Hiking a Looong Slot Canyon! Buckskin Gulch: Paria Plateau Loop Hike (2022)

[@yermoseekingtreasureadvent2666]

I believe you mentioned April as your hiking date. As of now, 8/21/22, Buckskin has flashflooded at least 7 times in the last month. Pools are full. Knee, waist, chest deep. Cesspool has a foot thick mat of pine needles that fill in behind you when trying to bust through. Took me 5 hours to do 8 miles, Wire Pass Trailhead to Middle Route on July 29th. Did it between flashfloods on consecutive days. What I'm getting at is, researching on the internet is problematic. It's generally people of varying abilities that have done the hike once under various conditions. It can change daily, even hourly during Monsoon season. GOS and cell service are worthless down in the Buckskin. Carry a SpotLocator or InReach@ Once waited at Middle Route for a flashflood I knew was coming. Had 22 seconds from the time I first heard the water, until an 8' wall of water and debris hit the Middle Route. HEADS UP: A person planning on hiking Buckskin is always going to get more accurate current information from one of the local guide services that are in there on a daily basis. Time of year and water and mud and 10-15° cooler in Buckskin than up top. Even in summer one can get hypothermia.... I hear a lot "We talked to the Ranger at the Paria Contact Station." Actually they talked to an authority figure, answering a phone, that I'd be willing to bet, has never actually done the hike. Look up USGS Paria River Flow and check both 'near Kanab' and Lee's Ferry. Use an app like MyRadar and know the watersheds that drain into the Buckskin and Paria.... My record taking people in the Middle Route is 11x in 2 weeks Be safe

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- this was the first week of April and I finished before a big storm moved in later that month. I can only imagine what it's like now after all the monsoon storms. All very good advice that you share -- hiking the Buckskin definitely requires up-to-date info from a reliable source. I'm actually surprised there's aren't more accidents in the canyon. Thanks for watching and the comment. 👍

[@joelwilliams8632]

My wife and I decided to do a through trip in 2019. We were foolish enough to think we could make it from Wire Pass to White House in a day. We saw lots of 20 year olds do it in the past. We started out at 7:15 am and finished at 12:30 am. We loved it but decided at age 60 we probably should scale back on our expectations. Lol. Thank you for such amazing videos. You never disappoint.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. Yeah... I've never done it in a day, but could imagine it would be challenge. Not only is it just physically tough to do, I think there would be that constant fear of needing to move on and not being able to take enough time to enjoy it... ie just sitting down and soaking it in. Congrats on doing it all the same. ✌

[@Orban_Rides]

Need a bigger "LIKE" button.

[@Acrossutah]

Big THANKS! Glad you keep watching and enjoy the videos. More coming soon. 👍

[@alejandrorangel1761]

Jamal back in action! Welcome back

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks and thanks again for watching! ✌

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

Welcome back, Jamal. I've missed your videos. Your snake friends have obviously missed you as well.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! And yes... every single time I'm around the Paria it seems that I run into a rattler! Thanks for watching. 🌞

[@chrisschmandt895]

Also, I gotta say, you did an amazing job on this video. Many places Buckskin just goes on and on and on, always the same, but always different, a little sky overhead, sand/gravel under foot. It is hard to capture in a photo, the length of it. Well done!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! It's a hard thing to capture in many ways with a camera due to difficult angles and lighting conditions. I don't have the equipment or patience to truly do it complete justice -- but that's just one of my trade offs when doing a long hike. I'm glad you appreciate what I do do though -- so thanks! 🌞

[@petefrenzel7296]

Thanks Jamal for taking us along! Too bad Mr. Shadow could not join you due to the high walls. Maybe next time. :) Cheers!

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah... he doesn't like the deep, dark canyons much. 😉 But... he'll be back! Thanks for watching. ✌

[@lancemumford3106]

I have been watching your videos for quite a few years now. I have enjoyed every one. Thanks, and keep on going as long as you can.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! I hope to keep doing it for a while. I'll have a bunch of new videos coming out over the next few months, so definitely subscribe and "ring the bell" for notifications if you haven't already to be alerted to new videos. Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@nextwave1314]

Wow. And I'm sure it's even more impressive being there. Thank you. Great job.

