I went back to the Grand Canyon

[@markrico1917]

I've just gotta say ... the videography on this one is wonderful. Emmett is a real pro, and to spend extra energy getting some of those shots while feeling sick says a lot about his character.

[@ArcaneSpells]

Go Emmett!

[@danielrassi2174]

​@@emmetthendrickson2696What was the 'illness'? Sun and dehydration?

[@hurricaneshand]

Was just thinking that the video quality is pretty damn amazing here

[@JustinOutdoors]

So glad getting out there was helpful for you Dan! I went on the same journey this past fall revisiting where a grizzly bear charged me. Trauma affects everyone in different ways but I think it is important not to bury it, which is supported by your experience in this trip!

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

Hi JustinOutdoors.

[@thisbeem2714]

I think of it less like burying it and more like sending it away. No matter how we couch it, putting it in the past and overcoming the trauma is what makes the difference in the end. I commend anyone who conquers trauma and comes out healthier on the other side. I know how hard was for me.

[@Embracethechaos1776]

Dan you got this man. I know what’s your going through. I’m a firefighter and about 6 years ago I almost died in a house fire. The roof collapsed on me while inside. The collapse broke my c1 c2 and caused permanent nerve damage. I have migraines and nerve damage for the rest of my life. But god didn’t take me that day. I’m blessed not only to be alive but I can walk talk and do everything I use to just with some pain here and there and some medicine to get me through it. When I returned back to full duty that first structure fire back was really hard for me. Once I got inside and couldn’t see anything it was like god placed his hands on me, All the anxiety lifted and I felt safe. Give it all up to the big man upstairs and everything will be alright. Stay strong Dan and thank you for the content.

[@eric_hanson]

Amazing video Dan! Next level cinematography here from Emmett (busting out the anamorphic??). Last year I was in a slot canyon when a surprise thunderstorm rolled in and I had a massive waive of anxiety rear its head. I still deal with the fallout from being trapped in a flashflood almost a decade later.

[@bushwhackingfool3706]

I know how you felt, as fear and anxiety in the outdoors are old friends of mine. Back in 1995, only 2 years into my backpacking career, I was caught in a brutal thunderstorm (called a derecho) while out backpacking solo in the Five Ponds Wilderness Area of the western Adirondack Park, probably one of the most remote parts of northern New York State. The storm flattened over 100,000 acres of forest and damaged almost one million acres, while I was camping at ground zero for the storm. To this day, I still remember nothing of the actual storm other than the roar of the sound as it approached. After 2 days of difficult hiking climbing over and on downed trees, I was airlifted out via helicopter. Unfortunately, the anxiety of that day has stayed with me, especially when the sound of thunder can be heard in the distance, which brings on pretty intense anxiety. Every solo trip now entails mastery over that anxiety and fear from that one experience almost 30 years ago. I imagine it will stay that way until the end of my life (or my backpacking career, whichever comes first). Keep up the good work Dan!

[@Bobnotsquare]

Thank you for sharing your faith. God is so gracious. Three years ago I was running in a local park on a running path and was shot by someone in a nearby home. The injury was not life threatening but due to anxiety I began to have mock strokes. My body would shut down whenever I began to feel unsafe. Because of this I had to step away from my dream career which gave me depression. I was given no legal justice which just compounded on top of everything else. I spent a lot of time in trauma therapy before I was able to go anywhere by myself. Your story is inspiring and gives me hope that I'll be able to overcome my own anxiety. Thank you for telling your story.

[@chris0895ozone]

This may be my favorite video you've done so far. Thank you for the honesty and vulnerability. No man is promised tomorrow. God bless!

[@owenjahn]

Great vid, not only because of the story and implications but EMMETT the videography and color grading is absolutely next level. Music choices and everything. Easily most stunning vid to date💯

[@vickaiser]

Dan, one of my favorite videos you’ve ever done. I really needed that ending. Thanks for sharing.

[@chrisbastardi1277]

Right on brother! Way to conquer your fears & anxieties & thank you for using them & this trip to open up & share your faith a little. God bless man!

