Escalante - A Bikepacking Story

[@HBRDynamics]

Darwin, keep making bike packing videos. The genre will eventually gain traction, especially with stunning videography like this.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks! ❤️

[@SlvrChkn]

@@DarwinOnthetrail I just got into bike packing and would love to see more bike packing videos

[@GabeLagmay]

It is and has been a “genre” for a long time

[@HBRDynamics]

@@GabeLagmay and you don't want it to grow?

[@mushroomanjcc1954]

I'm just getting into it and his vids always help to inspire me

[@laughing-knees]

In spite of the quieter nature of this video, compared to what you’ve done in the past, this video came across as much more down-to-earth and strongly connected to the place you were riding through. It really made me feel I was there with you, struggling through the heat. By the time I heard you talk about the evening meeting with the two Oregonians, I was genuinely happy for the relief it brought you. Sometimes this is what long bicycle rides are like!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad you liked it! I try to make my videos feels like the energy I have when I'm out there. 👍

[@mikesutcliffe1142]

There's something oddly beautiful about that brutal landscape. Always makes me think about anyone who's taken it on-either on foot, on horseback, by bike or simply carving out a living there. I have the utmost respect for all of them. Thanks for this very thoughtful film.

[@Lalagartitita]

Wow. This video hits different. So real. We could feel your struggle. Glad you're ok.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thank you 🤗

[@lakesmith7152]

Am I the only one who will look up some of the town/geographic names Darwin talks about in the video as it’s playing? 😂 “leaving escalante, headed towards lake Powell” OOO! Let me go see where that’s on the map haha

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

😂 Check out the link to the route in the description. It has a map of the exact route 🤙

[@1LeggedAdventures]

Same! I was wondering if there might be a map of this route then I found this :)

[@paulfolsom7991]

yup i did immediately

[@maguiremk]

Always

[@TJackSurvival]

Looking up stuff in Escalante brought me here. So for me it's the other way around.

[@holden9474]

Hey, I’m on vacation 2,000 miles from home I made a joke earlier today that we might see Darwin on our way through flagstaff . And sure enough we just drove pass your van in downtown Flagstaff. Take care and HIKE ON

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Welcome to Town!

[@holden9474]

@@DarwinOnthetrail Thanks!

[@lndar478]

This is one of my favorites of all your videos. True grit and honesty, that's why this channel is great.

[@jonmsimpson]

That's one of the big reasons I love your content, you show the good and the bad. Not every trip is sunshine and rainbows. The emotional toll the hard moments take can be just as crippling as rolling an ankle. But your perseverance, getting up each day and tackling what the trail has in store is what makes it all worth while in the end. Personally, I'm coming off a knee injury that still hasn't fully healed but just needed to get out there, so this morning I threw a few liters of water in the pack and headed to a local mountain, 5 miles of brutal climbing up the trail to the top in 85 degree heat was so punishing and had me doubting myself so many times. However, I took it slow and steady, rested when I needed, stayed hydrated and finally.. the summit. The most epic view of the valley and lakes melted all the toil of the hike away. The failures and setbacks just inspire you to push on to greater things and reaching that mountaintop, or the end of that 2000 mile thru hike, that's what fires us up to do more. Just know that even your setbacks still inspire me to get out and push my own limits. Cheers.

[@thehappyclam3942]

Your videography skills are most excellent, thanks for taking us along on your expedition.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad you enjoyed it & Thank You!

[@emmanuelled.meunier9819]

Thank's for being real. You are helping other persons to take good decisions when they are in difficult situations.

[@christopherjudd5319]

Yup, I've had adventures like this. It really makes you appreciate the adventures that go smooth. To me, an adventure is something you don't know if its going to turn out to be good or not. We hope for the best, but its all a part of the experience. Thanks for not putting a veneer on this and keeping it real.

[@Hobomountainwander]

I really enjoyed the bikepacking trip!!! I give you a lot of credit for pushing through the heat. Its great to get some trail magic and see an old friend.

[@steveluten5476]

Hey thanks for the less than triumphant video. I love the honest telling and video of such a beautiful place- that ride is going on my bucket list.

[@daigentaylor]

Great video Darwin. Big fan of the Bikepacking content. I enjoyed the reality of this trip. Well done.

