DAY 41: Black Dragon Canyon | Zion to Green River Hike VLOG

[@MrProach2]

I've been a subscriber for a long time (and probably a "follower" for a long time before that), and I find it astounding that you don't have a greater readership than you do. I guess you have yet to make "critical mass" with your youtube postings. Rest assured: the few followers you have enjoy your solo hikes more than we could explain. This series has been special. Take care, Rob from UK, an often Utah off-piste visitor.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks -- I appreciate that! And yeah... though I very much appreciate my relatively small/loyal following, at times I have pondered why I don't reach a larger audience. It's a niche and I get that, but I think I could probably make some changes and grow the channel. But... IMHO I don't think it would be worth it for me. In other words, I like doing things the way I do them (for fun) and even if I got 10x the views it really wouldn't change my life. If I changed a LOT and really dedicated myself I could possible get 100x the views -- but then it would likely be a "job" and very different and, for now at least, that's not what I want. But... things change, so...we will see! Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@loucarvelas9726]

You’re the best...just what I needed after losing my mother last Saturday night, a truly exemplary loving person ❤

[@Acrossutah]

Thank you. I'm sorry for your loss and though we don't really know one another -- I do still feel your pain and appreciate you for your words and sharing your experience. I cherish the memories and hope you do as well. 🌞✌

[@ervinslens]

This place is magnificent! Watching this just makes me feel good! You filmed and edited this masterfully!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks -- I appreciate that! (just sorry it took so long to get these online.) Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@Karen-dq8nw]

How can a pop tart be stale? They're born that way. Phenomenal ancient art. It's so amazing that it still exists.

[@Acrossutah]

Funny -- another person said that! And yeah, the art is cool and luckily it's in a fairly well protected spot from the elements. Thanks again for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@tedpeterson1156]

Karen gets it! :)

[@claraallen12]

Another wonderful hike! PS We have had good precipitation here in the Colorado Plateau and mountains this Winter....fingers crossed that your Spring adventures hold better water in 2023

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yes, I'm anxious to see the conditions out there this year -- I have a feeling it will be VERY different than what I experienced last May. Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@davo2003hd]

Excellent Jamal!! Great trip.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks, Davo! 🌞✌

[@westcoastislander6699]

Woot woot! More Jamal!! Made our evening. Glass of wine: check. Cast You Tube channel to the big screen: check. Press play. Ahhhh. Thank you so much for this. 😁

[@Acrossutah]

That's awesome -- glad it worked out! I am curious how many people watch my videos on a big screen. Via the stats I see a majority now watch on a phone, but for now it can't differentiate casting. As always... Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@randygodfrey7809]

@@Acrossutah I watch on my 27" iMac, but probably not considered a big screen. Ah, viewing your videos on a phone would not be doing them justice. Sorry for butting in here and for my 2 cents worth.

[@utahdan231]

Such great colors in Dragon Canyon after sunset. It was a big relieve you decided to walk around the pool. Sad, the end of hike is coming....

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- that's why I love hiking east late in the day, the colors really are frequently amazing. As my friend says... one journey must end, before another can begin. 🌞✌

[@lisatalley296]

Watching your hike really is encouraging me to plan another trip to Utah. I love that you made the stop to look at the pictographs and remember the good times with your mom and dad. And it was really neat to see the dragon. Very impressive. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it and hope you do get to get back to Utah. Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@roybenedicto8642]

@ 9:50 Thermarest Execs: Uh oh, here he goes again, getting ready to do some crazy stunts, and it will make our sleeping pad look 2nd class to Static V. 😂 By the way, you always have a pleasing demeanor regardless of the trial and tribulations of your journey. It's inspiring - Keep it up!

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- I didn't even consider jumping in again as I would have hiked back and around the long way if I'd had to by that point! And... I edit out all my RAGE moments. (just kidding!) Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

[@ropersix]

I've stopped at the Black Dragon Canyon rest stop on I70 a number of times, and for some reason it's one stop that's always stuck in my mind. So scenic and remote. Great to see it up close and from different perspectives, and learn about its history.

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- all those rest stops are pretty cool along that stretch. In a few spots along my route I could see one of them high up on the cliffs in the distance. Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@randygodfrey7809]

I loved the end of this day, with the long shadows (Mr Shadow!), walking along the desert road with the golden rocks behind. That pictograph panel is amazing! So sad to see your beautiful series come to a close, but as @JudyPhelps42 said "Guess I'll have to start watching from Day 1 again!".

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! And yeah... it had to end at some point, but... there will be more before too long. And until then... re-runs work too! 🌞✌

[@beat2609]

Wonderful memory of Larry. Thanks for explaining The Black Dragon and pictographs. I always enjoy your amazing photography and videos. Safe hiking.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks, Beat! 🌞✌

[@lyndonreddick1888]

Wow, this was interesting, did not realize the Black Dragon was a pictograph, thought maybe a land formation. Yes, X-country is the cool way to hike, after all we aren't vehicles. 😁 Colorful evening down in lower canyon.