[@TheSurfskidude]

Congrats on making it this time! I’ve had a few ‘not making it’ episodes in life and someone once told me… where does it say you’re going to make it the first time? You just gotta hope life doesn’t get in the way and you’re allowed to go for it again! Just turned 75 and my mantra has always been KEEP MOVING! Congrats again

[@MrSportdiver]

Congratulations man! You finally did it! I really wish this video was an hour long and give us more chilled conversations with Darwin and Emmet during the camp!

[@Runningoncoffee05]

What an inspiring video. My husband and I hiked the South Rim in 2021, we encountered a mountain lion near Hermits Rest. This video resonated so much with us, I was choked up by the end. So amazing to see you have a successful return to the Canyon! God was with you! He's so awesome, isn't He?

[@Headhunter_212]

I had a brain aneurysm in 2021. After I recovered (I got very lucky) 18 months later I'm climbing the stairs to sit with a friend of mine who was in the ICU in an induced coma. I had to pause and collect myself and remember "this is not nothing. Don't act or think like it isn't". Quite the moment.

[@kristirauckis]

Dan, the amount of courage it took to tackle something that was as traumatic as this… I am so happy for you. Healing an experience like this isn’t easy and you took a real big step. I’m grateful to have gotten to toast you over pizza and see the relief and new found confidence in your face was so sweet! Truly - I agree with everyone else that has said how incredible Emmett has gotten with his cinematography. I was blown away. We love you both!! Great video 🙌🏻

[@memathews]

Dan, good for you getting back on the horse. Everyone responds to various stimuli differently and recovery takes time, i hope your anxiety continue to fade. Also, nice hiking companions for a return trip. As for Emmett, crazy camerawork and I love the transition effect to the widescreen views of the last minutes. Carry on in peace.

[@papac8509]

Happy for you Dan! You faced it, and conquered it with Gods help. My daughter and I did R2R2R in June ‘22. The temps at the bottom were 114 degrees. We had to hike between 1:00 AND 10:00 AM to avoid the heat. A memorable trip at a magical place for sure.

[@raminarebugio4972]

What an awesome comeback. You faced your fears head on and you experienced something miraculous. God was walking with you the whole time- gave you the strength you needed to push on and make it to the top! An absolute incredible experience. Thank you for your transparency and not holding back on your faith. ❤

[@TylerCampbellOutdoors]

I love it. Those are exactly the same verses that popped into my head at the end of your video. Great job facing and conquering your fears with His help. You are an overcomer.

[@davidgeorge442]

Amen, brother. Glad to see you (and Darwin!) back in the saddle. Thank you for sharing your journey and for all the content you’ve given to the community. I live vicariously through you when I’m not able to get out, and I’m sure there are people who can’t ever get out who see you as their connection to nature. Thanks so much.

[@travisharrington5819]

Praise God! Very inspiring, so glad you got to conquer your fears and anxiety. I know anxiety all too well. It’s what has been holding me back from going and enjoying life outdoors. You are blessed and redeemed, thank you.

[@MarkVicars]

Great video Dan. It brought back a lot of memories and emotions. I did that trek about 12 years ago, and the Hermit Trail is no joke. I was invited to go on the trek by some friends who were worried about me after I'd experienced a tragedy the prior year, and had pretty much become a hermit myself. Hiking all day in that wilderness gave me a lot of time to talk to God and process my pain. I came out of the canyon a different man. Blessings ~Mark.

[@sherrycook7043]

Sorry to see Emmett got ill while hiking the Canyon. Yet, he still did a terrific job with the vids, you both did. My dream is to hike to the bottom and back up the N. Rim and I'm not a hiker and 69 years old. When I watch your trials with the Canyon it makes me wonder about myself but re-enforces that if I want to do this I can't be slacking on getting into shape. Keep up the great work I have been enjoying your channel for a few years. Pat yourself on the back, anyone who can inspire me to want to hike is amazing.

[@CoasttoCoastOutdoorAdventures]

@Danbecker, I have watched your channel for a couple of years now, and I have seen you dance around your faith. It was so incredibly awesome to see you dive right in! The end brought a tear to my eye if I'm being honest. And Emmett, mad props! Awesome cinematography! Awesome video! And loved seeing @Darwinonthetrail out there with you!

[@seanealey]

This is absolutely incredible. So thankful God blessed you during this time.

[@rfdinesen4027]

Wow great videography and great story. Very impressed with your courage Dan. Thank you so much for sharing this journey and such an amazing moment!

