DAY 38*: Fall Back to The Reef | Zion to Green River Hike VLOG

Day 38 (* or Day 1 depending on how one counts!) of the continuation of my backpacking journey from Zion National Park to Green River, Utah. I pick up exactly where I ended four months earlier along the northern end of the San Rafael Reef. The change of seasons brings different colors to the landscape and MUCH more water as I venture back into the canyons via Straight Wash. I continue up atop The Swell along Eardley Canyon. I was anxious to get back to finish the trip up as planned.
I hope you enjoy this vlog-style experiment with daily videos to re-live my big hike(s) from 2022. Some days will be short, some will be long -- but each will represent one day of hiking and hopefully include something new and fun to watch!
Thanks for watching!

[@loucarvelas9726]

love that music...

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks -- finding music for these videos is always a challenge. There a few songs that I've used a few times throughout this series that I do like though. Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@beat2609]

Yes, Jamal will finish his hike! Oh, climbing over the huge boulders is scary. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of your hike like always.

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- it didn't take long for me to realize that I had to go back to finish! The next episode is a tough one, but... always darkest before the dawn right?! Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@jbwads2001]

Yay Jamal is back! I did the technical section of Eardley Canyon back in 2003 as a day hike following the same approach into the canyon. The descent down that gully was one of the scariest things I ever done in my life. I can imagine doing it with a full size overnight backpack. My hat goes off to you. We were so relieved to get to the bottom only to have to navigate those giant boulders all the way down canyon to the technical section. The technical section is only a couple 100 yards long consisting of a couple of rappels and a couple of swims. She is a beautiful canyon, but she does not give up her secrets easily.

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- I bet not too many people do it with a fully-loaded pack! It definitely made me go VERY slow and watch every step! I think there was a group many years ago that got stuck in the canyon as they couldn't find the way out (hikers coming down the canyon without technical gear.) Thanks for watching and sharing your experience! 🌞✌

[@scottsprecher2844]

Excellent series! Add a small drone to your video repertoire!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! I've considered taking a drone, but they are not allowed many of the places I hike. Would love to get some cool footage for the other places though, but also have concern re: battery power and space in my pack. BUT... as drones get better/smaller it's possible for a future hike. Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

[@w9jim]

Nice! Glad to see you return. I noticed you hit the 10k subscriber mark. Congrats! With all the wet weather we've had out west this year, I bet next year's hike won't be so dry.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! And yeah... I was glad to hit that milestone just because it's a nice round number which I'd been creeping toward for a while now it seems. Re: dry conditions -- t was definitely a drastic difference between spring and fall. I'm anxious to see what it's like out there this year, but like you say I bet it won't be anywhere near as dry. (another big storm moving in now I guess.) Cheers! 🌞✌

[@brannancorley7231]

Definitely day 38! Love the vlog!

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah, I agree... I'll put the "*" on it, but it seems like one big hike in my mind. Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@meg9728]

I'm glad to see that you have resumed your hike, but this part looks hard. Anxious to see your other videos to follow.

[@Acrossutah]

Possibly the easiest AND the hardest hiking of the trip are featured in the next few episodes! Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

[@michaelfoley6670]

Good gawd, finally day 38! Quite a reef-hanger sir! I’ve checked every day for the big finish to such an epic adventure! As always with your videos, it was worth the wait! I love your dedication to have come all the way back just to finish your planned route! When you have it finally wrapped-up, I think I’ll “binge-watch” the whole dang thing so I get a better feeling of continuity. I’m glad you were able to navigate so much terrain safely. Cheers!!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah, I needed a short break before I could roll out the "bonus" episodes. But.. now there should be a new one about ever two days until it's finished. I'm curious how it would all play out if binge-watched. I originally wanted to release them every day so it would really mimic my time on the trail. BUT... that was too hard and I actually noticed that many people seemed to prefer a day or two in between episodes. Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@DebbieHumphries-jm9ig]

Glad you're back! Wish you could keep them coming year round!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! I feel like this one has been going on for nearly a year! That wasn't the plan, but because of my Paria trip, this "bonus" fall trip, the new daily format, and normal life stuff -- everything just took longer than planned! I do hope to sprinkle in a few more "off season" videos. Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@just_joc]

Yes! Glad you're back--I was having to resort to watching your older videos (which I do anyway since every once in awhile I need to see the gorgeous Utah landscape)!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yes...the "bonus" episodes should roll out about every two days until complte. Then... I might do some other "off season" videos and/or re-cuts, but otherwise it'll have to be re-runs until I figure out what's on tap for 2023 and get it done! 🌞✌

[@tangenttrails]

I’m glad you’re back!✌️

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! And... thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@SanaurRehmanShahmir]

Welcome back my inspiration! Great love and respect from a solo mountain hiker friend from the Hindu Kush Mountains Lower Chitral District of Pakistan!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! And thanks for continuing to "follow along" via the mountains of Pakistan. Cheers! 🌞✌

[@martinforrester8249]

Good to complete your journey, like you I wouldn't be able to relax without completion of the hike. Did you encounter any wildlife on your epic trip ? Rattlers, Bark Scorpions or Mountain lions ? I heard a mountain lion screaming one night whilst camping on Saddle Mountain on the North Rim of Grand Canyon in 2003 ! Real scary too ! Also 3 Bark Scorpions right outside the entrance to my bivvy tent at Toroweap Overlook 2002. Oldtimer Englishman reliving past adventures through following you Jamal.