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- love cross-country travel. For those used to only traveling by car the landscape looks so daunting -- but it's pretty amazing what the human feet can do and get through! Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@jacobparr5948]

Im loving this continuation of the spring journey. The high water lines are impressive. That must have been some storm.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yes, the storms just the week prior to my hike were pretty big and their effects were seen in many places. It's such a stark contrast to when I left the route in June. Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@JudyP42]

When we visit the southwest, looking for rock art is one of the things we enjoy the most. Had never heard of these, but they are amazing. I'm sure your dad (and mom!) are very proud. So sad that the end of the vlogs is imminent. Guess I'll have to start watching from Day 1 again!

[@Acrossutah]

Yes -- these are fairly unique and not too hard to access (yet hard enough to not be inundated with visitors.) My mom was very happy to see this part of the series -- which made me happy. And yeah... as my friend says, one journey must end before another can begin! And until then... re-runs work too! 🌞✌

[@TheWayOutdoors]

Moonlight Mr. Shadow!! Those Pictographs were huge and very unique, but those Glyphs were fascinating! One more to go.

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- it was a cool spot. On Day 37 I actually recorded a bit about how I was bummed I wouldn't make it to that spot, but alas... I did! (and thus that clip was cut out!) 🌞✌

[@trinidadscorpion3835]

Always impressed with your hikes, videos and gentleness.

[@Acrossutah]

Thank you -- that's very appreciated. Cheers! 🌞✌

[@harryjames2299]

The wide open long views are amazing. Out here we have the green embrace and the hope of a bald summit for some views. Thanks for sharing.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks again for watching Harry! 🌞✌

[@WJr_88]

Did you even get one honk while hiking along or crossing I-70? The rock art is amazing... When I see those like that, I sometimes imagine, "that there must have been aliens". That sunset was amazing! This is my first time seeing Moonlight Mr Shadow!

[@Acrossutah]

No -- and I was a little bit surprised by no honks! And yes -- I think I make an "alien" joke in my my next episode. 👽 Mr. Shadow definitely doesn't come out too often after sunset. 🌞✌

[@geraenriquez1602]

What incredible canyons are nearing the end of this trip and each chapter has been incredible thank you very much for sharing it with us Jamal let's go to the end of this epic trip

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks, Gera! Glad you like the series and appreciate you for "following along" and the comments. 🌞✌

[@sirdevindavis]

Always a mixture of emotions on the last night/morning of a hike in the canyonlands. You're ready to get back home, but you also kind of don't want to leave. Can't imagine what it must feel like after being out there that long. Anyway, what an epic trek...

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- definitely a mix of emotions, but all in all I was pretty happy with this trek from beginning to end. Thanks again for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@tedpeterson1156]

"Stale" Pop Tarts? They last indefinitely. Ask me how I know

[@Acrossutah]

That's funny -- you aren't the only person to say this. I guess my wrapper must have been punctured. Otherwise... I've never had them last long enough to be truly tested! Cheers! 🌞✌

[@starks58]

The rock art was amazing, especially the dragon. I haven’t seen any rock art like that in the US. Glad you made it around the pool!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks -- I agree it's amazing and very unique. There is a theory that the dragon is actually a composite of unrelated glyphs, but in my mind it will always be a dragon! Thanks again for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@ra5585]

Thanks again for another fine video! The wonderful scenery just keeps on coming. I, for one, am sorry this huge hike is nearly over - but I guess you need a rest ready for next year. Great productions and I'm glad there is one more episode to look forward to!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! I really didn't mean for this series to stretch out as long as it did -- but I guess it works out well (for me) as it's about time to get out hiking again. Thanks again for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@martinforrester8249]

That black dragon looks more like the red dragon national symbol of Wales ! My blood pressure climbed when I saw that large pool Jamal, thank goodness you found a way around.

[@Acrossutah]

It does kinda. Yeah... I was not going for a swim that time -- I would have gone the looong way back and around if I'd had to at that point. Thanks for watching. ✌

[@JC-3410]

“Day 8” recap tone in your voice is classic

[@Acrossutah]

Haha -- yeah, that was a rough day with the wind and sand. Cheers! 🌞✌

[@Shargur]

Moonlight Mr. Shadow, everybody! Give a round of applause.