[@salvatorecostanza5493]

As a retired military vet that also suffers. First off brains really suck sometimes and it feels horrible to carry the weight. But, it's good you are showing people it's OK to feel without the stigma of being weak. Also to show everyone it can be managed and confronted. Great video bro !!!!

[@paulkhanna1]

Really inspiring to see you guys back out there. The smile at the end was really gratifying to see. Congratulations. Fun to see Darwin in the video as well.

[@jeansayers8659]

Dan, this touched me deeply. Facing your fears, and sharing it with us…and your faith shining thru… man , hearts out to you. That leap of faith is perhaps the hardest thing you’ll very face… and you did it. Thank you so much for sharing. Been thru some similar life hits. But being able to keep doing what you love means so much! I almost died in my home territory a few years back… hiked Hemmed in hollow multiple times growing up… had a major heat attack on my 65th birthday hike coming out. It took a lot to go back. But been hiking again for several years. On the high side, doing the Ozark trail starting Wednesday. (Being honest, I’ve been thinking about canceling. Yet it is just anxiety. I’m still in. ) You touch us with your honesty. The insight… no words… just keep sharing… ok? ❤

[@paulalee9324]

I used HIH to train for R2R. That trail is no joke! The hike out never seems to end, step after step.

[@CindyClough]

WOW! I am praising God for allowing you to experience His faithfulness in such a powerful way! For your health, for your courage, your love & trust in Him, & for your friends - I thank God!! Great film & update! I hope Emmett is doing well - I'm impressed he did that with a fever! Thanking God for being with Emmett, too!

[@naturallytrailheaded]

It's amazing to see you pushing through your fears and getting back out there! Many people are held back by fear and never even get to leave their comfort zone. I've been sharing videos of my solo hikes and the comments I receive from some individuals, calling me stupid or crazy or exceptionally brave and even suggesting that I'll meet a terrible fate on the trail (usually by beheading for some reason?), have truly opened my eyes. It's inspiring and refreshing to witness someone like you standing up to fear and conquering it instead of hiding away. Thank you for sharing your journey!

[@cfoscoop]

Beautiful shots, Emmett!

[@SamMcCahill]

Best one yet. Man, Glory to Him for helping you overcome that fear, that moment must have been incredible! Truly amazing

[@tommycrenshaw1982]

Dan, I am so proud of you. 🎉 I also love that God lifted your burden and that you had the courage to share your experience. May the Lord bless you and keep you!

[@monaamsden453]

Beautifully shot Emmett and what a powerful journey you shared Dan! Thank you both! 💕

[@monaamsden453]

@ItzDanBecker.. ?

[@roman-vito9873]

Powerful! Thank you Dan for being brave and being an overcomer of fear. Blessings from Germany.

[@tc2156]

Emmett, so glad you got over the fever. Your work is beautiful. Beautiful ending, Dan! One of my steadying verses is Isaiah 26:3 “You keep in perfect peace one whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” I have to redirect my mind off my circumstance and back on Him, but He always gives me peace when my mind is stayed on Him.

[@christiannisonger6445]

Excellent! How courageous to face down your trauma and God relieve your anxiety. The path to healing is full of discovery. Blessings on the journey!

[@GenX_outdoors]

This footage was absolutely stunning. Gorgeous video. Perfect music. Powerful storytelling.

[@BacktotheOutdoors]

Glad to see you got back on that horse, and did so with precaution. Congrats!

[@LPlank-y5w]

Thank you for sharing this whole experience. So glad you are recovered. My husband and I, both in our 50's, will be backpacking the Canyon this April for 5 days with our 2 adult sons who are 23 and 28. The boys are mountain climbers, very fit. But I keep telling them the Canyon can kick anyone's rear and they need to train for it. I'm hoping your video will get their attention and inspire them to do what they can to prepare more. I know we sure are! It was good to see you conquer the trail too. We can do all things thru Christ who strengthens us and it sounds like he showed up for you in a big way. God Bless and thanks for all your gear videos. I'm watching a ton of them to prep for this trip.

