Hiking 105km Through Utah's Backcountry Alone - Packrafting and Camping

From January 17 to the 20th, I hiked alone through Utah's backcountry. I put this route together over a couple hours of playing with the Alpine Quest app. It was perfect because I could leave my van in one spot, then combine a great distance of hiking through remote canyons... connected in the middle by packrafting on the San Juan river. I had limited beta and really no idea if it would actually work. There is an incredible amount of human history through these areas, more than I could possibly show on video. This really was my greatest experience of seeing everything Utah has to offer in one trip, and faced many difficult challenges along the way. Enjoy the video... thanks for watching. Route info available on my Strava account.
/ forestyforest
Merchandise:
foresty-forests-store.creator...
Summit Map:
drive.google.com/open?id=12GF...
/ strava
/ forestyforest

[@makochin]

Other channels are about building vans but only Foresty's channel is about living in them.

[@LittleMikeStarCraft]

Good way to put it, every other vanlife channel is van tour after van tour.

[@mo938]

@Buckwheat Hikes wait. so you're saying i don't need a 300k van for #VanLife?

[@jaysoncea9376]

@Buckwheat Hikes concur. this channel actually has meaningful content (adventures) through him living from (outside) his van. one of only a couple channels i respect.

[@61shotbeehive]

Nobody does it better....

[@bethaniejify]

Right?

[@Styder111]

We all need to give the utmost respect to Foresty. This was a 4 day hike sleeping outside without a shelter, which probably lasted almost twice as long as it should have if it weren't for the added weight of the video equipment and the time put into taking all the amazing footage we see.

[@Lt_Tragg]

Epic stuff. I wonder if it could be even more epic with a camera man/producer along assisting w/the heavy lifting. No telling how many extra miles FF travels just to get those shots of him doing the adventure. Possibly would have been only a 3-day adventure.

[@bigb7422]

@@Lt_Tragg I find that part of the epicness of FF adventures is the fact that he does it alone. i probably wouldn't be interested in watching if he had a crew.

[@deanherde805]

This video was just epic. The music to the sped up walking was so good. That is if it was actually sped up. I don’t like to assume 😆

[@deanherde805]

@@bigb7422 that was the comment I was about to make 👍🏼

[@alexbaker1605]

Foresty never bores

[@NicksGarage]

Congratulations on 300K, Foresty. Great content.

[@forestyforest]

Thank you Nick!

[@zonith]

@@forestyforest CONGRATS! love your videos. I wish i had more money to support you on your journey

[@insanity6829]

vivek, He's making big $$$ on YT and Patreon...and I'm not trying to be negative as this guys vids are great!!!

[@adamheeley285]

inspiring stuff for sure

[@eighth5983]

Well deserved.

[@andreasody]

The Arch at 13:58 is (I believe) the Arch named after my grandpa Merlin J Shaw. He passed away in the 60's on his way to the river with a huge river rafting group called SOCATWA. Without this video I never would've gotten to see this beautiful place! THANK YOU!

[@josephprather1614]

Foresty, with all of your mountain climbing in Canada and all of your hikes in the states I have seen some of the most beautiful places on earth without leaving my home. Great camera work. You really put in a lot of effort into your videos and I know that it is hard work. Be safe out there and watch your step. Well done sir.

[@kardwise9714]

Well said.

[@mikew6840]

What Joseph said!! Loving this landscape.

[@CFM-TRANSPORTATION]

His video creations and editing are amazing!

[@bigb7422]

ditto

[@MikeBaroni]

Completely agree. Thank you.

[@Juggernuts]

the only thing that keeps me form dying from anxiety watching you is knowing im only seeing this because you made it back safely

[@user-Bee3939]

Same

[@clarebrant5305]

same

[@CarinaPiersay]

Ditto (WHEW!)

[@karenlewkowitz5858]

Whew..yes! Needed to take a break and come back! U believable what Foresty plans and succeeds in accomplishing. He is just absolutely incredible!

