Lost in the Grand Canyon (Part One) | A Short Documentary | Fascinating Horror

[@FascinatingHorror]

This is the first in a series of stories about people getting lost in the Grand Canyon. You can find the second instalment at this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHisZ3Rja89oZq8. Thanks for watching!

[@korbell1089]

They may have thought they were experienced hikers but hiking in the Rockies is World's apart from hiking in the desert. Going into the Grand Canyon in the Summer on a multi-day hike with only 3ltrs of water shows how clueless they were to the dangers of the desert.

[@jtgd]

Is that the mirage demon that feeds on the false hope of their victims?

[@beerdrinker_6930]

I really, really, really can't imagine setting off on a multi-day hike with so little water. I did four hours of yardwork (weeding, digging, and raking) today when it was around 70F/25C outside, and I went through three liters in just those few hours!

[@russlehman2070]

I did some hiking and backpacking in the Grand Canyon when I was younger. But I always went in the fall. The temperatures in the inner canyon in the summer are just too high for safe or comfortable hiking. And trying to get from the Tonto (the trail they were on) to the river on anything other than a known route is just insane. Most places it's impossible without climbing gear and the experience to use it safely. As for the water in the creek that they decided not to use. It was not mentioned whether they had a filter, iodine tablets, or other means of treating it. If they had stoves they could have boiled it. It might not have been the most pleasant water to drink, but it would have kept them alive. If they didn't want to drink that water, the only reasonable choice would have been to go back the way they came. Continuing on that route without adequate water in the summer was insane.

[@nlwilson4892]

I have done hikes with less water but only where I know I can top-up from natural sources on route. The presence of tadpoles means the water is clean (ish). I'd have no problems topping up from that but surely in those conditions you'd take a basic filter and purification tablets.

[@SilverIchimaru]

People seem to lose their brain when it comes to the desert. I lived in Tucson AZ for over a decade and nvr went hiking, mostly because I felt I could nvr carry enough water, and it didn't help that every time I turned around, someone was in trouble for lack of water and maps. I didn't even leave the house without water even just around town.

[@jacob_tung]

These events mirror closely an incident at the Grand Canyon in 2019. I was a ranger there at the time, and I managed the search for a married couple who were hiking a similar route: the New Hance Trail to the Tonto Trail and out on the Grandview Trail. They too ran out of water and unsuccessfully attempted to reach the river off-trail to refill their supply. Thankfully, unlike Paul and Karen, several factors were in their favor. First, they were backpacking in the fall in much cooler weather. Second, they had shared their itinerary with their adult children before departing, who then became concerned and notified us when their parents failed to return home on time. Additionally, once they realized they were in trouble, they hunkered down and waited for help to arrive rather than continuing to exert themselves. We found them alive and well on the first night of the search and flew them out on the park helicopter the following morning.

[@cindypyles6281]

I think that one thing a lot of people don't realize is that the altitude and thinner air are contributors to problems in the Grand Canyon area. North Rim is 8,000 ft. above sea level, down by the river is about 2,600 ft. above sea level (+/-) and North Rim is 7,000 ft. above sea level. Even living here at 5,300 ft. above makes a huge difference when you're not well hydrated and trying to do anything half way strenuous. A lot don't realize that even though we have pine trees and scrub brush we're still desert. I've seen a lot of people get very lightheaded at South Rim. Thank you for being there for people in 2019.

[@Menoetia]

I really think that the signs warning people not to do this kind of thing should _also_ tell them what to do if they ignore the warnings and end up in trouble. You can't stop people doing dumb things, but you can sometimes give them the tools to keep themselves from suffering the ultimate punishment for "fuck around and find out."

[@flickcentergaming680]

This is why you should ALWAYS share your itinerary before going on a long trip.

[@esteemedmortal5917]

Yes, staying in place when you know you’re lost is a strategy a lot of people pass up. It’s understandable; you want to actively get yourself out of a situation, but wandering around can make it so much harder to find you and exert energy needlessly.

[@katy4714]

Thank you for the hard work that you exerted for the safety of the *not-so-lucky visitors. *used for lack of better and nicer words

[@parmathrond]

Last year I walked the South Rim and stopped at most of the viewing points, and saw many, many people taking insane risks for a selfie. “…between 1 and 4 people each year do still fall from viewing points into the canyon itself” is a dreadful statistic, and these tragedies are entirely avoidable.

[@JoeBob79569]

Sssshhh... let Darwinism take its course. If not then these idiots might try idioting out in public, or while driving their car, and end up hurting someone else.

[@quest1227]

my thought exactly

[@planescaped]

Play stupid games win stupid prizes as they say...

[@JimAllen-Persona]

Sadly, that's a norm. I went to the North Rim probably about 15 years ago and there were idiots then standing on the rocks that are part of the short trail off the main trail - no more than 1/4 mile from the lodge.

[@WobblesandBean]

Darwin Awards. Good riddance.

[@ingridfong-daley5899]

When i was first learning photography, a friend and i (artists not athletes) took a day-trip expedition to Sam's Point preserve in upstate New York to shoot the autumn colours. We were hiking with a guide map but couldn't figure why the numbers seemed 'off'--we were following a trail that we read as '8 miles', but it turned out the markings weren't length measured in miles, but calculations for hour markings. We were hours late getting back to the car--the rangers had to wait for us and i felt terrible about it, but i swear it never occurred to me that they'd map distances in 'time' rather than actual trail length. It was a scary lesson to learn.

[@theladyinblack3055]

Given that people hike at different speeds that makes no sense at all!

[@rwentfordable]

That doesn't make sense. Distance is the only sensible way to measure it. Ages, experience, fitness levels, stride length lead to different speeds. Some crap park management there.

[@planescaped]

Gonna have to to echo that, that is a terrible way to mark trail maps. In an effort to make it simpler they made it less helpful and more confusing!

[@DavidAbyssal]

There was an old saying that the distance was counted with tabacos -the time that takes smoke a cigarate- about 100 years ago...Crazy to think some one can do something similar in this day and age...