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah, in some ways it's hard to capture the beauty and feelings via camera. Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞

[@potatothorn]

glad the muddy part wasnt too long// video was not too long either hahaha / spectacular scenes thanks for taking us along

[@Acrossutah]

Glad you feel that way -- this series and my Zion to Green River series are both longer in terms of more footage per day. TBD how it all plays out, but so far I think the added content is working OK. Cheers! ✌

[@w9jim]

I've never seen so many people in one on your videos, before!

[@Acrossutah]

I know, right?! Occasionally I'll go through popular areas, but I usually move quickly and then offset that with days of solitude. Much of the rest of this hike I saw very few people (except for one more popular spot in an upcoming episode.) Thanks for watching!

[@geli.s24]

Hi Jamal, How nice to see you walking and healthy again. And I'm glad the mud got into your shoes and not mine. Greetings from Germany Angela

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks, Geli! Yeah... the mud is something else along this hike. Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞👍

[@martinjcamp]

Thank you and welcome back! Very nice footage.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Glad you liked it and I'm anxious to share all my content from this past spring. 👍🌞

[@KristinaAdventures]

views are incredible! thanks so much for sharing, really enjoyed this video 🤗🙏

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks so much -- I appreciate you for watching and leaving a nice comment. Cheers! 🌞✌

[@KristinaAdventures]

@@Acrossutah you are very welcome 🤗

[@ervinslens]

This is incredible. The shots, composition, and the great editing are all inspiring here. 🔥

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks so much. 🌞✌

[@SDSsongs]

Ahhh... new content from Jamal! I believe I'll pull up a beer and sit a spell. =D

[@Acrossutah]

Cool -- and thanks for watching! 🍻

[@martinforrester8249]

One of many regrets in life Jamal, never did Buckskin Gulch. Second best thing... watch your video. Although I've hiked extensively in the four corners area since 1992, Utah has consistently been my favourite State. Oldtimer Englishman from Shropshire who has been reliving my younger days with your help. Sadly, my US hiking days are now over. P.s, surprised you encountered a Rattler early April particularly where it was so cold !

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks -- glad I could provide some vicarious adventures for you. I agree -- Utah is definitely a favorite. It's funny, I seem to see a rattlers every time I'm around the Paria. Thanks for watching and the comment. Cheers! 🌞🍻

[@geraenriquez1602]

Excellent video as always every year I hope you upload the videos you make they are awesome 👌 👏 👍

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! I hiked a LOT this spring, so more videos coming soon! Thanks for watching! 😀👍

[@joyouslily2982]

Missed you! Glad to see you’re still kicking it!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! And yes... still kicking it the best I can. In fact... spring 2022 was one of my biggest years ever in terms of hiking. More videos coming soon! 😀✌

[@moisnhcrnr]

So much fun to watch.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@mesquitoful]

Lord we need more from you.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! And just to let you know.... I'll have a bunch of new videos coming out over the next few months, so definitely subscribe and "ring the bell" for notifications if you haven't already to be alerted to new videos. Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@jeepdude67]

Epic. And a very relaxing video. Thanks Jamal. Was in Bryce around the same time you were doing this hike. Weather was beautiful.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah, sounds like we both timed it perfectly then as the weather was great, but then about a week later a BIG storm rolled through. Thanks for watching and the comment. 😀👍

[@bcarroll94bcarroll94]

03:51, Truer words have never been spoken

[@Acrossutah]

Yep! 😉 It's funny because I'm happy that others are out enjoying this awesome place and I realize that I too am part of the "crowd", but wow a narrow canyon like this seems very claustrophobic with a bunch of people in it (especially when they are yelling/screaming/etc.) Thanks for watching!

