Alone in the Desert - Arizona Trail ep.2

Walking 800 miles alone across Arizona, through the desert, and now entering some extreme heat during my Arizona Trail thru hike. Seeing less and less hikers and really feeling the solitude of doing this thru hike solo. Passing Colossal Cave State Park, Saguaro National Park, Mount Mica, Mount Lemmon, the town of Oracle, the Gila River, and entering the Superstition Mountains. My pack is small and ultralight but I am able to rely on my minimal backpacking gear for comfort, safety, and happyness during this trip.
The Arizona National Scenic Trail, and really any thru hike is such a special experience. To live so simply, to live out of a backpack, to live like a vagabond. Simplicity and minimalism at it's core. Only carrying what you need to live and survive. My backpack and my baseweight is ultralight, nearly super ultralight, down under 7lbs worth of hiking gear total. Some insulating layers, some rain protection, food for days on end, extra socks, and some camera gear. I feel this UL gear is enough to keep me comfortable, happy, and safe... but you really don't know how things will work until you're out in the wilderness with no safe exit plan. Some of the gear I'm using consists of an Enlightened Equipment Enigma 30*F which is an ultralight quilt. An EE Torrid Pullover synthetic jacket. A Zpacks 7x9 tarp as my only shelter. A small Palantepacks UL backpack. And a Sunday Afternoon Sunhat. Beyond that you can check out my hiking gear listed below!!
In this second video we start around Colossal Cave State Park and see our first saguaro cactus, we hike into saguaro national park and begin the long climb up to manning camp and the peak of mount mica, one of three biggest climbs on this entire trail. The very next day we begin the second biggest climb of this entire hike, mount lemmon, passing by some famous arizona swimming spots. We run out of water going down mount lemmon, and descend towards Oracle. I go two days without seeing a single other hiker as I enter the Gila River area around Kearny and Superior, just before the superstition mountains. My new balance shoes deteriorate and I have to overnight myself a new pair of merrell shoes. The trail is rough, walking on rocks and hard packed ground everyday. My injinji socks don't last long either. The trail is brutal, and it's showing mostly in my footwear.
I am loving my time on this trail, and I am starting to feel more like a thru hiker. Alone in the desert.
If you would like to see content I create about these trips I don't share anywhere else, join me on Patreon!
/ jupiterhikes
. . . THE GEAR I USE . . .
Backpack & Fanny Pack - Palantepacks.com
Sleeping pad - gossamergear.com
Quilt - Enlightenedequ...
Tarp - Zpacks.com
Groundsheet - amzn.to/3leXdlM
Tent Stakes - amzn.to/3bKgoRq
Puffy Jacket - Enlightenedequ...
Rain Jacket - Enlightenedequ...
Sun Glasses - amzn.to/38HKWBs
Toe Socks - amzn.to/3lgDGkU
Sun Hat - amzn.to/2OWiaGc
Water Bladder - amzn.to/3vDabP9
Water Filter - amzn.to/2Q7ych7
Spoon - amzn.to/3cA3mVG
Food Bag - amzn.to/3rOVfeu
Yoyo - amzn.to/3eAFhkp
Toothbrush - amzn.to/3tkN4GY
Chafe Cream - amzn.to/3bNorNu
Tweezers - amzn.to/3tkLRj6
Blister tape - amzn.to/3tbRTCy
Lip Balm - amzn.to/2Q6oJ9F
Flashlight - amzn.to/3tmjRM6
Wall Charger - amzn.to/3eFxxNY
External Battery - amzn.to/3bMnk0v (20,000mAh)
External Battery - amzn.to/3cttEch (10,000mAh, much lighter & smaller)
Cell Phone - amzn.to/30HxusC
Headphones - amzn.to/3eFjtnt
Camera - amzn.to/3eEoY68
Camera Lens - amzn.to/3eFjc3V
Camera Batteries - amzn.to/3tmkDbY
Camera Charger - amzn.to/3s0jAhD
Microphone - amzn.to/38Fhags
Memory Card - amzn.to/3vrBOdZ
Tripod - amzn.to/3eEFAL6
Microfiber Cloth - amzn.to/38FIyLh
Hiking Essentials Shirt! jupiterhikes.co....
THE BACKPACKING GEAR I USE:
www.jupiterhike...
If you'd like more info about me, my hiking, or painting:
www.jupiterhik...
/ jupiterhikes
/ jupiterhikes
Some of the product links above are affiliate links, at no cost to you it helps support this channel and these videos. Thank you!