[@poeticsilence047]

​@DavidAbyssal Yeah. Still works today though. Lol. "How long you going to be love? Reply "After this smoke break" lol , For me, it is after this dungeon. Which can take any amount of time depending if I am speed running or taking my sweet time. Lol

[@ThrashMetallix]

My Grand Canyon Experience: A couple years ago, my dad and I hiked from the North Rim to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. For those unfamiliar, that involves starting from one side, hiking all the way down, crossing the river, then going back up the other side. Dad and I have many times gone hiking in desert terrain, and had been to the Grand Canyon once before, and both of us knew this was going to be the most challenging hike of our lives. We managed to complete the hike in three days, but looking back, we both agree that we should have taken an extra day's rest in one of the campgrounds we passed up. It cannot be overstated just how beautiful the area is. *Pictures absolutely do not do this place justice.* If you ever have a chance to visit, do it. You won't be disappointed. However, if you're planning to hike into the Canyon, *even if it's only a short way,* please prepare yourself properly. This video doesn't even begin to scratch just how tumultuous the environment can be. As stated, the Canyon itself can be incredibly hot the further you venture into it. I was silly at the time, and thought that a Google forecast would be enough for me, and since the Grand Canyon Google forecast only had it in the mid-80s at the time of the hike, I figured we'd gotten lucky. What Google failed to tell me was that that was the temperature at the surface. Inside the Canyon, temperatures were easily exceeding triple digits, even in heavily shaded areas. Rangers provide a more accurate forecast at their stations for conditions inside the Canyon, and hang thermometers up at most campgrounds. If you venture into the Canyon, rangers heavily advise you not to do heavy hiking between the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM, because that's when the heat is most extreme, and when most accidents tend to happen. Especially if you're trying to go back up the Canyon. There may be walking trails, but they can only do so much. If you're hiking up the Canyon, you're still essentially traversing a natural wall, and fighting gravity is its own battle outside the heat. On our final day of hiking, I was kinda foolish and wanted to get out of the Canyon in time to reach a gift shop to pick up a souvenir for my then-girlfriend. And that meant hiking up the South Rim in blazing weather. My dad was more level-minded, stayed at a resting area until the heat had passed, and would rejoin me at the hotel we planned to stay in that night. I really should have stayed with him. I love a challenge, and love hiking, but this hike was something I underestimated. The heat got to a point where I was so exhausted that it felt like for every five minutes of hiking, I had to find a shady spot, and sit for ten minutes to get my strength back. Now thankfully, I was well equipped with water, and salty food (a pair of other hikers even gave me more salty food near the top), so dehydration wasn't really on my mind. I was able to sustain myself there. What was more in my mind was the fact that I was carrying over 30-40 pounds of equipment, up a wall, and my pace was starting to take its toll on my body physically. The nature of the trails at the Canyon made my muscles incredibly sore. After a day or two, I couldn't easily go downhill on a trail without my calves feeling incredibly sore, and I couldn't lift my knees up high without further muscle pain. Pair that with the heat, gravity, and whatnot, and one can probably tell that I was incredibly foolish for attempting to exit the Canyon as quick as I was. Now I'm happy to say that both dad and I were successful in our hike. And after hiking to the Grand Canyon marketplace they have, I bought myself an ice cream cookie sandwich, and it was the best victory treat I've ever had. (That and having something sweet after three days of salty rehydrated meals, ice cream was just a godsend.) And I look back on that trip with nothing but love. But I definitely learned some lessons that trip. My leg muscles would be incredibly sore for at least three weeks after the hike, and considering my relationship ended a few weeks after that trip, my initial goal was silly in the long run. If I can pass down any advice to those wishing to take on the Grand Canyon, it would be this: respect the Canyon. Respect the hazards the area will bring. Do not push yourself unnecessarily. When you feel the need to rest, then don't think twice about it, just find a place to rest. And above all else, when the heat is getting to be too much, *YOU ARE NOT WASTING TIME WAITING FOR IT TO PASS.* The Grand Canyon is easily one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to, and I'm happy to say I've done the hikes I have, and hope to return again in the future for more. But I will be wiser, and I will not repeat the same mistakes as I once did. Even if they were minor, in that environment, they can make a huge difference in the long run.

[@ccooper8785]

but did you get that gift for your girlfriend ???? 🤔😲

[@PBottomPoochies]

I did the rim to rim experience myself in 1993. Definitely one for the books. At 54 with arthritis, not likely to repeat, but something that will always stick with me as one of my more memorable vacations.

[@ThrashMetallix]

@PBottomPoochies Yeah, it was meant to be one big last hiking hurrah for my dad as well, since he's in his early 60's and he'd been wanting to do the Rim hike since we first visited in 2015 (if I recall correctly). He didn't see himself doing such a hike again when we finished. But next year, we're planning on a backpacking trip through the Redwoods in California, so he's not done yet!

[@JohnnyAngel8]

For the life of me, I will never understand why hiking parties split up while on a hike. It's done in winter conditions, too. I wouldn't want to leave someone alone unless absolutely necessary.

[@ThrashMetallix]

@carrienation6080 As I said, it wasn't a smart decision. My priorities were kinda stupid in hindsight, and I wouldn't repeat it. That said, the South Rim trail we were on is among the more popular trails of the park, and he was with other hikers. I'm not saying this to exonerate myself, but he wasn't alone. But yeah, it's not something I'll do again.

[@tofutuesday]

As someone who lives in Phoenix Arizona, I knew right away that they likely didn't take enough water. We have so many mountain rescues here in Phoenix alone due to hikers, usually from out of town, not taking enough water. People severely underestimate the heat and the dry climate. A good rule is, when your water is halfway gone, turn around

[@IdahoRanchGirl]

Heck! Just walking through a parking lot to your car in Phoenix can kill u if u don't have enough water! And if u make it to your car, u need knowledge of how to touch a steering wheel without getting 3rd degree burns! Not to mention the 1000 degree heat death inside the car! I love Idaho. 😊

[@pkennedy0219]

@@IdahoRanchGirlgod you sound boring

[@susansage7218]

How extremely sad for her, I can’t imagine how alone she must have felt after he died. But he did sacrifice himself for her by making sure she had the water.