[@JohnTheLuck3]

Ahhh, Jamal, you made my day with this new video!!! Thanks again for taking the time to create them and sharing your amazing adventures.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks, Jean! Glad you are still following along and appreciate the videos. Cheers! 🌞✌

[@RedSandstoneDeserts]

Thanks for the new video! And I am really looking forward to the one starting in Zion that you teased.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yes, I have a LOT of video to share over the upcoming few months. If you haven't already... subscribe and "ring the bell" for notifications to be altered to my new videos. Cheers! 🌞✌

[@carlosdelarios4098]

Absolutely love photographing the Southwest. Really enjoy hiking. But you take it to a whole different level. Through your videos I'm able to see places I would to go to, but don't have the knowledge, experience, or conditioning that you have. So thank you for allowing me to come along and experiencing the beauty and adventure your videos provide! You're quite a guy!

[@Acrossutah]

Thank you -- I really appreciate that. I started this channel primarily to share my adventures with my family and friends who can't go with me. Glad that you and others seem to enjoy the videos as well. Cheers! 🌞👍

[@utahdan231]

An epic hike. You brought me back 30 years and reminded me all my claustrophobic struggles. We started in Wire Pass and finished in Lee’s Ferry. 5 days. This is such a gorgeous canyon. Thank you for taking me back with you. I don’t think I would do that again. Not alone. You’re such an inspiration.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment! Glad I was able to bring back some good memories for you. Cheers! 🌞

[@louisrobert339]

I have been waiting for this for more than a year. Thank you Jamal for sharing your adventures with us.

[@Acrossutah]

Thank YOU for watching and the comment. 😀👍

[@TheMoofy8]

Your photography has become amazing, especially going thru the cesspool, then filming yourself going thru it again, wow!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! I actually went through THREE times! I wanted to use two different cameras and then a battery ran out, so I had to repeat it again! Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞👍

[@MrProach2]

I've missed your trips; welcome back! I still prefer the longer non-populated trails that you do

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yes, I definitely do too. I actually didn't see that many people on the rest of this hike (except while at one other popular area in a later episode.) In my upcoming Zion to Green River Hike series I go through several remote stretches where I saw nobody for days at a time! Thanks for watching! 👍

[@MrProach2]

@@Acrossutah I'm looking forward to seeing that series! 😀

[@JudyP42]

Nope, the video was definitely NOT too long! Looking forward to the next one.

[@Acrossutah]

Glad to hear that! I realize that it seems somewhat repetitive in the canyon, but I kinda wanted to show just how long the canyon really is. It's almost monotonous as times to hike -- which is odd because it's so beautiful and interesting at the same time. Thanks for watching! 👍

[@davidogle9247]

THANK YOU for making these really cool videos!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks and thank you for watching and the comment! ✌

[@harryjames2299]

Wow. Thanks.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching! And the comment too! 🌞👍

[@ericcarlson3461]

Awesome! I’d love to hike this but I’m getting claustrophobic just watching… lol!

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- even though it's not extremely tight like some slot canyons, it does seem a bit claustrophobic after hours and hours of hiking. Thanks for watching and the comment. 👍

[@hikesome]

Looks amazing "in" there. Beautiful shots and a wonderful Canyon. Best wishes, Mario

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! I appreciate you watching and the comment. 👍

[@CaveCreek101]

Wow! That could be the most beautiful video of the rocks you’ve ever put out 👍fabulous! I’ve been wondering where you’ve been glad to see your new video . Thanks!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! The geology in this area really is astounding and I think you'll see more evidence of that in the following episodes as well. Cheers! 🌞

[@jerryphillips7330]

It was great to see you back. I have missed your videos over the winter. We were at WirePass last Sept and turned south in the Buckskin and ran into a lot of water within the first 1/4 mile. Shortly after we were there, around Oct 1 they had a big flood in WirePass and it took out the ladder that is in WirePass. Can't wait for your summer hike videos too.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks. What's left of that original ladder is actually now stuck about 15' high in the slot just down from the Wire Pass junction. I got a picture of it, but didn't include it in the video unfortunately. Thanks for watching! 👍

[@mikekuhl2658]

I hiked Buckskin in May 2021. I thought the most photogenic part was the between the rockfall and the confluence. It was bone dry and did not have to deal with mud or the cesspool.