[@JupiterHikes]

If you like these videos, share them somewhere you think might like them as well! As always thank you for watching, and I hope you've enjoyed :)

[@laurentbuchet5674]

Great job, always a pleasure to follow your adventures. Don't you have a playlist for the songs used in this video?

[@justrusty]

I usually don't watch "This is my hike" type journal videos. But yours are more poetry than journal.

[@DirtyDirtbath]

Agreed!

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

Jupiter, use this time to reflect upon your parallels with ancient travelers. Imagine their intense study and discussion with people who have crossed large deserts before in the past. The knowledge of water sources, trade points, and a well placed oasis was very valuable information. The way that you plan for a thru-hike with resupply points is similar to the mindset that the ancients would have needed in everyday life. You're finding ways to connect back to the source, away from corporate materialism.

[@keithosborne503]

I recognize how much work is required to "take us along" but it is really awesome to be a part of your adventure!

[@kayasper6081]

Combine your "ability to sleep just anywhere" with the number of 450 nights outside camping. Those are impressive numbers! Although I have the same mindset, I don't think I hit those numbers. I really loved your video, you are a good story teller.

[@RobbieZe]

I really dig the documentary episode format. It's great to watch the evolution of hikers who film their walks start to make this type of content.

[@JupiterHikes]

I'll continue to keep trying to evolve with it! Thank you, I do try and put a lot of effort and work into these, instead of being complacent with 'good enough'

[@jhonyermo]

@@JupiterHikes OMG you have exceeded "Good enough" to the nth degree. Always checking KZbin for your videos.

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

A unique voice, way of showing your world. Dreamy and tough at the same time. It's good to see you on a trail again.

[@JupiterHikes]

Thank you kindly!

[@SailingCorina]

I started the AZT February 1st but I made the mistake of thinking the trail would get me in shape. I learned you need to be in descent shape when you start. I ended up with dehydration causing blood in my urine, cramps, a sprained ankle (twice) and extreme back pain. I admit I was loving it except for rushing to the next water source. I made it about 225 miles before I had to quit to hike another day. I hope to start again someday but be more physically prepared.

[@benpeters5851]

I hope you will make it back soon, I’ll say a prayer for you.

[@benpeters5851]

And keep us posted

[@dylanmccallister1888]

Training for a thru hike is like training for a marathon. Except you are walking 2 marathons instead of running 1, and you are walking those marathons everyday for 6ish weeks. It's intense stuff as you found out the hard way. I hope you get back into it, best of luck

[@zigzag4230]

I truly admire how you take whatever comes your way in stride, ‘cause what else you gonna do.

[@robertthorn9560]

I think you hit upon the right combination of content, length and commentary; you are coming into your own; you are truly hiking your own hike, thanks for taking us along!

[@jtdub-wanders]

I appreciate a throw back to Jawnz with a “Here’s my view”.

[@karmaclanton5544]

If doesn't poke you prick you or stick you it's going to bit you!!! In the desert!!! Arizona desert dweller from way back!!!

[@pathickey2553]

When you said “here’s my view” I choked up so thanks. Hope you and your friend are well

[@RobbieZe]

If you ever write a book, it should definitely be called "The Insignificance of Being."

[@driftlesshermit]

Or maybe, "A Cow Patty for a Pillow ".