[@coloradohikertrash9958]

I did a Rim to Rim to Rim hike there in my 20s. Even as a person who was very in shape and with lifetime of outdoor experience it took everything I had mentally and physically. When I was there the bottom of the canyon got over 51C. This place is no joke

[@johnchedsey1306]

I live in Tucson so we get a handful of days that hot every summer. It's unbelievable how much the air just wrings the moisture out of you. I can't even imagine attempting to do anything remotely strenuous in it.

[@moterinsun]

@@johnchedsey1306 It's funny, because even though it absolutely does wring the moisture out of you, it would be infinitely worse if it were humid.

[@anttyzale5455]

@@moterinsun I was working outside in Florida it was 88 degrees. I got heat stroke but luckily did not pass out. I made it inside to air conditioning. I sat down and did not move for two hours. Florida is as scary as the Grand canyon.

[@trentvlak]

I did the rim to rim in one go when I was 18, in July. I used advanced heat management techniques and had no difficulty. But I was also an athlete who could cycle 100 miles in a morning.

[@shidehhafezi6826]

The problem with dry heat is that you don’t realize you are losing much water even if you are not doing any physical activity. You never see sweat because it all evaporates before you even notice it. So people who don’t know any better easily get dehydrated and they realize something is wrong when they can no longer think straight.

[@alejandrolopez2577]

One of my biggest takeaways from having served in the Marines with regard to outdoor safety is to never underestimate the weather and conditions of new places. A lot of things that we did were physically strenuous, yet whenever we went somewhere with a notable difference in temperature or elevation we wouldn't be allowed to or compelled to do any physical exercises for at least a week, if not two until we were acclimated. On top of that during my time in 29 palms they would often have "black flag conditions" meaning that it was too hot and there was to be no outdoor exercises. Being an avid hiker now I still take that all to heart after having learned a lot about heat exhaustion, heat strokes, and dehydration. It boggles my mind how often people go somewhere unfamiliar and very different from what they're used to and they just go on extremely strenuous hikes especially jf theyre unprepared. It's not just putting themselves in danger, but it endangers anyone that tries to help or rescue them.

[@ripvanwinkle2002]

had to wear the heat case Tshirt myself once in boot. its a lesson you dont forget..

[@taitsmith8521]

Acclimation to new climates is something that never gets mentioned enough. That's arguably the most important aspect of being outdoors anywhere.

[@moterinsun]

@alejandrolopez2577 I'm really curious what were considered black flag conditions? I was out working in 110F this summer, and damn did I feel it.

[@alejandrolopez2577]

@@moterinsun according to official safety index anything above 90° was considered black flag, but I don't remember if that was necessarily followed. I just remember that during particularly hot days (think 110°+) we'd have a black flag during the day time. We typically did our PT in the mornings while in garrison though, so we were usually done before 7 or 7:30 and avoided most of the heat.

[@nancyharman4795]

Several years ago, I witnessed something rather bizarre: on an extremely hot and humid afternoon in Virginia's midsummer, there was a guy walking through a mall parking lot, wearing a long, black coat fastened all the way shut. When everyone else was wearing shorts and t-shirts, and businessmen had shucked their suit blazers and rolled up their sleeves, the guy in black just looked WRONG. They tell us: If you see something, say something. So I called 911 and gave them a description of this guy -- young, white, clean-cut, wearing that suspicious long coat, totally inappropriate for the weather. There's no telling what kind of explosives or weaponry he could have concealed under that coat. I felt a bit silly, actually, but it was unnerving to see that guy. And if something horrible happened and I hadn't reported it, I'd feel far worse than silly. Well, the 911 person took my info and said they'd check it out. Meanwhile, I stayed in my car and shadowed the guy at a distance, in case the police needed an update on his whereabouts. Several minutes later, the 911 person called me back and said the guy in the black coat was okay. Before I could ask how they could possibly determine that, since I hadn't seen any cops going after him, the 911 person said this same guy had already been stopped and questioned by two police officers -- the guy in the coat explained to them (and they were able to verify this) that he had enlisted in the army and was going to be deployed to the Middle East, and he was dressed like that on a blistering-hot day to try to get used to the high heat he'd have to deal with overseas. Well, what a relief to me! First, he wasn't some mad bomber/shooter, and second, the COPS saw the same thing that I did, and they also found it highly suspect behavior!!! When I realized that, I finally didn't feel silly. This time, things turned out okay. But it pays to stay vigilant...

[@ejtappan1802]

A friend of mine lives near Death Valley. She says 'experienced' athletes and hikers die every year because they underestimate how quickly the heat zaps your body.

[@zozopanda2554]

Death Valley is beautiful in the winter months, but I bet just as deadly because it's very remote if you're not on the major tourist road.

[@judyjudy51]

Doesn’t Death Valley get the hottest temperatures on earth ?

[@ejtappan1802]

@judyjudy51 I don't think it is the hottest but it is a desert climate and regularly climbs well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

[@summerroses8841]

@@ejtappan1802I think Death Valley got the highest recording temperature in 1913 though

[@CarlosRodriguez-hb3vq]

I hiked Telescope Peak in Death Valley last July. Highs were in the 70s, but no there is not water up there. I looked down on Furnace Creek where it was 128F and a hiker died that same week. Proper planning is everything.

[@zammie01]

'It was 42 kilometers rather than the 29 kilometers they had anticipated'. I wonder how they miscalculated so badly. RIP Paul Stryker.

[@jamesstrainer9859]

Kept saying "experienced hikers" as if they knew what they were doing. I am suspicious of that description.

[@reachandler3655]

​@@jamesstrainer9859They may have been experienced, but with different terrain and climate.

[@joewilson3393]

Thats why it's important to stick with your planned turn around TIME, not just your planned turn around point. If you only brought supplies for a 24 hour hike, you turn around at 12 hours even if you didn't make it to your point.

[@DoctorProph3t]

By definition I’m an “experienced hiker”. I did day hikes for scouts. That doesn’t mean I’m qualified to traverse a harsh and dangerous terrain without proper equipment.