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- I was happy with my spring trip, but I soon realized that I had to go back to finish the last section otherwise there'd be a gap on my map and in my memory! Still have yet to see a mountain lion while out hiking, but I did see a scorpion and a rattler on this trip. I rarely see scorpions, but tend to see one rattler a week on my trips -- so this time was way below my average. Thanks again for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@StereoSpace]

I don't blame you a bit for stopping when you did. You can't hike for miles and miles through canyons and desert without sufficient food and water. I think it's very cool you went back to finish. Good on you.

[@Acrossutah]

Yep, I truly was content at the time and ready to finish (my energy level was so depleted at the time from lack of food.) BUT... soon after I knew I had to go back to finish off the plan. Thanks for watching and the comment! ✌

[@jmfoty4280]

I am impressed! Do you have issues with rattlesnakes or mountain lions or are your biggest issues with finding water and carrying water, food and your tent?

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! I've never seen a mountain lion in all my years of hiking (just their tracks). Rattlers I see fairly frequently and they make me jump at times, but luckily their rattle usually goes off well before I'm very close. Finding water is usually my number one concern and that need often dictates a good portion of my route (ie need to have confirmed sources about once a day.) Thanks for watching and the question. 🌞✌

[@jimc3891]

You definitely look like you not only have plenty of food, but also have had plenty since day 37. Sorry could not help myself. Watching your hike from the beginning, the days on trail not only followed your route but your physical transformation from day one to the day you abandoned the hike last spring. It was obvious you dropped a few pounds along the way and had that look of having spent many days out there. Your fitness was much improved at the end last spring despite running out of food and energy. I hope you take my comment kindly. I really think your routes and videos are among the best. There is a truth and honesty about you and your pursuits. Thanks for sharing them. The Hayduke is on my list and the information here and on your website are invaluable. Over the years the almost endless Canyons and miles you covered are an inspiration.

[@Acrossutah]

Haha -- no problem. I almost included a joke myself about how the "Across Utah Diet" doesn't last very long after I leave the trail! (and I do enjoy making up for lost calories when I return to civilization!) Each year I think I'm going to stay in shape in the off-season, but... I never seem to make it happen. Maybe one year. (but... it'll have to wait for 2024! 😉) Thanks for watching and the comment. ✌

[@markgerhart8112]

I love this section of the swell. I was just there a few days ago hiking this area. Thanks Jamal!

[@johnregehr9413]

udink sighting!!!

[@Acrossutah]

Yep! Elusive creature known to roam throughout The Swell and well-adapted at finding very unique spots. 😉✌

[@JudyP42]

Yay! It's The Return of the Vlogs! So happy to see you get to finish the hike.

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- needed a short break from video stuff, but now I'm back and the remaining episodes should be published every other day from here on out. And yeah... I just HAD to go back to finish the hike and thus the "bonus" episodes. Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@ervinslens]

Outstanding upload bud, cinematography at its finest. Your shots are amazing as well as overall composition. 🥾🥾

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks -- I appreciate that. It's a funny thing as often the hike itself takes priority and thus sometimes I feel guilty for not having the patience to "finesse" my shots. It's very much "guerilla"-style filmmaking in the sense that I hardly ever check playback to conserve battery power and to just keep moving. BUT because of that it's heartbreaking when I look at some footage later to realize the framing isn't optimal, the color or exposure is off, or the audio is totally distorted due to the wind, etc. So... it's a challenge to find that balance and thus I do really appreciate your compliment. Cheers! ✌

[@jerryphillips7330]

Good to see you back. From walking in the desert to technical rock climbing. Hope it gets easier.

[@Acrossutah]

No true technical stuff for me -- which makes it tough at times because it often means I have to go the looong way around. Someday I'd like to go back and visit some of these places with ropes to rappel down through. Thanks again for watching! ✌

[@joycemoulis4392]

Great that you returned! Love the star shots. And ...the "swell" vehicle sighting :)

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! I actually ran into UDink just before this, so it seemed appropriate to include that in the video. 🌞✌

[@edmiller999]

Only mistake of the trip going to Arby's instead of the taco truck. Loved this trip, cant wait for next years

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah... that was definitely NOT the plan! I didn't want to bog down the video with too many details, but... I actually got a spot on the Greyhound which would arrive in less than two hours (as opposed to next day as originally planned). Thus I got in a queue for a shower at the truck stop and had to settle for Arby's instead of the burger + beer that I really wanted. Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@harryjames2299]

That was a rough welcome back. But better than doing it starving. Thanks for the views and the adventure.