[@RobbieZe]

@@driftlesshermit that'll be the illustrated children's book.

[@driftlesshermit]

@@RobbieZe LOL!

[@paganed]

I'm barely hitting ~20 .. with leg muscle fatigue the next day .. and you are doing 30s with crap shoes .. DAMN IT !

[@inthedirt3224]

day 3 I decided to push to the 1/2 way mark...

[@JupiterHikes]

I think since I started hiking I was fascinated by those who did a lot of miles per day. Modeled my style and learned from them. I think now it's just ingrained in me like muscle memory the type of efficiency, or how my hours should look to get bigger days without really trying for it. It wasn't always like this though, many many years of trying. And honestly on this trip it was as surprising to me as it is to you maybe

[@samcarter596]

I Love this series. Great work Jupiter!

[@michymoo839]

Keep showing the world what they're missing, brother. :)

[@garethturner]

Wow! Your videos have always been good but these are exceptional!!

[@ericascholl8776]

I love how much you touch on being alone and it’s power! Keep sharing your analogies and headspace! That’s often unmentioned on other channels!

[@realeyesrealizereallies6828]

The desert has an under appreciated beauty...And an overwhelming way of breaking down everything, including shoes....Don't forget to smell those roses, in whatever form they present themselves...Good stuff ....

[@JupiterHikes]

I felt like all of the rocks, hard packed trail, and general gnarly-ness of the terrain is what caused my shoes to die so quick. I wasn't the only one either. Saw people with hokas, altras, all sorts of different shoes having the same issue. Just the way of the AZT I guess.

[@rick_peterson]

Really great video, and I love your commentary. Thanks for bringing us along on the trip!

[@JupiterHikes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@indigoiis]

Thank you for these! We have done little chunks (trail running and mountain biking) and love our trail so much.

[@vickirogerson179]

Loved it. Loved the views, the story, the music, the editing, and the bird you captured singing. Hate that you ran out of water because of a bad water stop. Looking forward to ep. 3.

[@NeemorsWorld]

This reminds me of knee pain.

[@JupiterHikes]

Thought about you a lot out there

[@wolfeadventures]

Really fantastic video Jupiter. You have a way of intuitively capturing the feel of the desert. I can feel the heat and dryness from my air conditioned office. Bravo.

[@sweetbodhisoul891]

Another great vid! What is the music?, love that also :)

[@martinalblas2446]

The insignificance of being out there. Except for yourself and for those that follow your journey. Great work walking, filming and sharing. 450 days and counting. Keep smelling the cacti Jupiter!

[@eliasdskill5008]

I got blasted with snow on micA and lemon, azt 21 ((:. Good video jupiter , I was hoping you did not catch us hehe .

[@TheHudrv]

Removing the Sawyer Squeeze sticker. That's what I call dedication!

[@JupiterHikes]

Every last thing in my pack has been modified in some way! The Sawyer was an easy one 🙂

[@Go-zi1py]

I love the video editing! This video looks awesome.

[@DirtyDirtbath]

Words can't even express how much I enjoy your videos. From the music to your energy to the incredible scenery, you're definitely my favorite person to watch hike when I'm not out hiking myself

[@harrisonparker4347]

Always enjoy your content man! Keep ‘em coming

[@minhhop3208]

You are so energetic, so strong !!!! Strong will !!!! Thanks for sharing ! Wish you good nealth , always !

[@andyveres3982]

Yeah boyyyyyy

[@freeradical77]

I watch a lot of hiking videos and yours are truly superb.

[@JaredHikes]

Hiking makes me happy too. 🤞 Having just moved to Texas, I have the Lone Star Trail on my radar for this coming fall or next spring. I'm still trying to figure how the largest state has the shortest Scenic Trail, gonna have to extend that one. 🖖🤠

[@GojiraNeko]

one of my fav areas. i loved it so much i stayed in tucson for over a decade before moving again

[@WolfPackM98c]

Damn, Saguaro NP is in bad shape. I saw a picture of it from the 50's and it looked like a forest of Saguaro. Sad that it looks so barren now.