[@washingtonradio]

@@jamesstrainer9859 I'm experienced in an entirely different climate and am familiar with what I need for a hike near me. Grand Canyon is entirely different than what I'm use to.

[@clarsach29]

I can't imagine how Karen continued after she knew her husband was dead....if I was in her position I think I might have just lain down next to them to wait for the end too but the instinct for self-preservation is strong and he would have wanted her to live, which is maybe what kept her going.

[@Serithe]

He willingly gave her his water so that she would survive. To lie down and die would be to make his sacrifice meaningless.

[@jingledubz3989]

I majored in Geology/Earth Science in college. One of the classes I took was about the geology of the Colorado Plateau, including the Grand Canyon. The last two weeks of the semester consisted of a trip to the Grand Canyon from NY. Our professor had 25 of us plan to hike into and out of the canyon. Down the South Kaibab trail to the bottom, and then up the Bright Angel trail, about 26 miles. We started hiking at 0300 hours, so we could make it down to the bottom of the canyon before it got too hot. In our packs we had 3 gallons of liquid- 2 gallons of water, 1 gallon of an electrolyte drink like Gatorade. I don’t like Gatorade so I chose coconut water. By the time we hiked to the bottom it was about 1000 hours . All of my liquid water supply was just about gone. We got to Phantom Ranch (campsite at the bottom of the canyon with cabins, a restaurant, and canteen), refilled all our liquids, consumed some of the granola bars and trail mix we had, and started back up. By the time we exited the canyon at about 1900 hours, we were exhausted, sore, but in good health. All in all we each consumed about 6 gallons of liquid, and went through at least a two pound bag of trail mix and several protein bars each. Those trails are no joke, and our professor made sure we knew what we were in for before we set off on our hike. Students that were too scared were allowed to opt out and hike the rim trail. All in all, hiking the canyon was a tremendous, spiritual experience. Learning about the complex geology was one thing, but seeing those amazing rock formations in person, and experience the splendor of the canyon’s beauty, made it all worthwhile. As long as you can handle the physical aspects of the hike, and you’re prepared with adequate supplies, it’s totally doable.

[@DanFan2042]

Where did you go to college? What a great thing to do for students...albeit a bit risky.

[@jingledubz3989]

@@DanFan2042I went to SUNY New Paltz, in NY. Our professor had warned us of how dangerous it was, which is why he made the hike optional, and why some of us only hiked along the rim. If I was traveling out there after learning about the geology all semester, I was going for the gold. It was amazing. I still think about it, and love looking at the pics I took along the way.

[@SockDrawerDemon]

I can't imagine heading out for a two HOUR hike with so little water! I actually shouted out loud in shock when you said they only had 3 litres each. That's mowing the yard levels of water, not a two day trek! Not turning back when they didn't feel comfortable refilling their water is so incomprehensible to me. They had to see they had messed up by then!

[@classicmicroscopy9398]

We've become very out of touch with nature and severe environments. Never underestimate a hike.

[@rigell2764]

That's normalcy bias for ya.

[@derek96720]

Their problem was not taking desert heat into account. That amount of water would have been fine in any other season and if the trek had been the right distance. But that goes to show that being an experienced hiker means nothing if that experience isn't relevant to the environment you're in.

[@mickdeez1435]

Who tf is we?

[@classicmicroscopy9398]

@@mickdeez1435 Your mom I believe.

[@mickdeez1435]

@@classicmicroscopy9398 So based off these dumb asses not knowing how to prep for a my mom gets thrown into the equation? Alright then... 👍🏾

[@julievdr]

Thank you for being such a respectful narrator for these types of stories. People make mistakes, sometimes foolish ones, but that doesn’t mean they deserve what happens to them. I appreciate framing the stories as lessons we can learn, rather than laughing at peoples expense.

[@bobdobalina838]

As a European who grew up in the US, I can vouch that we usually sorely underestimate the vast distances and absolute desolate wilderness of the US. There is nothing like it in Europe, Places where you can go out and not see another human being for days. I also lived in the California desert for a few years and the desert will definitely kill you if you're not paying attention, It almost happened to me but for the grace of God.

[@GoatsatanRex]

In Eurasia there is. Many areas of Russia and Central Asia are just as desolate. But not nearly as hot usually

[@dmkgenuine]

I hiked down into the Grand Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail, to Indian Gardens then to Plateau Point. This was in July 1990 and there were extra warnings because of this death. There were water top up points at half way and at Indian Gardens but despite the abundance of water I suffered from severe heat exhaustion and sun stroke. The extreme heat and total lack of shade, except at Indian Gardens itself, was overwhelming.

[@sharonsmith583]

Took an all day bus tour of the grand canyon, it doesn't even go all the way around it, that's how big it is. So beautiful but easy to slip and fall in at lots of the viewpoints.

[@hushingsilence]

Southern Calif resident. Spent decades learning about hot weather and desert survival. Also certified in Wilderness Survival. When I visit anywhere hot (which is damn near everywhere), I tell someone where I am going and my schedule. I go to the Ranger Station/gift shop, buy an overprice souvenir, then stop at one or two viewpoints I can drive to, with a weeks worth of survival gear in my car. That's my schedule. And that's my advice about surviving in unfamiliar wilderness or desert type places. Seriously, I'd rather live with an overpriced crystal, fridge magnet and post card from Joshua Tree or Death Valley, than be a Fascinating Horror story. 😳

[@Rob801]

Also in So Cal. I love Death Valley... very rarely ever go in the summer (hated the desert growing up, but after a couple decades away in a perpetually green part of the world, had a new appreciation for it's grandeur and beauty when I moved back) ... Have been to Grand Canyon a handful of times but never hiked it. I am also about to delve into the world of ADV Moto-camping, mostly solo (not on the bike in my avatar, though it can be done)... Will never go anywhere without letting family know my location/progress (and won't be going too far off the beaten path).

[@hushingsilence]

@@Rob801 Enjoy the adventure and it sounds like you have a lot of good common sense. Yah I did 6 months solo on the road and didn't go too far into the wilderness. Great experience, hope yours is too! 🙂

[@Rob801]

@@hushingsilence haha thanks, yeah, getting up there so a bit of life experience at this point.