[@chaunceysecrist2930]

I just rode 30 miles in 94 degrees yesterday, and it wiped me out, so I absolutely feel this video. That looks like a beautiful, but killer ride.

[@nathanielpoulin7728]

Thank you for the video. Did my first bike packing trip in May. Great job making the tough decisions

[@skyblue-lb9kr]

your realest video..............love you, Darwin............wise man...........

[@footstepsahead6504]

Just bought an e-bike for commuting and am seeing the possibilities for bike camping. I love your biking videos, keep up the good work!

[@nathanrains9292]

The sad truth of western watersheds is revealed in your video. My wife and I have spent several winters in the western US dispersed camping and hiking and have been amazed/depressed at how poor water use and drought has depleted reservoirs out there.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Population explosion in the Southwest led to increased water use, I agree with you, the climate has changed also. I've lived in the southwest 41 years. It is hotter and drier, earlier and later in the season. May temps in my local desert have already touched 100 deg f. Even in the suburbs 15 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, end of April, we hit 94 deg f two days. The ocean temp in SoCal is 5 deg warmer by July than it used to be.

[@barragin9893]

Thank you for posting this. All of Utah is under the level 4 drought conditions, and has been for a while. The scary question I think about is just how bad it could get. Ie - 100 year, 500 year historical levels....? The Anasazi and Mogollon peoples didn't just disappear for no reason...

[@russelljackman1413]

While I was at the Bullfrog Marina last week, I learned that the lake level of Lake Powell is only 1/3 of "Full Pool!" Also, they are letting out twice as much water as the inflow. The main boat ramp is closed, the water being 100's of feet beyond the cement ramp, and as of Monday (5/17) they have stopped allowing houseboats to be launched at the North Ramp, so unless they slow down the outflow, we are shot down for the year. I was sure hoping you could have gone for a dip while you were there, Darwin! Thanks for taking us with you! You got some beautiful footage!

[@BoulderHikes]

Good stuff Darwin. Sometimes the tough days are the most remembered and are those that teach us the most.

[@ScottysGoneWalkabout]

Can I just say mate, I love the tempo of these vids. Your music selection is on point. Also I've been really enjoying the podcast. Keep it up! 👍

[@rogervancleave8670]

Love the video and appreciate the difficulty of the route and conditions that comes through the video. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to your next bike packing adventure.

[@JordanGreenPNW]

Great story and great job pulling out the camera and filming even when it got hard, I couldn’t imagine the stress level. Glad you made it out ok!

[@matthewcozart7684]

Thanks for shedding light on the water situation here in Utah. A lot of people come here with no clue the of the water scarcity and problems associated it with it. Tourists turn on the tap and have no clue where it comes from. Education would be an enlightening subject to go along with the cinematography.

[@lostastar789]

Great video. I can appreciate just how difficult hot weather riding can be. Keep the bike content coming. Thanks again for putting yourself out there with your videos. Keep Your Pedals Turning!

[@Klangware1985]

I’ve been driving these roads with a 4x4 and sometimes had hard times. Can’t image how hard it could be with a bike. And then add the head. Full of respect, Darwin 🙏 And the views are spectacular again. Great imagery, honest comments 👍

[@doconnor58]

just posting a lil comment so the algorithm knows I want more of this good good bikepacking content.

[@kristymoore7052]

Love , love love that area. There’s that little campground . Calf creek, I think? Something mesmerizing there. Would love to stay and a Spend time.

[@lois6705]

Great video. Lots of experience gained here. Thank you for sharing all the ups and downs of this trip, just as you do in all your videos.

[@anthonyricci73]

Darwin. Great video. It's genuine, honest, and real! Looking forward to the next adventure.

[@kimkrimson]

Great Story telling. Amazing image quality! Glad you found someone with water and didn't have to go back at night.

[@Wayondon]

Been a long-time follower, Darwin and I must say this is one of your best. Compass Walks said it well. Merci.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Many thanks! ❤️

[@JeffMoser]

Did this one back in April of 2018. One of the riders went out a day early and cached water for us on both sides of Death Ridge. I think I would've died without it! The ride totally kicked my butt, and I walked so much. We did have way more water in Lake Powell, though, so the camping on the beach was glorious!