[@rosemarie20]

Amen! I think the very same thing when my stomach muscles cringe during his hikes up mountains and glaciers, too.

[@chewsalot799]

I'm still in awe of how Foresty does this alone! I would be so lost, but somehow he always seems to know where he is going and how to get back.

[@leapinlizard9487]

He is a meticulous planner!

[@robertmuckle2985]

Not many humans get to experience this kind of solitude. It's like you visited an uninhabited planet. I'm having a touch of envy!

[@c11p]

20:02 Anyone else give out a little cheer at this point? Absolutely loving this series, FF. Please stay safe. We really appreciate it!

[@a.phillips6892]

@@K1OIK Unnecessarily ugly remark.

[@albertarose1433]

Yuk, not me. I’m begging him to come home. Please! Hike the F’ing tundra north of the Arctic Circle than this chicken poop.

[@moteroargentino7944]

@burt2481 Please let's keep it civil. The commenter fixed it so it was an honest mistake. Let's not ruin this place making it look like the rest of KZbin.

[@ALTDOK667]

That was my favourite part. Coming home...

[@ljp1391]

I paused it to run to the fridge!

[@33Jenesis]

Discovery Channel should get Foresty Forest a show. Send him to all kinds of solo hikes in the world with a camera man. This hiking footage is show worthy!

[@robthesamplist]

NO it will ruin it completely. Imagine the cuts to the ads.

[@33Jenesis]

@@robthesamplist Netflix then :)

[@stevejeffrey11]

watching real people do neat things on youtube with adblocker (so no ads) beats any kind of fake scripted phony 'reality' shows on TV

[@budelis]

Then it would be dual hiking forestry and cameraman

[@stevejeffrey11]

@@budelis a drone is good enough ;)

[@svenhodaka9145]

Foresty Forest, the original “all wheel drive” humanoid! That’s some serious adventuring. Nicely done!😁

[@sandienochs6132]

Thanks from Portugal. I’m 72, and have no regrets, tried everything, skydive, scuba, lots and lots of travel, sixty countries and counting. Do it while you still can, it certainly gets harder as one gets older. Do not just sit on your a§!

[@danniedamour4397]

Just want to say thank you for sharing these hikes. So amazing to see these terrains up close and hope to see it in person one day soon 💕❤️

[@seaninmokhang4258]

300k...BOOM! Congrats buddy, you deserve it!

[@Grasshopper.80]

All organic

[@ericcomp7032]

Hell Yeah!!!

[@AustinK95]

💯

[@franklindmurphy]

Absolutely incredible. I remember before 30k.

[@forestyforest]

Thank you!! 🍻

[@seXXXpac]

Giant, winter mosquitoes?!! That's terrifying lol You've come a long way since the days of sleeping in Walmart parking lots. It's been amazing to watch your adventure unfold! ❤️

[@bratwurstred]

That huge timelapse at the end was incredibly satisfying! Hands down the best channel on KZbin. Congrats on 300k!

[@TheMadmacs]

just magnificent landscape, epic effort though, i won't ever make it to these locations, i can't tell you how much fun it is to see them this way.

[@MikeInMexico]

Best Channel Ever. I’ve been watching since the beginning and following along. You inspire all of us to get out and do more. Thank you Foresty.

[@ryanonwheels2174]

This has got to be my favorite Foresty episode of all time. Something about him holding his hand above the pictographs at 14:07 and quietly saying "they were just kids". Love it

[@robertstanley3253]

The most deserved beer ever!

[@valyd45]

Congratulations on the 300K. You are a brave soul. Don’t see many content creators doing what you do. Good job😎

[@rudemooddudehamburg]

Seriously I love it that you are wayyy more consistent with uploading your stuff than a LOT of other KZbinrs that dont live in a freaking van!!! Congrats to the 300k subs! Well deserved!