[@toolhog10]

Wow man. Some of those expansive views of the topography look insane. Might as well be another planet to me. The Arizona Trail looks much better than i could have imagined. Nice video work here on this one.

[@JaredandTasha]

My fiancé just got back from AZ yesterday - it was 117 effing degrees!!

[@JasonSupremebeing]

More like the magnificent of being!

[@vannemocilac274]

Haha! I remember getting my new shoes at Roosevelt and doing the happy feet dance! I remember getting water at that tank and feeling like if other people did it, so can I, and yet I’m alone so I can’t fall. And then taking a break in the tank’s shade. You make fun videos and I’m enjoying them! Thank you Jupiter!

[@JupiterHikes]

I was so happy to have new shoes!! Definitely happy feet. My socks had turned into anklets and I wound up walking an entire day wearing just one, while my insoles were also disintegrating. Was quite worried about it for a couple days!

[@elliottjames671]

This guy walked 200 miles😆 thats wild

[@dougg8280]

I love Trail Gloves. My favorite are Vapor Gloves.

[@kdavis4910]

I really enjoy your enthusiasm for the journey and your love of nature itself.

[@JupiterHikes]

Thank you very much!

[@kdavis4910]

@@JupiterHikes you're welcome 😊

[@minhhop3208]

What’s your source of food and water?????

[@baker4542]

You're the Fucking man, man!!!

[@Ratatrail]

Excellent video, really makes me wanna hike it!

[@JupiterHikes]

You should! It's a great trail

[@danieletheredge4284]

Awesome! Loving this content.

[@krips22]

I truly love your videos. Hi from western europe.

[@1717jbs]

Glad to hear you got new shoes. Protect those feet.

[@stevestadler4634]

116 degrees today, you're a madman

[@whoodiestyle]

This was recorded in like April

[@chrystalcramer5486]

Cow patty as a pillow?! Blech! Lol!

[@normanmitchell9536]

So I watched the Azt 1 video with my 77 year old mom. She commented on how small your backpack is . I responded with “He is dialed “ 🤘

[@JupiterHikes]

It's definitely been a long journey. I always feel like I could go lighter and smaller, but in the end can only care about the details so much if it's not going to impact my trip. Will always be small and light, but we'll see what the future holds. Really happy with my gear as of now!

[@normanmitchell9536]

@@JupiterHikes keep on keeping on ! Absolutely love your content 😎🌯

[@kdavis4910]

Desert is a beautiful ecosystem unlike any other. I lived in both Arizona and New Mexico for a time. It was culture shock from way of life to ecosystems moving back and forth and visiting back and forth between New England and those states. Great experiences though.

[@JupiterHikes]

I'm originally from Florida, so it's about as different as it gets in AZ! Definitely feeling the same things as you

[@jhonyermo]

@@JupiterHikes As I always have to mention--just like Edward Abbey. He sure spent oodles of time in AZ. And UT etc. He was from ural PA and lived quite awhile in Hoboken NY and always yearned for, and longed for the desert. He wrote about seeing the Rockies for the first time: "An impossible beauty, like a boy’s first sight of an undressed girl.” • Impossible beauty is what I see in the desert and in your videos.

[@kdavis4910]

@@JupiterHikes you'll remember it forever too.

[@Krozay]

Great series! No idea how this has dislikes. Also you didn’t list your watch in the gear. I’m guessing a gshock of some sort?

[@JupiterHikes]

It's a Casio Illuminator that's water resistant. Can buy them at walmart if you like, or many other places, very very cheap but they last quite a long time and do the trick!

[@BenjaminWilcock]

Another incredible video dude. Your storytelling and different techniques you’ve used in the edit is really captivating. I’ve watched episode1 now about 6 times now and am sure I’ll watch this just as much. Really inspiring! I’ve been taking a few notes whilst watching as well to try and implement them into my own work. This trail is so frickin pretty. Have a great day ✌️ Ben.