[@danclark1248]

My favorite area in the world. So many dry camps when I hike. As much of a bummer that the lake is receding, the canyon is returning. I can't wait for it to be gone!

[@robyngomillion2309]

Darwin...Amazing what you have done and where you are heading. We live in Phoenix and have enjoyed all ypur travels. Thank you sooo much. Robyn N Edward

[@PumpkinVillage]

This was an outstanding video. Nice to run into old friends. The water levels are scary thou. Thanks for the video and looking forward to your next one. Take care and stay safe, Al

[@davidernest3670]

This is amazing!!!!!! I was just backpacking in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument for three weeks with NOLS on a wilderness first responder course!!

[@danieldugi6498]

I did a bike packing trip in outback Australia when I was 20....my first such trip, and all just based on my backpacking and biking experience. I had one particulary rough day kinda like you described--windy, tough route. I thought I was going to run out of water...so I picked up a partially-filled 2L soda bottle I saw on the side of the road. There was no label any more, and the fluid was vaguely brown. I carried it for several hours on the chance that I might need it. Fortunately someone else came by in their car and stopped along side me and gave me some water, which got me to the next available water. But I'll never forget that nasty bottle I carried "just in case"!

[@alexmarchica5264]

Love Escalante. Good on you for calling out losers that deface public property. "Bonus Miles" LOL, love the outlook on that.

[@michaelsavard1144]

I have found that the totally spent feeling is from sweating out too much salt. I have found that salt pills are the secret to feeling better again as fast as possible, not many things as effective as this. A few hours instead of a few days. What a great video, thanks again! It's good to see you out there.

[@GaerHampton]

This is an altogether different kind of "Desert Solitaire"! [When you mentioned Lake Powell, it made me think of Ed Abbey]

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Love me some Abbey! ❤️

[@driftwood4458]

Decision-making on these adventures is key to success. Smart move Darwin.

[@lizzietrot2522]

Huge fan of all the bikepacking content!

[@juetob]

Veeeery cool. Thanks for showing. Since I am living in Germany this is a scenery I never bike packed in...but, it caught my attention. More more more please!

[@arlo37]

Some of your best work yet! Great to you on a bike again. Tough ride. 👍🎯

[@erinm9913]

This was really intense to watch. I know what it's like out there in the desert during May. The dry air is so dangerous and the wind sucks out moisture. It's obvious how wiped out you were that last evening. Glad you met those folks and made it out of there alive. Love the bike videos!

[@akusantafe]

Super interesting to get this story including the decision making along the way and the results of choices made. Water, it's the big one.

[@tracelt12]

I love watching your travel stories. The cinematography is thoughtful and beautif. Keep up the hard work!

[@CairnOfDunnCroftPermaculture]

It's always interesting seeing such a different landscape from mine. I'm in the Scottish highlands, so will never have to worry about water resupply. I got my bike set up for bikepacking just before covid hit, so I'm itching to get out and cover some miles this summer.

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

Loving the renewed focus on LNT. I’ve been listening to your podcast and hearing you talk about your responsibility as an influencer (yeah I know you hate that term, but for lack of a better word) has been refreshing. The thing I’ve always admired about your channel is your integrity (no sponsors, just honest opinions) and advocacy for conservation and preservation. Sorry this trip didn’t work out, but I look forward to seeing what you have lined up next. Be well 👍🏻

[@dougnevitt2257]

Love the bikepacking! Thanks!

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

Great video Darwin. I could feel every emotion, the good, the bad and the ugly.

[@thedaftestnameicouldthinko8233]

Good decision. Recovering from proper dehydration takes a day or two. Thank you for sharing the video.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

It felt like it took me a week actually 😳

[@daltonzanetti]

I tried bikepacking the AZT Nobo in the middle of June 2017. I only made it to patagonia because it was about 105 out. The desert heat is super dangerous, and May/June are the driest months of the year. Typically in Northern AZ springtime is when it is the windiest too.

[@fulgurbikes9940]

Great video man. Looks really tough but such an experience. Love the dry feeling of the adventure you shared.

[@tamahagane7911]

Darwin, I feel for you brother. I know that area well, as we spend multiple times a year in Kanab, UT and into Powell. It is a beautiful, deadly place, especially this time of year through the Summer, with little water. I am the pack mule for the family and lug up to 12 L of water any time we hike about. Hoping you have a quick recovery. Thanks for sharing these with us.