[@mgb0869]

I say it a lot in the comments on FF’s channel, but this could be the most epic thing he has done yet (other than the off the rails fat bike adventures in the early days). Truly incredible and absolute commitment. A true Canadian legend. 300000 subscribers? No where near enough for this level of awesomeness. Thank you Foresty. Be safe out there. Love from Ottawa 🇨🇦

[@XanderBudnick]

That was an awesome adventure. It makes me want to get a packraft ... and a van :p

[@yodaddy9362]

You gna get lost

[@Vikke95]

No way my favourite two youtubers come together in this comment section :-)

[@forestyforest]

Thanks Xander 👍 giddy up!

[@lauralu4175]

Wow I love Utah. Thank you so much for the tour. It’s beautiful. I just walked out to my trash bin 30 feet away. It’s 38 degree F and I thought of you and turned it into a hike in my head. It made me happy to hike 30 feet. 😂 You inspire me. One step at a time. I love your videos. Just started watching you a week ago so I’ve gone back from the beginning and am enjoying your journey. Thank you Foresty ❤.

[@Drpatrickwarren]

Can’t wait to see 1 million! Congrats forest! Always great content, appreciate the hard work my man

[@charlesandjulien]

This channel is a hidden gem among the enormous amount of content on KZbin. It's just simply my favourite content.

[@teaguehall17]

This might be the greatest Foresty Forest episode of all time. Great work!

[@anomalovahocambuel3799]

This is one of the best foresty videos I have seen so far.

[@andreavin3674]

Without a doubt this is the most exciting channel on KZbin. I lived in Utah as a kid but my father wouldn’t take us anywhere at all, let alone give us this kind of adventure. It makes me want to visit UT again. FF is giving us some incredible content

[@kenhoward3512]

The cliff dwellings and pictographs leave me in awe of how ancient humans, thousands of years ago, who never could have imagined our significantly-modified modern world, survived in such an amazing land of sculptured stone. And maybe - in another thousand years - another traveler will find Foresty's lost sandals and wonder about this mysterious ancient van dweller of the 21st century.

[@rickszabo4312]

Yes and the finder of the long lost sandals will rightfully claim that there was a Forest here.

[@rosemarie20]

Your parents must be incredibly proud that you are their son. You are a real credit to them.

[@AnyM4jorDude]

Woohoo! 25 minutes of ForestyForest to start off the weekend right. Such awesome petroglyph from your channel. Love the lonely time-lapse at the end. Stay safe and warm, Simon.

[@Hodad3000]

I did a float trip on the San Juan when I was younger. My mum is an Archaeologist, I've spent a fair amount of time in that area and surrounding regions. I always appreciate you taking us along on your journeys.

[@62swampboy62]

That was EPIC, young brother! I've been an outdoorsman in the Appalachian side of the US for decades, and am really impressed by your minimal approach to backpacking. Don't know if I would have been as convinced about finding water as you were, but it worked for you - so you were right on the ball. LOVE watching your vids. Congrats on the 300k!

[@forestyforest]

Thank you 🙂

[@pamw4779]

Hi Forest, Really appreciate your fearless sense of adventure, and want to thank you for taking us with you into the backcountry. This was a great episode and loved that it was longer than usual. I also really enjoyed the footage of the speeded-up hike along the trail and the music you chose to go with it, what a bonus - Thank you! ....A fan from SW Ontario.

[@fern8003]

This was so special to watch. I loved those last minutes, how you filmed it and with the music. Like I was walking there myself. While I was in my 3rd floor appartment in the Netherlands....Thank you so much. Take care.

[@Styder111]

25 minutes?! What a treat!

[@rutzyco]

I love these 20+ minute videos documenting multi-day trips. This was awesome. Stay safe!