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- I agree with that. There area a few spots along that section that are just gorgeous and tend to get really good light. There are deeper/tighter sections above that, but they are often too dark and thus not as photogenic. The upper section has a few good spots, but also gets intermittent direct sunlight which is less than ideal. Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

[@hikerstl]

Yes, social media and KZbin has destroyed a lot of hikes. Fortunately, I did a lot of hikes before the internet was so pervasive. The bad part is it means I am old. I always enjoy your videos. I have explored over the years much of the territory you travel, but in smaller doses.

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah, the internet has definitely been a blessing and a curse in many ways for the environment. I try to educate best practices as much as possible and not promote day hiking destinations too much. It's a tough balancing act at times. Once I got a few hours down Buckskin I saw very few people on the rest of this hike (except for one other popular spot that will be shown in a later episode.) Thanks for watching! 🌞👍

[@joycemiller8107]

Beautiful! I said the same thing when I hiked it...😊 I have to get away from these people

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah... I always remind myself that places like these are crowded for a reason -- because they are pretty awesome! I'm glad others enjoy these spots, but I can't linger too long among the crowds. Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@harry_lapzwans]

i miss mr shadow in the canyon :) he must be lonely 2🤠

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah... he doesn't seem to like the deep/dark canyons too much. BUT... I have a hunch he'll be back later for the stuff in the sun! 👍😉

[@claraallen12]

lol...'I need to get away from these people' yep...every- dang -day ....

[@Acrossutah]

Yep! I mean it's popular for a reason as it's really cool and I realize that I too was part of the crowd -- but yeah, I was anxious to get on down the canyon. Slot canyons are just really not conducive to crowds like that. I wouldn't be surprised to see a daily quota system implemented in the future here even for day hikers. Thanks for watching! 🌞

[@claraallen12]

@@Acrossutah yes, all good, I'm actually happy to see so many people taking their families outdoors! Just had a small chuckle and thought I'd share. Really love your videos and you're good nature, positive attitude expressed as you travel. Thanks for uploading!

[@ikmarchini]

I think I just took Buckskin Gulch off my bucket list. I never intended to go the whole way, maybe just to the cesspool and turn around. That would make me a day hiker. But your short shots of the day hikers was really a turn off. I don't expect to have all of Mother Nature to myself but so many sights have been been Instagrammed out of reason -- Zion, Kannaraville, Horseshoe Bend. It takes some planning now to be alone with Mother.

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- it's popular for good reason as it's pretty cool, but that many people in such a narrow canyon is not fun (especially with kids yelling and screaming and throwing rocks). Day-hike quotas might actually be a good idea here during peak season. (My hike was a Monday in April -- so somewhat a worst-case scenario.) And btw once I was about an hour down from Wire Pass I saw only a handful of people. So... I'd say still keep it as an option. 👍🌞

[@ikmarchini]

@@Acrossutah Thanks for the advice, I will put it back on the list. BTW, it is so nice to know there is another human being on the other side of KZbin who responds to viewers and cares enough to help. Thanks.

[@barbarasmith8090]

Love your videos! So glad you are back this year!!! Just love Utah not going to get to enjoy it this year hopefully next year! By the way what camera are you using it is awesome! Thanks for the videos!

[@barbarasmith8090]

I should have ask what camera for your videos?

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! I used several cameras on this hike. Many of the wide walking shots were with an Insta360 camera which allows me to remove the selfie stick from view. I also used a Go2 for the hyperlapse/fast-motion shots and my Pixel 6P for some video and phots. Thanks for watching!

[@davo2003hd]

I have never seen you hike in a human traffic jam!! lol.