[@2wheelsoffroad730]

Hiking with 3L per person in the hot weather of the Grand Canyon is insane. You can easily go through that in a few hours let alone multiple days. Not to mention people also forget about the altitude. The rim of the Grand Canyon is a relatively high altitude so you are also battling that on the way up. I have done lots of hiking in summer in the Mojave desert and it’s not something to take lightly. I frequently see people underestimate the extreme unrelenting heat. People don’t realize that during the day not only is it hot air temperature wise but EVERYTHING is hot. The ground is hot, the rocks, no shade, the wind is hot, and the UV radiation is off the charts.

[@nancyaustin9516]

After reading accounts by Park Service Rangers who've worked at the Grand Canyon (and other parks) I'm horrified at the number of deaths from both mishaps and planned actions (i.e., suicide). The recovery of bodies seems to be an almost constant thing, and then of course there are the search and rescue efforts. These are places to treat as a playground at one's peril.

[@OldMusicFan83]

I spent an entire month in similar heat (August in the Mojave). Felt like the air that hits you in the face when you open your kitchen oven. We mostly remained in the shade during the main part of the day, and did all of our work at night.

[@biazacha]

The fact that 5am in the next day she found help is extra heartbreaking…. had they never left the trail there was a chance both would have been rescued - they weren’t far, just terribly lost.

[@nopewmopan]

No pictures or video conveyed the massive size of the canyon to me. Standing on the edge looking across, it was breathtaking.

[@chrissilvester5663]

This is why it's so extremely important to always be well equipped & prepared when going on any activity which involves long distances. It's baffling at just how ill prepared many folk are when going hiking or camping like they completely undermine the dangers that nature processes

[@mark-briansonna7670]

As an experienced solo hiker who loves to cross deserts, it is foolish to attempt the desert in the summer. I also always carry 50% more water/food than what I need because if something bad happens I have an extra supply. Sadly, 3 times I have run across hikers that were lost, dehydrated, severely sunburned, etc. and had to provide aid and/or escorted them out of the wilderness to get help. Had I not had an emergency kit and the extra food and water, and water purification tablets, I'm not sure they would have made it. The worst was a father with his 10 year old son that were attempting to hike to a slot canyon in the distance but did not have a compass or topographic map. There was no trail to that slot canyon and while it looked like from the side of the road that it was all level ground to the slot canyon about 100 yards in you had to descend into a maze of canyons and the reference point of the slot canyon and the road went out of view and it was very easy to get turned around. They had been wandering lost without food or water all day in the maze when I ran across them on my way back from the canyon. They were only 1/3 of a mile from their car, but because of the elevation changes they were unable to see their vehicle. I always say I am an adventurous hiker, not a foolish one. I will turn myself around and not complete a hike or summit if I can foresee a problem that might endanger me. In one instance i realized my foot ware was inadequate for the last 75 yards to summit, I was very tempted to make the push being so close, but I realized that while I might have made the summit, coming down would be a problem without the appropriate shoes to grip the rocks properly. The trail guide had not mentioned the last section required rock climbing/scramble. In another instance I turned around when the hiking was taking longer than I anticipated and I realized the temperature was going to be too high for me to make the return trip safely. The rule of thumb when doing a long hike: Think of worst-case scenarios and prepare accordingly.

[@lisan4674]

Kudos to you for having the wisdom to let go of ego in the name of safety. And blessings to you for having helped others. On a trip to the Canyon I turned back after only a quarter mile when I admitted my infected toe was too painful for me to proceed. Did the trip the following year. Safety first.

[@ChaosMagnet]

Stories like this make me glad that my out of shape arse is never going anywhere near a hiking trail. I’ll stay indoors, thanks!

[@PBottomPoochies]

My friends and I hiked from south to north rim in 1993. But the route we took was on the very popular trail directly through the canyon (Kaibab, I believe) with ranger stations at 5 mile intervals. We always carried a pack of water and a water bottle in hand. Our most dangerous effort was our last hike out of the canyon bc of the altitude we would be climbing and the time of year (July). My friend had us start hiking at 4 am to be sure we exited the canyon by noon to avoid the heat BUT this too came with hazards as it’s still dark at 4 am! All in all, I had a great time and one of the more memorable trips of my life. Not everyone gets to see the canyon rim to rim.

[@Scorpioncactusflower]

Kaibab!! I camped there every year with my family as a kid~~ Right near the rim. But my FAVORITE canyon story will always be the night float down the Colorado on a moonless night in 2000~ Week-long rafting/exploration trip down the river. Waterfalls, sleeping on the riverbank, and our night float~~

[@FLOSSYTREADWELL]

Gosh this theme music never loses its creepiness does it? Thank you for the vids x

[@aileencastaneda3724]

I’m always terrified of leaving the trail it will be the death of me. I keep thinking animals will be there waiting to eat me. I know it’s really dramatic but so far I’m alive because of it. I’m just sorry for the victims and the families that went through it

[@rich_edwards79]

This. Bears in particular scare the absolute crap out of me. Theres no reasoning with close on a thousand pounds of angry muscle armed with razor-sharp claws and fangs. It doesn't matter who you are or how tough you think you are. I'm 6' and over 300lb and I know that if a bear picks a fight with my fat ass, he's gonna win. Being mauled isn't a quick or painless death either. The stuff of nightmares. So grateful that we don't have them in the UK.

[@henrymorgan3982]

You are 100 percent correct.

[@frakismaximus3052]

If you do leave the trail though, you could shoot to stardom by becoming the subject of one of these videos 😂

[@daybird2]

Fifty years ago, when I was in my early twenties, I worked at the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim. Many times I've hiked down to Roaring Springs and back the same day, and twice I've gone rim to rim (about 24 miles). It is very different than hiking up a mountain and then back down. It's very easy to go down, but 10 times more difficult to come back up. Many people make the mistake of going down too far, and then they're in trouble. Add to that the mistake of not enough water and you have a real problem. Plan carefully ahead, and it's one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

[@workingmothercatlover6699]

It's recommended to drink a gallon a day in cooler weather. It's a foolish idea to take less than a gallon of water for a hike in that area. This is Arizona. Arid Zone. Dry zone. Probably a better idea to turn back when supplies diminished.