[@herdfan697278]

Wow! I can’t remember when I have witnessed more exclusive footage or such beautiful locations as this video made by our intrepid Foresty Forest, the modern throw back to the French fur traders and runners of the woods! Antiquities and relics of the ancients come alive and allow older people like me who could never hope to view them without your adventures Mr. Forest! My wife and have just become Patreons after watching most of your vlogs for a couple of years! Our 55+ community here in Ocala, Florida has a good number of Canadian Americans living among us. Two couples we know well appear to have U. S. Citizenship here but own other property in both Canada and an adjacent State. In my purview they indeed are enjoying dual citizenship. We people of the United States would love to see you enjoying your own dual citizenship Foresty Forest!

[@gbthecamper458]

Absolutely loved this video. Such perseverance and dedication to seeing and sharing with us places we will likely never see or experience. The history of the area is so interesting and thank you for taking me along. Be safe.

[@Styder111]

I am absolutely impressed at your dedication for adventure. That is definitely a trip I wouldn't do alone, or in winter. That said, what a gorgeous and interesting landscape and ancient relics along the way. Side note, I'm no expert, but I feel like the ceiling/roof wood being charred is a way to treat them against rot and insect damage to preserve them and prolong their lives. That's why every structure, big or small, has charred wood.

[@jwagnermail]

Charing the surface of wood does protect it somewhat, but I think the reason most of the structures are charred is because they used wood for cooking and heating. They might use any size room for a kitchen.

[@davep5647]

I doubt thats the original wood...just like the ladders.

[@cobraspottedwolf8791]

We should start a sandal recovery reward. Whoever returns the sandals to forest gets a reward!

[@DudeGamer8]

Other van dwellers spend time upgrading and buying expensive stuff, showing off wealth and all, making contents that are really only about their sponsors. You stick to what is authentic and modest, you are truly a legend.

[@amye4087]

That was an awesome trip. Thank you so much for taking us along. When you say 75 KM you also probably don't figure in how much you walk back and forth for these great shots. You are the best. As always, I love that you knew your limits on that shelf and found a different way. It makes me feel better that you do that so we know you are taking the best care of Forresty Forrest.

[@search4truth104]

That was amazing, I did not know so many cliff dwellings are left relatively untouched out there.

[@bikingviking6688]

And the award for "Most Inspirational KZbinr" goes to.... Foresty Forest! You rock bro! 🤘

[@FrankFrankly711]

I've hiked so many Utah and Colorado trails in my time, its so nostalgic to relive it through Foresty's eyes 👀

[@dominationn]

Craziest part for me was seeing the flash flood routes you were walking in. Southwest is carved by water throughout time. Make it to Bryce, Lake Powell and Sedona if ya can :)

[@saraserafin4766]

One of my favorite videos so far! Thanks for showing all the ruins and petroglyphs. It's fascinating to see how many their were and some in good condition. Stay safe out there!

[@boneyn3661]

My 11 year-old son and I always look forward to watching your adventures together. We've been watching you since day 1. Thanks so much Foresty Forest, you're truly an inspiration.

[@karenlewkowitz5858]

Hi Simon -these hikes are the opposite of boring. I had to take breaks watching, sitting on the couch, watching you traverse some treacherous passages on loose rocks with some ultra ninja moves.

[@E92Noah]

You seriously make some of the best content on KZbin, thank you for doing what you do!

[@rufusqristofer]

That was an amazing journey! Thank you for taking us along!

[@janetrobison2765]

You are my hiking hero. I can only dream of taking a trip like that. Thanks for letting me live vicariously through you.

[@tomterrell1761]

Just catching this one two years later, but definitely a top notch video. Love the extra footage through the wash at the end as well. Thanks FF!

[@anthonycdamico]

Amazing! Thank you again for sharing your adventures! Hello from Kelowna, BC!

[@garyworokevich2524]

The rock formations are spectacular. I appreciate all your modes of travel.

[@bencohen9624]

Definitely a big fan of the long overnight expedition like this! Especially the super remote ones like this too

[@LornaT460]

That was such a beautiful area, thanks for showing it to us!

