebackman4573]

Thanks for sharing this video. I live in Vegas, so I'm very aware of the dangers during monsoon season, but so many people are unaware of how fast things can change. This video is so informative should be on a continuous loop at the visitor center.

[@AC-yq2fx]

My friend, Your prayer saved you all. So glad you all made it out fine. There is power in the name of Jesus! Went thru not quite same experience but similar a couple of days ago while entering the narrows walking from last peak of the mountain. I had finally passed the split about 500 meters into it, when heavy rain started pouring hard that I knew I had to leave area fast and hopefully found either higher ground for safety depending on circumstances or hope the rain would cease. As I was heading back I ran into 3 people. A woman on her late mid 50s, her husband and their adult son. Lady had a panik attack because of the heavy rain, the water rising on some areas and seeing the force of water from water falls made her go full panik attack. Was I scared? Of course I was!! After watching videos of tragedies in this area and coming "semi-prepared" I was scared too but I also believed in the almighty and knew I had to speak the word and comfort this family. I did that for about 20-25 mins kept telling them to stay calm and that God was watching over us. I loudly said "Im a christian who believes in God who created these beautiful things for us to enjoy and that God as creator has also power and authority over the rain, water floods, fire and wind and that all he wants us to do is to recognize him, to acknowledge him and put our trust in Him". I started to pray in the middle of the storm as we were walking down the trail under heavy rain and water coming hard the creek, while all of a sudden the rain stopped and sun came out and the blue sky illiminated us all. During the heavy rain you could see how scared everyone was and while I kept encouraging them to trust their maker the husband was telling me "thank you" repeatedly. Once rain stopped, lady asked for my name and introduced her family to me. She was finally at peace and very calm. She said her husband had bad knees and thought they all were going to drown in the water. I said to her that somethismes God allows certain things to happen in our lifes for a purpose and to strengthen our faith in him. I was there for 4 hours round trip and got out safe, but it was scary!. Bible says " for the LORD your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth God Hears Our Prayers. God Hears Our Cry. Psalm 66:17-20, " I cried to him with my mouth, and high praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me! Lord bless you all.

[@AgrestisAnima]

I wish I had your level of believe. In anything, really. Life would be easier without doubt.

[@LeiSalazar]

You were smart to pray that out loud! That was intense! Great video and glad you all made it safe 👍 One hell of an experience! You just earned my sub!

[@BackpackingTV]

Thanks! Glad you're here.

[@CeliaBordeaux]

Thanks for showing the severity and lightening flash quickness of a flash flood. Praise God for giving all of you strength to make it out.❤

[@peterdisbury6346]

Got caught up on the Watchman Trail back in August 2020, heavy rain, lighting, boulders, flowing mud, temps dropped 20+ degrees...I was prepared though.

[@zonesthesia]

This is why I prefer Death Valley canyons. The idea of getting stuck in a flash flood is mortifying. Thank you for sharing your story! Hopefully this information saves some lives.

[@platesweightspeaks]

Thank you for sharing your experience, the wilderness is as dangerous as it is beautiful. Glad you're still here to share this story.

[@neena9202]

I started tearing up when he was praying ..thats so terrifying, and amazing that they survived

[@Bellawhite1]

Eric, I thank God you and the others survived this horrifying experience. It goes to show you how drastically things can go from good to bad in a short amount of time. I have had a few harrowing experiences myself in terms of whether changing, i.e. In June of 2012 it was 92 degrees around 2 p.m., and an hour and a half later it started snowing in the Tahoe area. I was so ill prepared for the drastic change, exposed to the elements without my car and only wearing shorts and tank top. Thank God friends found me within the hour. Also at a Rent Faire in SLT the weather was hot and sunny and a few hours later it started to snow. I want to thank you so much for sharing your experience. I love all your videos and have learned a great deal watching your videos.

[@trytheoutdoors]

Wow! Humbling! Thank you so much for sharing this lesson.

[@BackpackingTV]

You're welcome. I hope this is helpful for people!

[@Mike_Blanda]

Definitely gnarly bro! Thanks for this and showing us the force of this earth and how we need to respect our surroundings every step of the way. It takes an honest and humble person to admit a mistake and I appreciate the warning for us. We had a situation this year in Yosemite where we left a day early to be safe and we didn’t summit El Capitan. It was a sad moment after the hard work to get where we were…. I watch the video now and I’m grateful for the decision to walk away and it made my wife feel comfortable too with my outdoors decisions regarding safety. Well done on this Eric 👏

[@chrishunter3470]

Wow, speechless. I visited Zion a few years back on a nice day. The next night in Moab there was a huge t-storm that washed out roads and buildings. I can't imagine if I had been in that storm in the canyon the day before. Sobering!! Tnx for sharing.