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah... occasionally I go through busy/popular places, but I try not to linger too long and often don't capture it on video. Makes on appreciate the solitude that much more! Cheers! ✌

[@Karen-dq8nw]

Do you ever see any bigger wildlife in these slots? Bigger than a snake or bat. Do the deer and such just avoid them? As I watched you go down those dark areas, I thought how fun it would be to jump out and say "boo!" Does 127 hours cross your mind? I'd be thinking about that... Looking forward to the next video.

[@Acrossutah]

Not alive, though I've seen dead deer, bighorns, and even cows in slots elsewhere. 🙁 Sometimes I've seen deer in slightly bigger canyons where there ways to get in/out. Yeah, I think about 127 Hours quite often -- every time I'm scrambling over big boulders which aren't as stable as they first seem! Thanks for watching and the comment/questions. 😀👍

[@chrisschmandt895]

You mentioned having seen Buckskin 35 years ago. Have you seen much effect of increased visitation, or is it limited to areas like the Wirepass junction, which are pretty accessible? I am floored by how busy Zion has become, but it is still easy to find solitude if you know where to look.

[@Acrossutah]

Well... a little, but not too bad. The Wire Pass area is definitely strained by the increased usage. One will commonly find graffiti and small trash in the upper portion of the canyon which is disappointing. The other impact I've noticed is overuse at the camping areas around the confluence. But really, the rest of the canyon still seems fairly wild. After the crush of visitors I saw at Wire Pass I only saw maybe a dozen or so day hikers farther down the Buckskin. After a few hours I didn't anybody else until the next day when I was near the confluence. Zion is pretty crazy these days. I'm happy more people are getting out an enjoying our parks, and the optimist in me HOPES that they are inspired to help conserve them and weed out the few bad seeds. ✌

[@dantheman1624]

I was surprised by the amount of people , the times I’ve done it there have been almost no one but it was a number of years ago…

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah, the Wire Pass area has steadily been getting busier and busier for the last decade. This video was done on a Friday in spring so that didn't help. BUT... a few miles down the canyon I barely saw anyone and then after that saw ZERO people until I got near the confluence the next day. 👍

[@mwanny6850]

Oh, that is muddy pool? To me, a muddy Pooh 💩

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- that's a good description! 😬 Actually I got off fairly easy this time around because in the past it had been much worse. Thanks for watching and the comment. 👍

[@WJr_88]

Awesome! Been waiting for another video and you never disappoint. People Pollution is an aggravation! Seeing other hikers here and there and having a chit chat is nice but crowds are annoying. I'm excited to see the others sections. Good job and thank you for sharing! Hoping to get back to Utah this November! 🤞

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah, I understand that the crowds are there because it's a great place AND that I'm also part of the crowd, but in tight canyons like this it's not fun. A quota for day hiking during peak season might be a good thing here. Luckily as evidenced by my hikes there are still plenty of remote wilderness areas where one can find solitude if that is the priority. Thanks for watching! 👍

[@WJr_88]

@@Acrossutah Absolutely!

[@_bearno]

Would watch it even if it is 3:33h long 🌵

[@liznavia5869]

Welcome , thanks for sharing!!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks, Bearno! I was worried about having TOO much footage for this hike, but... I'm hoping more is actually more in this case. My videos don't seem to appeal to the short video crowd anyway so hopefully it's OK. Thanks for watching! 👍

[@MrProach2]

@@Acrossutah Let the short video crowd do their own thing; I'm happy with your long videos.

[@susannenerad9851]

Wow, how long is that slot canyon exactly? (Buckskin Gulch) Beautiful!!

[@Acrossutah]

It's often cited as 13.8 miles long -- which I think is from the wide section above wire pass all the way to the confluence. There are a few wide spots along that distance so some argue that that shouldn't be the truth length of the "slot", but... I don't think there is an official standards committee on such matters. 😉 Thanks for watching!

[@markfoy7984]

Flash flooding is always a concern in slot canyons I suspect. Is there such thing as flash flood season? Was this the reason for hiking it so early in the year?