[@tylermoser6706]

It’s nice too see a trip that isn’t all sunshine and rainbows

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I try to show the REAL side of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle. If you like that sorta thing check out my Podcast. It’s as real as it gets 😉 The Outdoor Evolution Podcast.

[@robertbotta6536]

Love seeing you riding the two wheeler!

[@PedalPowerAdventures]

Hey Darwin, excellent video and nice to see you do some bikepacking again! We feel your pain with the heat and no water situation as we just got back from that area. My wife and I attempted the Stone House Lands Loop while you were on the Escalante loop and had to bail due to water. We started with a total of 16L and felt that we would not make our water cache at our current pace, totally underestimated the heat and rough terrain. We had planned on riding the Escalante loop after the Stone House Loop and at the last minute we bailed due to water concerns. After watching your video so glad we bailed on that loop as we were relying on Lake Powell, crazy how low that water is there! We ended up doing the Cathedral Valley loop instead and it was awesome and got to see some of the Stone House Loop we bailed on. We also rode the Cedar Mesa Loop which had stunning views and a nice side hike to the Moon house. I recommend that ride if you are back in the area and is pretty easy to cache water on. Ride on!

[@VanNguyen-kj7ng]

Magnificent scenery

[@MarkGoesHiking]

Bummer when trips have to get cut short. However, another lesson and you were able to see an old friend. Nice video, Darwin. Cheers from MI. 🤙🏕

[@glazierd55]

Darwin, that was some desolate desert riding. You needed a BOB trailer just to haul water. Love your videos and appreciate you taking us along, even when it kicks your butt. Glad you are ok. Looking forward to the GDT, more water and stunning mountains. Carry on!

[@mikedeal7457]

I just finished the Oregon Outback May 18 and it was very dry, had to carry 7 litres of water for a dry camp situation on the third night. Really beautiful route, but very tough ridings conditions, thankful I went with my Plus tire bike, made it much easier on all the soft chunky riding surfaces

[@EK-mx7zb]

Wow harrowing. Thanks for the glimpse at what you went through, looks like you made some good decisions, especially to bail!

[@sambelling7809]

Love Grand Staircase. When I was in the Utah Conservation Corps, we spent about 3 months performing ecological restoration along the Escalante River. Usually spent about 11 or 12 days camping in the canyon. We would camp the night before in the town of Escalante at a base camp. Cannot describe my feelings for that area enough.

[@tracyp2433]

Same, I worked for Arizona conservation corps and I'll love the area forever. I try to go back every year.

[@trevorsmart844]

Awesome video Darwin. Love the scenery and great story!

[@hangtownbikerhiker6526]

Thanks for keeping it real! This actually ties into your blog as well! 👍

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad Your digging it!

[@OnyxProducts]

Love the bikepacking content! Really appreciate you showing the challenges.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad you like them! ❤️

[@nateoregon1511]

Beautiful! Thank you Darwin!

[@BlackBuzzzard]

Good one! Being a wimp I did that route by dual sport motorcycle. It's a good one.

[@chriswallace4364]

I really enjoyed this bike packing video and look forward to more.

[@joshmcopeland]

Loving these bike packing videos. I just got back into cycling. As a truck driver it’s nice to hop on two wheels and get the blood flowing after being in the truck all day. Great work, sorry about the water.

[@buccley]

Cool video man, sorry to hear the trip didn't workout for you, keep your head up dude! I can't wait to see your next adventure.

[@robpelton]

Just getting geared up for my 1st bikepacking trip. Loving this content right now. Cheers.

[@chunkylover54]

love the videos on bikepacking man. motivating me to get out and finally do an overnighter. I know its hard to cut a route short but wise decision making. no need to put yourself at risk.

[@cammd25]

I'm out fro. DC doing all the parks and then some and I can't believe we were both in escalante around the same time. Pretty dry and windy like you said, but beautiful.

[@markscott4059]

Like the new format and different types of trips...

[@ParkerOutside]

Damn, this is such a cool adventure. Can’t imagine riding like this with so little water!

[@takingawalkadventures]

loving the bike packing videos .absolutely beautiful views glad that you're doing OK Despite not having enough water sources. glad to see people helping you out with water. looking forward to seeing your next video.