[@ruth370]

Dan, man, I am still waiting for God to take this weight. I broke my ankle hiking at the top of a volcano, and had to hike (scoot crawl, lean) back out before getting surgery. I have had PTSD from it. When I was hiking a different volcano recently I felt exactly as you were describing. I'm praying for that weight to be taken. Thank you for sharing and giving me hope.

[@Seabutterfly1]

We are so small compared to those rocks. I needed that reminder.

[@thejoshuawatts]

This is beautiful man, thank you so much for sharing your journey with us all. Takes a lot of courage to do what you did!

[@Myler709x]

Wow this was great! Awesome job on the filming and editing Emmett. Some of those shots were beautiful. Im glad to see a positive outcome for you Dan.

[@HikingAZ]

Much respect Dan for being so raw and open. Also one of my favorite verses. Well done sir.

[@MiltonDeSpain]

Not many men would risk their KZbin following by expressing their faith. I too have found my self nearer to God in the back country. Thank you for sharing. May God bless you and your family.

[@DrunkenDemon]

Well he irked me. I am glad he made it out alive, but explaining away all human efford with the Grace of god is a like a slap in the face. So i wont be coming back. But thats okay too.

[@samueldeng2336]

@@DrunkenDemon I fully respect your views. But for the Christian, "grace is not opposed to effort; it is opposed to earning" as one philosopher has said.

[@Dean11772]

Congratulations, I love how open you are about sharing your faith, very welcome and refreshing. God Bless and happy trails

[@JimRodgers]

So glad to see you, Darwin and Emmett getting out there and toughing it out. I sympathize with your fears, I've had some issues of my own at high altitude and on difficult, long hikes/backpack trips. Congratulations on an epic trip! God is great.

[@Redfiregtag]

The fact that thar Emmitt can edit a trip this big into a 14 min video and make it still feel like a long form full story just goes to show just how damn good he is , this was a masterfully well put together video . Great job dude 😅

[@josephmayes8302]

What a powerful video. Emmett’s work is amazing. Dan, I am a faithful follower and I have to say this is one of your best. Appreciate how you faced your fears head on and how open you were about your anxieties. Much respect brother. And got to see Darwin too!

[@carolineriedlinger2904]

Y'all are so inspiring. Em, you did amazing 👏 job capturing the majesty of the canyon and magnitude of the journey. But when I saw Darwin's face earlier on, I was so happy!!! Happy for Dan. Dan, you are so brave. Thank you for expressing your fears, anxiety. Learning to be volunerable, I think, is the height of humanity. Maslow and all. But one cannot know God's grace without it. Man, you surrendered and gave it up to Him. Darwin, you're a friend. Love you.

[@leslieantonis9847]

Love that you’re doing this adventure with Nick!!

[@Mamallama101]

Dan, when you were saying the words in your video “I felt anxiety setting in” I paused the video and prayed that Jesus show you how he can heal you completely of all anxiety for good and that He speak to you in a mighty way with his miracles. Then I hit play again. Tears are streaming down my face now when you next shared how you experienced the Lord’s healing and love. Thank you for sharing this boldly. God is good, all the time. I pray God continue to bless you and your channel for giving Him the glory!

[@davidcooper8390]

Emmett, thank you for your strength and tenacity fighting to get the best video you can. Dan thank you for showing your weakness and faith to fight through a huge hurdle.

[@kevkev3357]

This is my favorite video you have done.

[@ronniepridemore8008]

I’ve had a very similar experience Dan! Climbing Mt Kenya a few years back and having very bad back pain with every step on a day of heavy ascent. Wondering with each step if I would be able to make it to the top. God put it on my heart to start playing praise music on my phone while climbing and had it turned up loud enough for everyone to hear. It was AMAZING that from that point forward He gave me the ability to push through the pain and I was literally in tears of joy the rest of the climb that day as it felt like my load was cut in half. God is good!

[@jgummig]

Thanks!

[@ldavis4428]

We all face our fears and anxiety and a different way. What's important is that we face it. Thanks for sharing this with us and who knows who you are helping! And the scenery was not like I'd imagined, yet as stunning as I'd imagined. Great job capturing that.