[@tiuh8539]

Been here since the start and this is one of the best videos that you have ever made. At least in my humble opinion, cheers FF and friends!

[@MapleMarmite]

That was absolutely awesome! The achievement, the scenery and the quality of the footage and presentation of it all - flawless stuff! You’re a braver man than me. Thanks for all that went into that and congrats on the subscriber milestone! 👍🏻 PS - anyone else notice that big rock perched up top at 4:15? How is that still up there….?

[@ruthieclarke9125]

The roadrunner hasn't gotten close enough for Wiley Coyote to push it off yet. Of course we all know what would happen to that silly Coyote.

[@aroundoz]

Man, you were really out there. Middle of winter in the middle of nowhere. That was epic and the timelapse at the end was an excellent finish. Congrats on 300k.

[@beam-kitty8425]

All I can say is WOW! Mad respect!

[@russellmcpherson36]

Winterized mosquitoes...got the 5W-30 for the joints and antifreeze for the veins. Don't bring any of those buggers back to Canada! Epic video, Foresty! 25 minutes just flew by. What amazing scenery. Great background info sprinkled throughout. It must be gobsmacking to be walking through all that history.

[@matthewg7835]

Fantastic stuff as always! You’re the master of the outdoors and might already know about gypsy wells… but wanted to mention just in case. When dealing with water that’s less than ideal - To make the well, dig a hole about one foot away from the edge of the questionable water source. Dig down about one foot to make the well’s volume worth the trouble. Now, we simply play the waiting game. The hole will fill with water, as the fluid seeps through the soil it’ll filter out much of the nasty bits and should taste much better. Keep up the great work! Love seeing the places you visit and tagging along on your adventures. Cheers 🍻

[@nubbyrose87]

OMG. I am as awestruck by the beauty and history as by the perils you deal with - large winterized mosquitos landing on your face. 😱

[@dubbydub9245]

I nearly died of thirst watching this.

[@TreeLBollingTreeMan]

Stepping up your skill level to another level!

[@dibamoca9885]

The landscape is amazing - almost looks like another planet!!

[@carlrobison6065]

I'm envious. I live in this country, but you are getting to see some amazing sights. Take it in, enjoy it for those of us who cant!

[@1979calpro]

Nice job hiking all those kilometers, especially with all the back and forth to setup and retrieve the camara. Very impressive scenery!

[@TheMrBlueGuy]

You're truly living a dream! Seeing all this beautiful stuff, the nature, exploring... It's amazing. I am so glad you're sharing this with us. And I'm happy everything went well and safe! Also, 'sandal recovery mission' sounds nice! :)

[@cramias1]

I did this route back in 2018, though we started at Mexican Hat and floated ~40 miles before hiking out at Grand Gulch. We went all the way through to Government Trailhead. Its one of the better packrafting routes in the southwest, though the rockfall at the mouth of Grand Gulch has made it a lot trickier to navigate these days. If you stick around the southwest for awhile, you should look into the Escalante River in the March-May timeframe. You'll need a better boat than the Supai, though

[@wanderingwhere]

Mom when I grow up I want to be just like forest ... another great vid man

[@robedmunds7163]

Those were some hairy legs at 9 minutes in, can't unsee that. Brilliant video, such a great experience to share thanks.

[@Scott-J]

Amazing. That is a lot of hard miles to cover in four days. I was skeptical of the stove, but after a trip like that a beer and a fire is exactly what you need. Thanks for bringing us along!

[@shelberwelber]

Fantastic adventure! Thank you for sharing your experiences. Your wit and humor make watching even better. Congrats on 300k dude. You deserve it! 🥂

[@nob.s.7925]

Amazing! I'm just floored by all the dwellings. What I'd give to time travel and see the people building them and how they lived. Thank you so much for this wonderful content.