[@Acrossutah]

Flash floods are most common in Monsoon Season which is typically July through September. They can happen in the spring, but are rare which along with moderate temps makes it a nice time to hike. The Buckskin Gulch is definitely a place where one wants to have a good forecast before hiking as the canyon is narrow and long and it has a moderate-sized catch basin. In a later video I talk about how I had a great forecast for this trek. Thanks for watching!

[@utahwanderlust700]

Awesome video! That half hour shot by like a rocket. I only wish it would've had a bit more info like how cold it got at night, what you packed in your bag, and what you would've done had that snake bit you. Also, how was the permit process, and did you use wag bags?

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks -- and I really appreciate that comment as I always strive to find that balance of documenting as much as possible w/o making it boring and/or too long. I realize I didn't talk too much about the hiking specifics on this segment. In hindsight I wish I had, but this was a bit of a rushed trip as I got the permit via the cancelation page and thought I'd just make a "minimal" video as I was focused on testing some gear for my upcoming trip in May. Some answers though: night temperatures were great, yes I took the wag bags, and as always I have no real plan for a snake bite besides getting out asap via PLB if necessary (truth is snake bites are extremely rare as rattlers usually will make their presence known and thus can be avoided. the only tricky part here was that I couldn't actually see the darned thing!) OK, thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞👍

[@fishnsyd]

Do you ever feel claustrophobic in the slot canyon, especially the really narrow and dark parts?

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah, a little bit. Not so much here, but there are some other slots in Utah that are VERY skinny. Some that people hike I would not be able to fit through! Anything like that is beyond my comfort level. Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞👍

[@sonyaj66]

Loved it!! 😃 Lots of slot-y, narrow-y goodness, even with the mud sections funk! Fantastic pics, never gets old, Buckskin is magical. I have questions 😁: 1 - how easy/hard was it to get a permit to backpack Buckskin? Back in 2019, I day hiked down from the BG trailhead, which started out as a wide wash and didn't narrow up until maybe 1/2 - 3/4 mile before the Wire Pass section; a day hike permit was no problem. Would love to backpack down there (and get away from all the day hikers and the off-leash dogs...🙄), but the permit situation made me wonder. 2 - what was the drinking water situation like? It didn't seem like there was any running or decent water in your video, except towards the end. Did you carry all you needed, or did you find some springs along the way? Water and potential non-crossable obstacles or technical sections are my issues on anything in the area Not really related to this hike, but I recently finished reading David Roberts' latest book on the Bears Ears, and if you haven't read it, I can highly 👍🏻it, since you're quite familiar with the area. It really enhanced my appreciation of the area: www.amazon.com/Bears-Ears-Americas-Endangered-Wilderness/dp/132403596X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Anyway, thanks for a relaxing and fun 33 minute diversion from the nonsense of the civilized world, and will look forward to part 2. Stay well, Jamal 🙂

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah, I realize I didn't talk much about the hiking specifics on this hike and I wish I had in hindsight. Truth is it was a bit rushed of a trip and I was experimenting with some new gear for my upcoming Zion to Green River hike. BUT alas, some answers: 1) Overnight permits are getting fairly difficult to obtain in peak season (spring/fall) and must be reserved ahead of time. I actually got lucky and got a single slot via the cancellation page. Thus this trip was not planned until about two weeks before I began hiking! 2) I carried all the water I needed until I was farther down the Paria. There were a few stagnant pools that could have been tapped as well as the surface water in the lower end of the Buckskin -- but neither of these are great sources so it really is best to carry what you need for this first day+ if possible Thanks for the book reference and for watching and the comment. 🌞👍.

[@sonyaj66]

@@Acrossutah Thanks for your reply; your answers pretty much confirmed what I thought they'd be, but it's good to know for sure. That's excellent that you were able to get a permit from a last-minute cancellation! The whole permit thing is a blessing/curse, as I don't need to tell you. On the one hand, any sort of heavy-handed bureaucracy of permit allotment is annoying, but OTOH, it's sadly become necessary because of the increased use and demand to see these special places, and because of people's ignorance and carelessness about how to conduct themselves in fragile environments. It's getting harder and harder to find places in the backcountry that aren't, shall we say, "diminished" by human activity, past or immediate. Cheers, -Sonya

[@twojake14]

it looks pretty long your selfie stick. how long is it?