[@abg4425]

You got back on the horse again. Way to go. I got acute high altitude sickness and HAPE in 2008 in the Himalayas after trekking to 6000 m (sry not good with feet) after having done the same trek without any problems five times before. After that I was out for a while with a heart arrhythmia and scarring of the lungs. Even with lots of grueling training I’ve never gotten back to,the same fitness. Five years later I climbed Mt Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains nonetheless, going above 4000 m for the first time again. I had as many trepidations as you and lots of nerves. But I made it and cried at the summit. I’ve been back high since and so glad to have gotten on that horse again.

[@Wendy-cf5tv]

I’m crying … happy tears… I fight through anxiety sometimes… so wonderful to see your return. Hope Emmet is doing okay!

[@jtexplores4966]

Another great video with phenomenal videography. Your journey through conquering your anxiety was truly inspiring. Sharing your faith in God openly and demonstrating His power, love and healing was great to see. I too on more than one occasion have found healing on the trail. God is good!

[@jasonrad9332]

Good for you, for facing your fears! I’m a firm believer in this.🤘🏻

[@mariamaxwell562]

So incredibly proud of you and your team ❤ also the video work on this omg! It looks like a movie🎉 congratulations team!

[@BlakeCoble]

One of your best videos to date!! Great story telling and outstanding videography. From post to music selection... it was wonderful. These are the types of videos I love and inspire me. Thanks for sharing Dan!

[@jmash41]

Dan, thank you for sharing your faith! In a recent video you spoke about changes to your channel, to focus on telling the story. I hope to see more. This is a very encouraging video!

[@JobKaper]

Wow, what an amazing story. Loved it!

[@5heinens]

Overcoming is incredibly powerful! That NLT version of Phil 4:6-7 is my favorite. So glad you added that to the video.

[@CountryLivin3]

Congrats on overcoming! Great video! That was some fantastic camera work!

[@beck57]

Great video! I am glad you went back. Are back. The ending of this video is the best! May God continue to bless all you put your hands too! Thank you for taking us along.

[@AdamIsenberg-fm5dn]

Great video! I did that exact trip 2 years ago and I know how difficult, and how beautiful it is; your video captures both wonderfully. Monument Valley is a special place, as is Hermit Trail. Congrats for getting through it safely and well.

[@levainqueur9095]

Well done! It was nice to see the colab with Darwin. And THANK YOU for sharing your faith so boldly.

[@thepowerfullback]

Emmett's videography and editing is just phenomenal!

[@astolzy]

Absolutely fantastic - both the journey and the video. Kudos to all 3 of you!!

[@RedCatt423]

Walking through fear is part of the journey. Thanks for the honesty.

[@rbp6231]

Hallelujah buddy. I have been praying for you and anxiously awaiting your video of your trip. I knew God had your back but you still had to face those fears. So proud of you and here’s to you being able over time to release that anxiety until eventually it is just a memory of something you overcame. ❤️🙏😊

[@santarosa6676]

Been in the same situation and it’s tough. Good on you for facing your fears. It’s ok to evolve in the way you interface with wilderness too.

[@crstarkey]

Nice work Dan. What a great trip. Az, my home. Congrats on facing this head on. Really inspiring.

[@sjfanning7711]

10 out of 10! Absolutely beautiful filming and Dan’s experiencing the peace of God. This one deserves an award. Congratulations .

[@fomo6789]

Congrats, man! I'm glad you're knees didn't hold you back and that God helped you with your anxiety. Thanks for the verse, too, we all need to hear that.

[@livesoutdoors1708]

Good for you youngster! I did from the north rim to south rim in six hours as a 58 year old on my SOBO AZT hike. In August! It’s an awesome thing you’ve done to overcome those fears… ❤

[@KelzCasa]

This is awesome, and hopefully my son and I will get here one day. He almost took you the first time, but He lifted through the second time. He knows when you’re ready, and He’s so dynamic. 🤣 I’ve only recently started watching your videos, but man, I love ‘em, and congratulations!