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- even though it took a while to get my "hiking legs" back, it was definitely best I didn't try to continue on Day 37 with so little food/energy. Thanks again for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@dorindaalberthal1316]

Hi Jamal, your videos are amazing!! We moved to St George Utah 2 years ago and love it here so much!! I love that I can walk out my door and be on trail within minutes. I wondered if you have ever done a video on what you taking on these long backpacking trips you (gear)do? And what is your favorite day hikes in Utah? Safe & Happy trails

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! That's a great place to be! No, I really haven't made a video like that despite it being requested from time to time. I'm really not a gear guru by any means. But... one of these "off seasons" I hope to make some Q&A videos like that. Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

[@potatothorn]

hooray back on the trail! some rough canyon here, a little different terrain from most of the trip great stuff thanks for sharing

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- it was a pretty drastic change of scenery from June->October. Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@jeffMinnesota952]

some pretty rough hiking there Jamal, thanks for sharing...

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks again for watching, Jeffrey! 🌞✌

[@timluttrell1095]

I have much enjoyed this hike vicariously through your lense as well as your other hikes. Your soundtracks are also quite pleasing and fitting. Even though I am a Southeastern hiker, I am hoping for the day I can take on some of those canyons in Utah and Arizona including the technical sections. Don't know which I like better, hiking or rappelling. Keep it up as your content is a blessing!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks Tim! I appreciate you for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

[@JohnTheLuck3]

Glad to see you back!!! Will be at this spot in 4 days!!! Yahooooo!!!

[@Acrossutah]

Awesome! Hope you have a good trip. I'm guessing you are going to see some snowy peaks (and mesas) while you're down there. Cheers! 🌞✌

[@starks58]

Glad to see you made it back. The canyon hikes with a full pack seem bracing!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah... I knew I had to go back to finish it up as planned even though I don't usually do hikes in the fall. Thanks for "following along"! ✌

[@Karen-dq8nw]

Doing a route that tough with no food would have been...bad. Looking forward to the rest.

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- I really was zapped by the end of that Day 37 (never planned on being out that long.) BUT... I immediately knew that I wanted to go back and finish it up in the fall. Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@tedpeterson1156]

They let you on a Greyhound after thirty seven (37) days? Whew!

[@Acrossutah]

Yep --- but... luckily I had time for a truck-stop shower first otherwise the full bus would NOT have welcomed me aboard I'm sure! 😉✌

[@geraenriquez1602]

to celebrate Jamal returns to finish the hiking

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- I felt that it HAD to be done! I mean I was pretty happy with the spring hike, but I really wanted to get back to see that final stretch in person and make some "bonus" episodes about wrapping up the journey. Thanks again for watching! ✌

[@HyperBlueZYZ]

Hahah😂 can’t keep a good man down. Love it. #lifesgood

[@Acrossutah]

Yep! Even though I was content to quit on that day, I soon realized that I just HAD to go back. Thanks for continuing to watch and the comment. 🌞✌

[@CaveCreek101]

That’s what you call leaving us on a cliff hanger 😎

[@Acrossutah]

Haha -- a little bit! Cliffhanger part 2 is now posted. 😉 Thanks for watching!

[@utahdan231]

Sure it’s day 38. Nice to be back on trail.

[@Acrossutah]

I agree -- in my mind's eye it was all one big hike! Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@lisatalley296]

So glad to see the continuation of your journey.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Glad you are continuing to "follow along"! Cheers! ✌

[@chanoanechanoane2214]

Wow, impressed with how rough the terrain was and how you were able to haul your pack through it all!

[@davo2003hd]

Day ! or Day 38? 🍀

[@Acrossutah]

From here on out I've say it both ways... just to avoid any confusion! (or... maybe that makes it more confusing?!) Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@WJr_88]

Udink Sighting? Did I see and spell that right? I am not sure I heard that before....what is that? Hey you even got a haircut too! That trek down into the canyon looked real tough! I completely understand the feelings and thoughts of not finishing a hike as planned. Glad you made it back just a few months later!

[@Udink]

I had a Jamal sighting that same morning. Small world! :)

[@WJr_88]

@@Udink Yeuuuup... that sure flew over my head!

[@Acrossutah]

Yep... Udink is a rare creature known to roam the Swell (and KZbin!) 😉✌

[@Acrossutah]

And yes... got a haircut and gained some of that weight back from my Across Utah Diet and loaded up with WAY too much food and set back out exactly where I left off. Thanks for watching the "bonus" edition! 🌞✌

[@randygodfrey7809]

We're all happy that you're back! I'm so glad that you chose to finish the hike. Really interesting to see how the landscape had changed with the rains.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah... as content as I was to call it quits in June, I soon realized that I had to go back to finish it up. I knew there'd be more water, but I didn't expect THAT much more water. Thanks again for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

[@trinidadscorpion3835]

Glad that you found the time and an excuse to get back to hiking in Utah. Did you use any new gear to finish your journey or decide to use up the old gear?

[@Acrossutah]

Haha -- funny you should ask... I actually talk about this in an upcoming episode! But... spoiler alert... no, no new gear. I truly wanted this to be a continuation of my spring hike (just with more food!) Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