[@carmacksonthetrail1482]

Great Video! I will have to buy you a beer in Flagstaff and pick your brain this summer when I ride out.

[@robertbarnes6047]

You do a nice job in explaining everything. The trail is very beautiful. Awesome job👍👍

[@mars_hikes967]

If I were Sony, I would send you not one but two FX3 cameras and a hand selected assortment of G-Master lenses. At this point, your videos look like those from the legend, Mr John Z. himself. The only difference I can find, is that your colors are not over adjusted to the point where the video looks fantastic, but the colors are nicer than in reality. Sadly, I guess your low light landscapes would benefit from a better camera rig. If I come across a huge pile of money, I let you know.

[@ironhorsealpha]

Great videos brother.

[@gavinduerson]

You are getting better and better at editing these videos. Quality of video production keeps going up! Great job. I appreciate that you are a hiker first and videographer second. I know some guys seem to be hiking so they can make a video. That’s cool too but you are a keeping it real out there! Peace ✌️

[@elliottjames671]

I get tired driving that far

[@christopherch7307]

❤ya brother stay safe & happy travels.

[@jumpleadsx2]

Recently subbed. Would like to hear your thoughts on what goes on in your mind for 12hrs. What is it doing to your personality? How would company change the experience?

[@elliottjames671]

Wheres your permit😠

[@alexandersupertramp6027]

I like that you understand how insignificant we are. More people need to learn this. I've lived out of a bag for most of my life. I truely believe if you can't carry it then you don't need it. Living life to the fullest, life is too short to be stuck in one place.

[@woodchip2782]

« The insignificance of being... » I’d forgotten that one. Thanks for reminding it!

[@michaelb1761]

Mt Lemon is very popular for pro cyclists in the off season. Though that probably wasn't a pro the time of the year that I think you were there.

[@jhonyermo]

Oh great, another Jupiter video. As always will watch 3 or more times. Don't want to miss anything. Always objective, always interesting. And with fan-dam-tastic visuals.

[@CarlosRodriguez-hb3vq]

I once filtered water from a pool with animal bones in it in Death Valley. I ended up finding a better source later before I had to drink it, but if the alternative to nasty water is no water…

[@RahulDevanarayanan]

Thanks for these episodes man. They’re really nicely edited which I imagine is not easy, and it’s awesome to follow you along in your journey!

[@nastydenoodel]

Awsome video dude!!

[@shirleycarpenter3795]

I attempted AZT the beginning of May wish I had started earlier it has gotten so hot already about all water sources were dried up already so needless to say at 62 years old I decided at mile 85 to get off trail and try it again in late fall. Don't deal with heat to well . Montezuma pass was absolutely my favorite part of what I did hike.

[@shirleycarpenter3795]

You inspire!!

[@JupiterHikes]

You'll get back out there stronger! and in better weather :) So much awesome stuff to see, I'm sure the fall will be incredible

[@shirleycarpenter3795]

@@JupiterHikes thank you.

[@MojaveZach]

this video was stunning as ever, makes me want to hop on the trail right now! though it may be a little hot right now..

[@marlastar100]

Amazing, inspirational. I want to do this with a group .thank you.

[@vanessabrass8926]

Love your videos. Its so nice to follow you on your journey. Thank you!

[@pleasepleasethebees]

I love these AZT videos!

[@Ipadairpro8636]

I found your channel by searching Altra reviews! May I ask what shoes are you wearing daily now? Thank you~

[@JupiterHikes]

I go between a lot of stuff, lately have been wearing merrell trail glove 6, but really want to try Xero shoes more than anything.

[@TheAAZSD]

Beautiful and Evocative! I do have to ask, what shirt are you wearing?

[@JupiterHikes]

It's a columbia shirt I got out of a hiker box in 2018 along the PCT

[@TheAAZSD]

@@JupiterHikes Perfect!