[@MarkJoseph81]

Such a frustrating story. Sad, yes, but very frustrating.

[@Slightly_Classy]

As someone who lives in the mild Midwest and drinks a gallon of water on a normal day, I can’t imagine what these “experienced” hikers were thinking bringing 3 liters of water for three days of heavy exercise.

[@CBLounge2112]

I remember the time when Bobby and Cindy got lost in the Grand Canyon, that was INTENSE!

[@edwardwong654]

When I joined IBM, my first project was the Avnet disaster, which was based in Tempe. Every evening, my project lead, would make me hike with him up Camelback in Paradise Valley. The heat is just absurd. Anyway come Feb, my twin sister flew in from NYC, and we drove up to the Grand Canyon and hiked. The trail had snow and ice, plus the mule dung. We hiked about 200 meters, and back, and then had lunch. That is how you do it. But the training from Camelback really helped. We just say, it is too hot. Where is the nearest Starbucks?

[@russelldavis1539]

I live in Arizona and have hiked multiple trails in the grand canyon and surrounding areas at all times of year. Even the most well traveled trails are no joke and water is more important than you know. You should plan as if there will be nowhere to get water, then plan for all water to require filtration. Carry at minimum 4L of water per person for each day. If you are worried about water or making it rest during the hottest part of the day and hike in the evening or early morning.

[@ScottDLR]

I found myself with a knot in my throat at the point Karen arrived at the Rangers station. This has got to be one of the most agonizing stories you've told us.

[@annnichols3091]

I visited the Grand Canyon in 1988. I recall being very glad that I took a motion sickness pill before watching a film on the exploration of the Grand Canyon on an IMAX screen. Is it an awe-inspiring sight? Yes. My terror of falling kept me from getting too close to edges without guard rails, though.

[@UKnowtheThing]

I live near Phoenix and it's Sept 8th and we'll hit 115 today. People from out of town do this all the time, way underestimate the water they need. Take MORE water than you think you need.

[@AmethystHorizon54]

This is a great video to see the week before I head to the Grand Canyon…

[@wensdyy6466]

When planing field trips (I tend to travel and hike in differend countries) I always make sure to learn what animals swiming ina a water signal it is safe (because some species live only in dirty water and some only in extremly clean water) and this is one of the basic things kids should learn (because you never know when you will suddenly stranded). When it is planned than always carry water tablets of filters just to be sure (even if you think you have enough water).

[@David-m1y6f]

I had this happen to me out in Africa. I had 6 litres of water with me and were doing a loop. We ran out of light and water but found a muddy smelly stream and I insisted we all refilled. We are all still alive thanks to this stream and me deciding to pack a torch.

[@arthurlevine1840]

In my mid to late 20's I hiked the Bright Angel trail from rim to river and back in one day in the dead of summer with one water canteen. It was blazing hot and when I very greatfully reached the rim again before sunset my legs were pretty rubbery. I don't recall seeing those warning signs at the time, but perhaps I did and simply ignored them. Those were the days, long ago.

[@MassivePonyFan]

This channel reminds me of Criminally Listed for the fact that you can watch a video from 5 years ago and the style of video doesn't change. I am a fan.

[@chrisbrooks6697]

The Grand Canyon is no joke. A friend and I hiked halfway down and back and it about killed us. He didn't take enough water and refused to take more when I told him to. so I took extra and he definitely needed it on the way back. Down is easy... You always have to consider how much harder climbing back will be! We just did half because we didn't have an overnight permit, but there's no way if we'd have camped at the river, that we would have made it all the way back up in a day. For us, non-experienced hikers, it would have taken us two days to get back out for sure. In some places you can find ranger stations part of the way down, but for the most part, once you start the climb back out, you better have enough water for the entire trip. We both loved the experience we had, though, and I'm glad we did it, took pictures and bought the t-shirts! This was summer time, and the desert heat may be over 100, but when you sweat, it evaporates immediately, making you feel cooler, but since you don't realize you are sweating so much, you tend to get dehydrated faster than you realize. You literally have to constantly drink water. If you don't you'll run out of sweat and go into heat stroke before you know it. Literally before you know it. As soon as he said how much water they took, I knew it wasn't enough. I believe we took more than that for just a half-day.

[@Gfysimpletons]

I saw this back in the late 60’s. But luckily Bobby and Cindy made it back safe.

[@change_your_oil_regularly4287]

The Grand Canyon in summer is very similar in weather and environment as Rural South Australian 120f/49c is summer time temps where I live but it can also drop below freezing at night. Though summer nights can still be 35+ Celsius Edit: 3ltrs of water?! Over that distance, over that time & in that heat?! Madness!!!! I used to spend up to 16hr working days in 46+ Celsius in direct sunlight on a pick/shovel/sledge hammer. If accustomed to it humans can perform surprisingly well in these temps but we absolutely need to keep up with quite huge quantities of water (comparatively)

[@nichelady263]

My Grand Canyon Experience: I was 4 years old, and my family was visiting one of the viewing points that don't require any hiking. A strong breeze blew my mother's hat right off of her head, but it was visible just a few feet out of reach. EVEN AS A 4 YEAR OLD, when my parents told me not to climb out past the railings, I listened to them. I then proceeded to spend the next 20 minutes asking the other visitors if they had brought any fishing rods that they could use to safely retrieve my mother's hat. Her hat belongs to the canyon now.

[@heidibock1017]

I visited the Grand Canyon & Death Valley on the same trip in November 2014. I visited Death Valley first. I remember wearing pants and feeling slightly warm, and then saw a ranger station thermometer state it was 92 degrees Farenheit. You can feel the water evaporating out of your body and I could sense that one wrong move or wrong turn could kill someone in a matter of hours. Grand Canyon, I did no hikes, we hadn't packed anything that would make it safe to, and also it was 28 degrees Farenheit and very windy. I had to keep reminding myself that easy research via internet was not available in 1990 and it would be normal to make such a mistake back then, especially if one considered themselves an experienced hiker.