[@Acrossutah]

It's 10 feet long when fully extended! I actually got it just before this hike to experiment with and liked it, but unfortunately it didn't play well with the desert sand so it kept getting shorter and shorter through this hike and more noticeably my next hike (Zion to Green River.) At a certain point it wouldn't extend at all, so I had to revert to my original stick. Thanks for watching and the comment. ✌

[@winterdesert1]

How are these made? Drone? Just curious.

[@Acrossutah]

Those "selfie" shots are made with an 360-degree camera and a long "invisible" selfie stick. The quality isn't as high as a traditional camera, but I like the effect. Thanks for watching! 👍

[@winterdesert1]

@@Acrossutah Oh I see it now. How does it know to aim on you? I mean, why isn't it pointed up to the sky, or to the canyon wall?

[@Acrossutah]

It records in all directions at all times -- then while editing I can choose where I want to the camera to "look". It's the same type of camera that's used in making VR content. Check out this other video of mine where you can see the "raw" 360-degree content and you can move the POV with your mouse (or by moving your mobile device) as you watch. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH3NoYyGftGqn5o

[@winterdesert1]

@@Acrossutah Mystery solved! Thanks and very interesting. Hence the "360" I wasn't understanding. Thanks!

[@benhayden99]

@@Acrossutah How long is this selfie stick?? Sometimes it looks like it's 20 feet long. (Loving these Paria videos btw, these are amazing)

[@jojeanbeller6439]

I love your videos, but it hard for me to watch sections where a ‘speed it up’ mode is used.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for the comment. I'm curious -- do you just find it not appealing, or is it like a motion sickness? Have you felt that way on other videos when shot in more wide open spaces? (I think the narrow canyon does make it more jarring in this case.) I appreciate the feedback and curious if others feel the same way. Thanks for watching. 👍🌞

[@jojeanbeller6439]

@@Acrossutah thank you for responding! It’s a sensory overload- kinda like motion sickness. You are my favorite hiker to watch, and I absolutely love seeing all the beautiful rock formations. Our Alaskan rocks don’t look like that! I’ve watched almost all of your videos, and definitely looking forward to the next one. I’m a photo-realist oil painter, and I would love to paint some of your scenes

[@boymama2620]

New subscriber. I love your content but as a mom and a hiker, I would ask that you have more patience and compassion. I can't control when my kids are loud but they too enjoy the outdoors! I'm sure you weren't quiet as a kid either! Just be kind please. I would like to keep watching and remember, nature is meant for everyone!

[@Acrossutah]

How was I not kind? By saying I wanted to get away from these PEOPE? I didn't actually show my disdain in person. Of course nature is for everyone, but that doesn't mean all behavior is acceptable. Just like at a library there is a social contract on how to act (and I sure hope you can control your kids when appropriate!) I think the disconnect here might be the unique "nature" of this exact location -- it's not like a park, but more like a cave where everyone is in a very confined space. It's actually problematic because of its rising popularity -- and I realize that I am also part of the "crowd" so I do try to be patient... and just move on along the route. For the record I actually love kids and often have more issues with the adults! All the same, thanks for watching and voicing your thoughts. 🌞 ✌

[@utahdan231]

An epic hike. You brought me back 30 years and reminded me of all my claustrophobic struggles. We started in Wire Pass and finished in Lee’s Ferry. 5 days. This is such a gorgeous canyon. Thank you for taking me back with you. I don’t think I would do that again. Not alone. You’re such an inspiration.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yes -- it's a great canyon and it's amazing how it can change from year to year, but really its essence has remained the same for many decades (or millennia probably!) Thanks for watching and the comment. ✌

[@MORES1971]

Great video 😊👍what drone did you use to film this?