[@jaketracy1375]

First

[@Ben-qw2cz]

Damn man it was blazin hot in kearny today! Stay safe out there. Great series btw!

[@monkeyfeet8296]

Awesome videos, very inspiring! How much water did you carry between water sources per x mileage? How did the pack handle the water carry?

[@JupiterHikes]

I would carry between 1 or 2 liters per every 12 miles, depending on how hot it was. Only seldomly did I have to carry 3. Water is very personal and I think most carried double what I was. The pack did great! Overall I don't think the water on the AZT is as bad as many would think!

[@julesarindam7195]

Which shoes did you have the blow out on? Was it the Merrels?

[@JupiterHikes]

It was some new balance, the same kind of shoe that successfully lased 1,100 miles in early 2020. Not a blowout either, the insides were disintegrating

[@julesarindam7195]

@@JupiterHikes thank you for the reply :) I was hoping it wasn't the Merrells. I really like the low drop they have. I bought my first pair of Altras and sort of dislike the amount of cushion they have, a bit wobbly for me. Anyways I'm sure any footwear gets beat up. I really enjoy your videos, thank you for posting. From Kingman AZ :)

[@miguelteixeira1979]

How are you managing the heat? Hike early and stop during heat hours (13 to 16) and then hike some more? Are you aiming to reach a place with coverage or height by noonish? Love the videos.

[@JupiterHikes]

I start walking around 6am, though earlier would be ideal, and just walk all day. I don't really do anything beyond hydrate, food, and walk at a comfortable pace. Though often I will walk an extra hour after sunset

[@DSPs_Swollen_Snort-Sacks]

Do you think being from South Florida and having acclimated to the SF weather most of your life helps you in dealing with the Desert heat?

[@JupiterHikes]

I honestly don't think that's helped unfortunately. Florida is hot, but not really that hot, just craaaazy humid which makes it feel miserable. I've also been living at 7,000ft elevation the past year, going through a nice snowy winter, it's super dry here, and very exposed. I do think just being out on the trail without the option for air-conditioning or anything I just accept the reality of it, and in reality it's not that bad. Living in it(a thru hike) vs visiting it (day hiking/weekend trips) have a very different feel.

[@ifonlyseethrumyeyes8957]

U r da 👞

[@christopherch7307]

👍😎👍

[@sarahs3373]

do you even sweat?

[@JupiterHikes]

I do but I think my clothes are very good at wicking or breathing so it doesn't show much and doesn't bother me much fortunately

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

Try a Bicycle Tour...

[@fomo6789]

Once again, can't wait to watch later after work! Looking forward to it, thanks for the great content! Happy hiking!

[@johneason6540]

Your a very optimistic person. Impressive. Great job on this trail. Im moving to AZ. May have to put this trail on my list

[@brendonhunt5530]

Where is the snake painted tunnel at?

[@JupiterHikes]

South of Colossal Cave State Park, I think under i10

[@brendonhunt5530]

@@JupiterHikes ok cool thank you very much!

[@jameshenry1285]

Love your content!

[@JupiterHikes]

Glad you enjoy it! Anything in particular you like or want to see more of?

[@jameshenry1285]

@@JupiterHikes I'd love to see your camp setup, selection, and tarp/shelter configurations.

[@timshel011]

Are you social distancing ??? Thanks for the great video !

[@JupiterHikes]

I have been! On this trip I didn't hitchike once, didn't take rides(except from my girlfriend once I was close to town), only went into towns I could walk to, didn't linger in them, always wore a mask, and generally hiked entirely alone the whole way. Also, i'm vaccinated. I think I did a good job with all of this considering the current state of the world

[@rschreck876]

Nope. I mean you couldn’t see all of the people in the video?

[@michaelb1761]

@@JupiterHikes You went above and beyond.

[@ActiveAlexis]

This is so cool!! I’m glad I found your channel :)