[@jocylynkirsty4877]

Arizona native, went to the Grand Canyon again for my birthday this year. Not a hiker so we didn’t do any real hiking because we didn’t want to die, and we still packed multiple canteens and camel packs, our hats and sunscreen. Still though, you cannot imagine how many people we saw wearing Crocs.

[@Zimin_Anatoly2000]

I want to see the 2 part !

[@vincedibona4687]

Wait.

[@rosenars6665]

I went hiking on a fairly easy trail on South Mountain but I ended up taking a wrong turn. What was supposed to be to be a 45 minute hike turned into a 2 hour hike. I was lucky to bring just enough water with me. Stupid me thought I wouldn’t need it cause the hike wouldnt take long, but I ran into a ranger before I started up the trail and he reminded me to bring water. Thank god for him.

[@GolDDarius]

Its crazy how "advanced" we are and yet so many people do the most senseless things. They could've carried filters to cleanse the water and rehydrate smh...

[@bentboybbz]

It was 1990 those filter you see everywhere nowadays were not easy to get

[@petetheelder195]

Portable water filters for backpackers came on the market in the early 80s and were widely available by then. I was a Boy Scout in 1990 and we always took a water filter and purification tablets when we went backpacking @@bentboybbz

[@sallykohorst8803]

Wow a great subject thanks for sharing. So sad too.

[@TenchiFox]

Arizona native who sees multiple stories every year about people needing saved while hiking - the Canyon is deceptive. The tops are alpine, fairly well developed with temps in summer only in the 70s-80s F. Don’t be deceived! Take more water than you think you need, turn around when you still have 2/3 of your water left (harder going uphill after all), and make sure you’re acclimated to extreme heat.

[@TakeMeToYourLida]

Having lived in Arizona for years and being an avid outdoorsperson, it’s unimaginable that they took ⅔ of a gallon of water for a multi-day trip if they weren’t fully prepared to find and treat water. Every hike requires at least a gallon per person in the desert, each day. If you’re not fit enough to carry all the water you need for a day, train up on some shorter hikes first. Be on your way back by the time you’re 60% through your water. People die on relatively short hikes every year out there when it’s so easy just to take the water you need.

[@RobsNeighbor]

Thank you for the stories you share

[@SuLu_B]

My father and I did a quite rigorous hike from the rim of the canyon, down and across the river, and back out the other side. We carried twice as much water as we thought we needed, set out on trail at 5am (it was also early January), and decided that if we needed to compromise on weight, we would pack lighter on food/snacks and not chance it with water. 3L for this trip in that heat is absolute suicide.

[@billp4]

I saw the GC one time from a lookout point and that was enough for me. It just LOOKED dangerous to me.

[@nickc3657]

Lesson: no go big hole

[@SolielHime]

I remember taking a trip to the Grand Canyon as a kid in the mid 90s and can vividly remember the dry scorching heat of June in Arizona. I also remember several signs along the trail warning not to go further without an adequate supply of water.

[@teijaflink2226]

I can't believe they left the trail, I was shocked by it. Paul giving some of his water to Karen probably killed him but saved her life. It was very strong of Karen though to continue and go back on the trail after he passed and find help. But the two mistakes made me feel frustrated, many don't probably realise it's not a regular hike close to your home.

[@Whatlander]

"Maybe _this_ one will turn out okay" I say, weeping as I click another video.

[@joey1723]

Oh man, I really relate to this comment. I'm mildly addicted to these videos but they are so sad.

[@koterre]

As soon as I heard they only brought 2/3 of a gallon each for two days, I knew that was going to be a big problem. Years ago, I did an overnight hike partway down the canyon (4.8 mi/7.7 km). It was more than a 3,000 ft/914 m descent, and the hike back out was the worst part.

[@joshuapatrick682]

Paul sacrificed himself for his wife, that’s noble.

[@bananonymoussupreme3345]

My family did the hike down but we lost one of our water packs after it broke. They need way more water than that. Lucky for us, other hikers were able to get Gatorade from Phantom Ranch.

[@bluegreenglue6565]

Having done just a day-hike at the Canyon, down to a creek and back up, when I was in the best shape of my life, I can attest that you can't imagine what it's like until you do it. When we stopped for a break at the bottom, I ravenously ate a good-sized fillet of raw salmon before I could even get to the bagel and cream cheese in my bag. I almost cried as I faced hiking back up to the top, but we managed it (barely). It's very easy to overestimate your stamina until you are in the midst of a test like this. I am so sorry Karen lost her husband in such a terrible circumstance, and hope she's doing okay now.

[@PseudoEmpathy]

Professionally trained hiker here. (I live in NZ so go figure) They should have had: AT LEAST 8L water PER adult, PER day. Water purification devices/chemicals/filtration knowledge, life straw (didn't exist in 1990) is a cheap (ish) and quick solution in a pinch. Radios. Cellphones (whoops they don't exist yet). Personal locator beacon (didn't exist in a small enough form factor yet). Flair gun with flairs. (90s tech). Road flairs. (90s tech). Brightly colored material to flag down Arial assistance. Emergency tent/shelter/shade. A tarp and rope + pegs would do. Proper planning knowledge would have allowed them to make the right decisions, though it sounds like this may not have helped them.

[@raquellofstedt9713]

Even people who are acquaintd with the Canyon can runinto trouble. We were there during a heat wave, and took a 2 mile hile over the rim. We ran into four groups in trouble; one, a couple where the man had passed out as they came back from a three mile hike (not enough water), next a flagstaff native who was used to getting water from a source that had gone dry, and near the top, a father and his kids who were stuck as one of the kids got heat exhaustion and couldn´t go on. My son and I have b carrying lots of water and was able to help the couple and th Flagstaffguy,who was able to get salt tablets and rehydration drink from the father with the kids when we got near the top. We alerted the rangers to the father and kids, as night was falling and thy still hadn´t been able to hike out with the one doing poorly. We went on a vry short hike, mile wise, but the heat and the terrain were brutal and we ended up having to share our water with three other people, one of whom actually had prepared but underestimated the shortage of water just then. Will not easily forget that trip.