[@enjoynature2827]

12:15 on the water... you might have been able to dig a hole next to the wet area and wait for it to fill. Once it settles, should be filterable with your Sawyer filter and get water. Might not taste the best, but would keep you alive if you had no other choices. I know how the heat messes with your head too. You are a champ!

[@WoolyColdie]

Hmmm a sticker inside a bathroom door is pretty tame compared to all else graffiti wise. Plus you gave him a free shoutout which worked like he probably wanted.

[@tedvandell]

On my list. Love it.

[@andreasweber5638]

Beautiful story. Stunning scenery. Excellent 👌🏻

[@chrishanssen1980]

I really enjoyed this video. I echo the comments asking for more of this content. Its like travel shows or lifestyle vlogs. I dont need to be a bike packer to enjoy it. I hope it wasnt too awful for you. It seemed hard work.

[@Eric-fx9xf]

Well, your a trooper for making it as far as you did Darwin. ✌️

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks. I try! 👍

[@Eric-fx9xf]

@@DarwinOnthetrail I was supposed to go morel hunting this weekend, but I got hit by a car on my E-bike in Hood River Oregon. I sustained a right humerus fracture. It was the other individuals fault. Hey now I have more time to watch Darwin on the Trail haha. ✌️

[@Legamania1]

Yeah, Lake Powell annually is at it's lowest point this time of year. It's very cyclical. It typically bounces back in the summer once all of the snow melt runs off from the Rocky Mountains via the Colorado & Green Rivers, although lake levels will vary year to year. The west slope of the Colorado Rockies got decent snow this year (not sure what others are talking about) so Lake Powell's rise this year should be decent as well. Fall might be a better time to make this journey if relying on Lake Powell as a water and swimming source. Enjoying your videos. I've been laid up this winter/spring with a back injury so I'm living vicariously through you. Thanks for posting, although that looked brutal!

[@jimwerdhulbze1611]

Love these longer format vids!!!!

[@TheOutsidePerks]

Loving the bike content!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad You Dig It!

[@collegedad8656]

Liking the biking😉 Appreciate you mixing it up and sharing. Bike on👍

[@treklinda1309]

Loved the shot of your feet and the tree :) Interesting video... thanks for sharing.

[@SuperLanyard]

Darwin, Just a thought. If you where to start using a B.O.B. Trailer you could remove all your equipment hung on your bike but also carry a lot more water. Thanks for all you work. Stay safe!

[@uvdpuqhcpenfyalf]

Whoa, having used to you being so cheerful in your videos, here, it's hard to believe I'm watching same person. One really feels your struggle and constant concern over water. I almost had my heart sink when you got to the dried up lake.

[@WanderingBlock]

It was definitely hot and dry out there, we were in Southern Utah the same time, actually camped a mile or two from Grosvenor Arch probably a couple nights after you were there. Wish we ran into you, would have loved to help out with some water.

[@sagehiker]

Story well told. I have a local Wilderness Study Area that beat me back twice hiking before done. And I think bikepacking now that I have done it a bit, can be even tougher when things go askew. And things seem to be already in a flux as you started. I have both worked and hiked in that country, both beautiful and unforgiving. Also looking forward to restoring Grand Staircase-Escalante NM to its 2016 boundaries. Look forward to what is next.

[@jacksharmonoquinn572]

Absolutely love this. ..#goals. . Love the variety. . Love the bike also..

[@hikingcoyote8169]

Love this man looks like loads of fun

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Get Out Here!

[@slowneasy5336]

My first time in EGS was 45 years ago, when it was just BLM land. Been back many times and always respect the need for plenty of water. Love the video and your candor as to how rugged this land is, especially bikepacking. I totally admire what you are doing and your approach to the outdoors. Keep it up! Try Upper Calf Creek Falls sometime. I’m sure Caitlin knows about it. Take Snuggles.

[@chagas99z]

Hey, thanks for this, and your other videos. That looked hard going. I’m setting off on a 10 day bike tour here in the UK this week, and your gear videos have been super useful, and I really enjoy your calm, measured style. I suspect my issue will not be too little water, but too much - it’s looking like a wet forecast!

[@taylorrestall6717]

Awesome video! LOVE seeing your adventures. Thanks for what you do! :)