[@alfordmick]

The "one man Discovery channel" incredible work

[@IsleyReust]

I’m really enjoying these Utah videos. There’s so much amazing things to see.

[@TheAdventureCloset]

300k well deserved subs. Kudos to you man! Keep inspiring people. You do great work.

[@mindym5579]

You Amaze Me Simon You have quickly become my second most favorite person EVER Just right behind my momma 💯🤗🌱💕

[@MrDFensos]

Have been here since you moved in the first van. Thank you for all this amazing content.

[@claytonfs]

I loved the continuous hyperlapse shot at the end! I could have watched an hour, very soothing.

[@incognitoatunknown2702]

No snakies or scorpions or other creepy crawlies along the way? That's always been my fear about RVers and vanlifers out in the desert wilds. I am surprised no one has been taken out by a wandering beastie. Glad you made it through.

[@alanwebster3942]

It’s winter they hibernate

[@rogerbmcdaniel]

Doubt if anyone will ever see this, but still have to leave a comment Despite the fact I have been following the channel for quite a while and am a subscriber, this is the first time I have seen this video. This is so cool. I think this is my favorite Foresty Forest video so far It's the real Deal!

[@webknows]

The extended outro at the end was perfect. So atmospheric and relaxing.

[@chrisbrown8748]

Dude your hard core💪🏽. Love this content🤙🏽

[@z_cal1sthenics]

25m video? YESSSSSS! 😯😀😀 I'm commenting before watching...its like 2 episodes in 1! Be safe out there!

[@z_cal1sthenics]

@@K1OIK sorry I'll edit it 25m video...cmon guy...

[@1101agaoj]

Praise to you for showing better judgment on the more precarious climbing AND still sharing incredible views! Don't sweat the sandals too much, you have hauled out your share of leftbehinds...and also improved our world with your shared experiences. Carl Sagan summed it up nicely in "Pale Blue Dot"

[@marthasellers4125]

Absolutely amazing. Thank you for bringing us along. I would never be able to experience this without you. Much respect for what you do. Be safe out there.

[@walkoutdoor]

Каменные джунгли))) Мне понравилось, очень непривычное для меня зрелище. У нас скалы и камни можно встретить в основном у моря, но они другие, в лесу крайне редко попадаются и не в таком объеме.

[@Silverfox1111]

Translated from Russian: Stone jungle))) I liked it, a very unusual sight for me. Here rocks and stones can be found mainly by the sea, but they are different, in the forest they are extremely rare and not in such a volume.

[@user-mv2wk7ls5f]

Впечатляющие места, с уникальной геологией. В наших землях Форест в тачке замерзнет, и по дорогам толком никуда не проедет=)

[@walkoutdoor]

@@user-mv2wk7ls5f Но он там и адаптирован под ту местность))

[@rikdeere]

That was just so awesome. Very inspiring, and almost like a spirit quest that a pueblo native might have journeyed.

[@Tbone.357]

Another great beef steak of a video. I've said it before. A lot of other KZbin adventure channels are the equivalent of a happy meal. But yours is like a four-course steak and potato feast! Quality instead of quantity. I'd rather have one or two vids a week that are like this than everyday videos of people driving down dirt roads and having ramen noodles in a campsite.

[@campervanbug7658]

Im here for the hiking and climbing, cool van home is a bonus

[@agentorange1556]

This was fun to watch. These longer videos are well worth the wait.

[@klintenirl846]

Another great piece of content!!! thank you for it and congratulations on 300k have been watching since 10k!

[@forestyforest]

Thank you!!!

[@fantasyEXX]

I wouldn't try this trail alone personally because my wife would kill me but good for you for getting it done. Seemed like a very cool place to be all alone. Just you and mother nature, doesn't get better than that

[@TrustNotMyHeart]

I stay glued to the screen, just shaking my head thinking...ain't no way...ain't now way. Thanks, Foresty. We appreciate you.