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- it's a RARE occasion that Mr. Shadow comes out at night! 😉 Thanks for watching and the comment! ✌

[@SanaurRehmanShahmir]

Be safe always and enjoy your outdoors! Great love and respect from a solo mountain hiker friend from the Hindu Kush Mountains Lower Chitral District of Pakistan!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks again Sana! 🌞✌

[@chrisschmandt895]

I am back from my own time day hiking in Death Valley and finishing up this trip with you. My there was some scenery going past that red mesa and down into the canyon, and nice glyphs with sweet memories for you! I don't want to watch day 42 because I don't want this trip to end!!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Hope you had a good hike and as my friend always says... "one vacation must end, before another can begin!" Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@potatothorn]

another great day, sad it is almost over. that stretch of 70 is the longest distance between services on interstates in the US (there are longer back road ways without services). // we see the ram just barely, nice catch! awesome red buttes wow.. sorry again about your Dad but glad you get to do the hike again. fascinating glyphs and a moonlight mr shadow hooray/ reminds us of full moons in the desert... thanks for taking us with you

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks -- it was a pretty good day with a lot of good views and memories. Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@narwhal004]

I love your work. I just moved away from N. AZ and I spend a fair amount of time in southern Utah. It hasn't been long but I miss home a lot and your videos make it worse! :( Such an amazing place.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! I appreciate you for watching and the comment. Hope you get back before too long for some more fun. 🌞✌

[@NorwegianXplorer]

Making this epic series in so many episodes was a really great idea, and you are probably heading out again to make a new series soon?

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks, Jarl! I had a really good time on this trek so I wanted to do something special for it. TBD what I do this year, but... I'm definitely ready to come out of hibernation! 😉 Hope all is good for you. ✌

[@NorwegianXplorer]

@@Acrossutah Thanks, yes, out in my new van exploring winter, snow and cold. Could use some desert heat myself soon😂

[@GregOttersbach]

I've visited Black Dragon along the extended art panels, stars overhang and cave area of 70; I recall around 1978 or so? I was surprised how much there is to explore. Lin Ottinger and I left at sunrise from Moab. I drove one of my early Dune Buggies to get closer so we could spend as much time as possible on foot. It's necessary to be on foot to see anything as you know. Lin had to get back to Moab for his slide show so we had to leave the canyon much too soon that day. I took a roll of 35mm slides and I'm going to dig up my slides to see if there was any chalk defacing the black dragon panel a that time. I don't recall much chalk then.

[@Acrossutah]

Very cool -- it must have seemed like another world back then! I compared the photos from my earlier trip and was happy to see that not much had changed (ie the chalking and graffiti were already there 15+ years ago -- so not too much new damage.) Thanks for watching and sharing your experience! 🌞✌

[@davidogle9247]

Very cool stuff... 💪

[@Acrossutah]

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

[@michaelfoley6670]

Glad you had an enjoyable day and are close to completion! The “black dragon” pictograph is cool to look at, and yet since having seen it in person, I looked into it and it is thought that it is likely to be a composite of 5 or so individual pictographs. I’d send you the link but I can’t find it now… I’ll do more research. Anyway, I’ll be sad when your trip is done as I love following along! Thanks Jamal.

[@Acrossutah]

Yes -- I've read about that and it's pretty fascinating. The eye can definitely be tricked into seeing things that aren't there -- especially with the power of suggestion. But to me... it will always be a dragon. 😉🐉 Thanks for watching and adding the additional info! 🌞✌

[@w9jim]

I've seen those glyphs a few times. They are pretty amazing. But, yeah, too bad about the caulking. 😞

[@Acrossutah]

A lot of graffiti at this location too (probably from the easy access.) BUT... I noticed most of the graffiti was from 10+ years ago, so maybe people are learning that it's not acceptable anymore. Cheers! 🌞✌

[@jerryphillips7330]

I still think it would still make a good story line that in June or July of 2023 you drive as close as you can to the pool where you lost your camera and hike in and pick it up from a now dry pool. That would be very interesting. Also around the 13:30 minute of video you came upon a truck. Hikers or just sightseerers ?

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah --- I agree that would make for a good story, I'm just afraid it wouldn't have a happy ending (but I would like to get back and see more of that canyon in drier condition.) That was a Jeep driving up the road. It was actually the only vehicle I saw on any of the backroads for this portion of the trip. Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@janwellington8663]

Mr. Shadow by Moonlight at 17:02 . . . life imitating art (or vice versa)!

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- it's a rare occasion that he comes out after the sun goes down, so I wanted to make sure to show it off! And... even decided to feature him on the thumbnail to thank him for his efforts! 😉✌

[@drone_boss]

I know the area!

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- it's a pretty good area for being so close to an interstate highway. Cheers! 🌞✌

[@BurgundyKRO]

You're insane! Great video ;)

[@Acrossutah]

Haha -- maybe, but not yet committed! 😉 Thanks for watching and the comment! ✌