[@richardfish3650]

Way to go Dan! Hiking up Hermit from Monument CG is no joke. Great idea having Darwin as a hiking partner. Congratulations! Loved the video quality. In early November, the Old Guy (in my 7th decade) just finished his 6th annual multi-day saunter in the Canyon. It was a five-day, solo trip that started down Hermit, and eventually took me through Monument CG and on to the east. Watching your video of the trail felt like I was just there. “Hey, I know that rock!” 😂 I know the trepidation right before attempting the climb out. On our first crossing, I remember laying in my tent thinking we had made an enormous mistake going there, and wondering how we were ever going to make the climb out. 😂 In November, by contrast, I woke up in my tent on day 5 thinking simply, “I think I’ll climb out, and have a steak and glass of wine today.” 😂 I also have experienced a profound sense of the Creator in the Canyon. Although at one point in my solo hike in November I did not see another human for more than a day, I definitely got the reassuring feeling that I was not alone. Why come back year after year? A very strange and special place. The climb out, in my opinion, always sucks. But, with experience it becomes a temporary suck. When I successfully reach the Rim, in the glow of the magic of the Canyon just absorbed, I now dream of my next saunter through this amazing, rugged, and unforgiving place. So much Canyon; so little time. 👍

[@JonathanThrift]

Top notch production! Great job Emmett.

[@jgummig]

I think it's great that you've started to integrate your faith into your videos! Bravo and God Bless.

[@iceman857]

Fantastic video and story well told. It was great seeing you out with Darwin. To me, THAT was comforting :)

[@debicraddock5603]

Difficult to accept that level of peace until you have felt it. Yes, beyond anything we understand. What an experience!

[@highdesertforester]

Last summer I hoped to complete my bucket list of hiking the Washington part of the PCT. I was hiking SOBO from Rainy Pass in section K, considered by many to be the toughest section of the entire PCT. I was 23 miles from finishing when, on a series of switchbacks on a 70% sideslope, I stepped onto a soft shoulder and fell, breaking my ankle. I had to be helicopter evacuated. I am just now regaining my full strength in that ankle. I want to go back and finish that section but I confess: I am scared.

[@davidgoff7336]

Great job Dan and Emmet. It's not how many times you get knocked down. It's how many times you get backup! Looked like an incredible trip. :)

[@wandaesch7314]

Totally understand the need to go back and conquer what conquered you. Had a similar experience. One of the first backpacking trips I ever did beat the crap out of me. We ended up with an extra person that wasn’t intune to the other lady and I. I ended up in total exhaustion which caused me to continue to fall, not eat, and not hydrate. All bad things. The trip was supposed to be to be an overnight and ended up being 2 nights Afterwards I realized I needed to make changes if I was going to continue to backpack. Lower my pack weight, get in better shape, choose my hiking people better. Dropped my pack weight from 38 to 18lbs and redid the hike the following year and conquered it. Such a great feeling. Plus I was 62 & 63 years old when I did this hike.

[@SergeantFunkDan]

Fantastic, beautful, magical, faithful, successful! Don't frickin stop.

[@JMATTY33]

Jeez Dan I wasn’t ready to cry at the end lol

[@user-he8qc4mr4i]

You made it Champ! Well done!

[@kathymarshall-n1s]

Congrats on confronting your fear. Great video, as usual Emmit.

[@garyhaddon8139]

Spectacular video. My favourite part was the finish. Love your work.

[@JCrozier1]

Glad you knocked it out. i don't think i would have been as quick to repeat a trip like that. keep doing the thing!

[@AdventureOtaku]

I run a channel that talks a lot about wilderness med - I am a NOLS wilderness med instructor - and I actually did a video breaking down Dan's last Grand Canyon Trip. What Dan experienced on this trip was trauma induced anxiety. He had the injuries from the Rhabdo, but there is underlying psychological trauma from an incredibly scary experience, which is completely normal. It doesn't make it less scary, but completely normal. I am glad he got that weight lifted and is hopefully feeling better. The wilderness med community doesn't talk enough about psychological first aid, but we should. Great video, and thanks for sharing it Dan.

[@Fragnifiscents]

Loved that Dan that was great! Very inspiring and it’s good to see you out there again. And a collab vid to boot!

[@luker571]

I loved this video, Dan. Amazing shooting (Emmett) and editing. I enjoyed the storytelling about anxiety and God coming through. Sounds like a powerful prayer experience. I have had chest pains from possibly (?) anxiety for the last 6 months and still trying to figure out what's wrong / destress, so I can relate to the physical effects being very real. We are a body-soul unity so it's all connected! Good stuff man. Keep on hikin'

[@alanrobertson5497]

Great video, hats off, love watching.❤❤