[@BackpackingTV]

Thanks Chris. I think that was a big lesson for me, just how quickly everything can change. Very sobering indeed!

[@erixariddell2172]

Thanks for sharing a truely terrifying experience that remind us all how vulnerable we are and how we must always respect the ground we walk.

[@tiperik99]

I have done that canyon. You are so lucky!! For sure you had a guardian angel. Most don’t understand the power of the water that builds exponentially as it has no where to go but the slots. Fantastic video my friend!!

[@dudeonbike800]

Thank you so much for sharing. That was humbling and so educational. Glad you survived to tell the tale. I can only hope this video saves at least one life. Kudos.

[@davidbodine6465]

I’ve had three close calls with the reaper so I can relate the feeling that death is at the door. One a great white, a cave dive and being swept out so sea on a night drift dive in Fakarava. Glad we’re here to tell our stories.

[@dimitrimountaingeorgian6821]

God bless you ! amazing story, I'm glad that you are all okay

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you!

[@Yoga3756]

I'm so glad you all made it safely out! Good reminder the canyon will still be there and better to wait for good conditions

[@chiefhayes2250]

THANK YOU for sharing and caring for others lives and making this video. Hopefully this will save someone’s life. Glad you made it out.

[@jonlieberman997]

Humbling. Good story. Thanks for sharing

[@gogetoutsidepodcast]

I remember when this happened. About a decade ago now, right? Glad you all made it out. As we know, it doesn't always turn out for the best. I've had to race rain in canyons a few times. It's always unnerving.

[@peterdisbury6346]

Well we don't have a reference point until we experience it. Awesome footage and I have been in similar situations but never a 300ft waterfall of life and death like that. Thankfully you were all experienced climbers..

[@letmypeoplegosurfing]

Incredible. Thanks for sharing your story Eric. Be safe!

[@BackpackingTV]

Glad to share. You be safe too!

[@JoseVasquez-bq2lg]

Wow that was intense. Thanks for being humble enough to share your story. Glad you guys made it out ok. This video could save lives.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

I don't know what is more amazing, how you guys survived or the fact the comments section is filled with positive reinforcement. My kayak nearly sunk in the pacific ocean doing the Broken Group Islands last year(which I filmed the whole situation Ep.2 of my series), my brother and I escaped on very rugged cliff walls with the 1000 lbs water-filled kayak nearly crushing us. Hands, legs and feet ripped to pieces. We made stupid mistakes as new ocean kayakers, and owned all those mistakes yet somehow people at least in my region find it necessary to unleash torrents of hate comments and mail. I was almost more shocked by the lack of humanity than the event itself.

[@kevincross4302]

A brief visual of our NON-Near-Death experience in ZNP... a few years ago we hiked the Top Down Narrows from Chamberlin Ranch. About 5 miles in was a little slot that was about 4 feet wide. I could easily touch both sides with by palms....we dropped our packs by the main Virgin River and headed back in about 100 yards... there was no hint of weather as the skies were Blue & Bone Dry (BBD - I just made this up, but hey, I kind of like it). The Slot was VERY eerie, a cool damp feeling, you could not see the sky because the walls of the slot 'ribboned' above. We could however see several large boulders about 4 and 5 feet wide jammed into the slot about 20 above our heads. You just KNEW, the only way those rocks got in those positions was due to years of violent flash floods. Amazing to see. Respect the water!

[@AstraLuna-o9i]

I cannot imagine anything more terrifying than being in a slot canyon during a flash flood. You guys are extremely lucky. Glad you guys didn’t get hit by a rock or tree falling down.

[@derekspencer3144]

Eric. My wife and I really love your channel. We appreciate your bravery and honesty in making this video. The only thing better than learning from one's own mistakes is to learn from someone else's. To hear this message from an expert like yourself was powerful and incredibly valuable. Risk management is a critical part of any outdoor activity and this is a great resource for this community. Please keep the videos coming! "The Lord will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." [Psalm 91:4]

[@judem1359]

Well done with such an honest account of the scary experience ❤

[@Kristy_not_Kristine]

Glad you made it! About 15 years ago a neighbor of mine attending BYU wasn't so lucky. Different spot, but similar situation.

[@AdrianMartinez-xs3zc]

I had some friends get stuck in a flash flood in spry canyon in Zion, now when we don't go canyonering if there's more than a 10% chance of rain that day

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you for sharing your experience, Eric! It looks like it was terrifying, and I can only imagine how it would feel coming out of something like this. So many lessons to take away!

[@brendanprice3432]

Very scary experience. Thank you for sharing this to us.

[@BackpackingTV]

Yep, I hope this helps people.

[@joynthis]

Every time one of these dimwit canyonauts is shocked, amazed and horrified by completely average desert flash floods an angel gets his wings.