[@Crawfishness]

I never would have guessed that you'd need THAT much water to stay hydrated on a hike through the canyon. Guess I shouldn't go hiking with an intuition like mine.

[@Dis_is_fine]

Who the hell hikes in the desert in the summer? 💀

[@tinymetaltrees]

My experience was that I was fooled by hiking in a diffetent climate. In the northeast it is humid and miserable at 80⁰f. In the desert of the southwest, though the direct sun is hot, it is pleasant and comfortable at 110⁰f. If you are from the northeast there is a temperature illusion of coolness because you are not drowning in sweat (in the northeast sweat does not actually function, since it can't evaporate). This can be truly dangerous if you discover it the hard way. I discovered this on a trail that, fortunately, never went very far from civilization and I brought enough water but was astonished to finish it ALL halfway through my hike!

[@lordbarristertimsh8050]

Have you considered doing a video on the 1944 Balvano tunnel train disaster?

[@ArekusaSan]

I don’t do a lot of hiking myself, nor do I live anywhere that gets as hot as the Grand Canyon does, but I was shocked to hear they had less than a gallon per person for the hike. I get it’s a lot of water to carry, but I could not see myself getting through a hike of that length without 2 gallons for just myself with the intent to refill, but perhaps it’s cause I know how heat intolerant I am, and I guzzle quite a lot of water everyday. Sometimes, you can be a little too confident in something you’re experienced with, and the idea of a hike doesn’t sound inherently deadly either; it sounds like they didn’t think it would happen to them, but it turned out this way. I feel really bad for her, I can’t imagine watching someone I love die, then having to keep going on with the thought that I could be next. I hope she’s doing a lot better now.

[@donatelloslappafello1108]

I went down to the river with my brother, dad, and a guide on mules it was pretty fun.

[@nihilusdirus]

Looking forward to part 2!

[@troyvita255]

This made me immediately go get a glass of water even though I’m just sitting at a desk

[@xzytqweo3538]

I use to work at a privately own nature park with rugged trails along the mile high mountain. I was amazed at how many people would get out of their car in sandals or other slick soled shoes and start the trail with out water or food. Yes you could hike across to the end in a day but the trail was very strenuous and if you didn't watch your step you could fall very far. Most people would be okay and return after a few hours...but there was those episodes at closing time when we would find a someone's car and no one around and had to call in our hiking trail teams and Search and Rescue teams to go onto the trails and find them...either passed out, hurt or lost due to going off trail. Just proves you don't have to hike in an extreme area and not have problems. It's like people leave all common sense behind.

[@njunderground82]

I've been to the canyon twice and into the desert other places many, many times. I can't imagine going down there with that little water. Most desert parks suggest at least 1 gallon of water per person per day.

[@WhitneyDahlin]

You didn't have to break this video into parts! It's so short already! Like I know for a fact that everyone watching this channel would be completely fine with 20-30 minutes even an hour or two. I watch a lot of other tragedy channels and I think you're the only one who has 10 minute videos. For the most part everyone else is like 15 to 30 minutes. It could be an editing thing cuz I'm sure it takes a lot of work and time to edit even just a 10 minute video. But if the videos are so short because you're worried people aren't going to stay around and watch the whole video I really think that isnt a concern

[@jeffsilverman6104]

I've lived in the desert just a few hours drive from the Grand Canyon for thirty years, and hydration stands between you and death just living an average day in the summer. Every year I am astonished by the number of people stupid enough to test their ego's, and lack of preparation against one of the most unforgiving places on Earth. The Mojave Desert can kill you in a heartbeat.

[@thefisherking78]

The desert is brutally unforgiving. When I heard 3L for two days i was like 😬

[@RoundSeal]

This is, sadly, a perfect example as to why you should _always_ assume that things WILL go wrong. _When_ you run out of water - not _if_ you run out of water. You can never be too prepared. At worst, you'll feel a little silly for lugging around extra stuff; if you don't, then at worst, you'll be dead.

[@bruhbruh-us6gl]

FIRST VIEW

[@freedog632]

Appalachian trail had many similar stories. People go off trail to find water, and then get lost. The one i recall, her remains were a few hundred yards away from the trail, but the brush kept her from finding it.

[@PhilipMurphyExtra]

Thanks for your stories

[@sttuuddeerr]

The Grand Canyon is a dangerous beautiful place. The desert compounds that. People do not appreciate how deadly the desert landscape of Arizona is.

[@kjaubrey4816]

I work outside in the heat in a place that can be 100 degrees for weeks on end. I routinely drink two gallons of water per day while working. The heat just exhausts you more than you can imagine.

[@laurameier7069]

JFC, what a horrible death. RIP Mr Stryker.

[@ald1144]

I cannot fathom trying to hike the Canyon in the summer. I went once in the winter. The problem then was the ice on the trail. My cheap crampons came apart and a couple times I thought I was going for a BASE jump without a chute. I found traction by stepping in the mule poop.

[@jenniferryersejones9876]

Such a nightmare for this couple. Thanks, FH.

[@1TakoyakiStore]

2.5 Gallons of water loss a day each is insane. That's roughly 20lbs worth of extra weight you have to carry. Roughly 2/3rds the weight of a through hiker's recommend pack weight.

[@texastea5686]

Not sure if you have done a video on this or not, but in White Sands National Park, a Fremch Couple died a few years ago. Their little boy survived. I'm from south Texas, so we're used to the heat, no one really goes out hiking in those temps (summer 2023, we had over 60 DAYS of triple digit weather 100°F to 106°F) the French couple went to white sands in Sumner with just one bottle of water for the 3 of them.... BAD IDEA!

[@rosieposie6904]

Well, this one just broke my heart

[@ladysilverwynde]

Welp, the Grand Canyon went from my 'bucket list' to 'f*ck it list' mighty quick.

[@joey1723]

Haha I love that 😂

[@MusicoftheDamned]

Despite all of the fatal errors made here, they're still far more understandable than the equally fatal errors made by most of the people in your video about falls into the Grand Canyon.

[@DanH34]

Unreal. I can down 3 litres of water in a half-day's walk on prepared pavements in the British winter. I shudder to think what trying to walk two days across the Grand Canyon must have been like.