HOPI SALT TRAIL | Backpacking the Grand Canyon's Aqua Blue Oasis

Overnight hiking and backpacking down the Hopi Canyon Salt Trail to the Little Colorado River. This is one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done in my life, and it is one that 100% needs to get added to your hiking and travel bucket list if you're up for it!
I hope you enjoy the video! Please Like & Subscribe for more!
Created by: Kevin Eassa Media
Featuring: Bri Amato @breezydaysahead
Edited by: @cinematic.aerials
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[@UTAH100]

bring a GPS phone or beacon. If you fall and can't walk- you are done. Bring a partner and plenty of water and snacks- plan for overnight survival. Bring a backpack with a light jacket and first aid gear. I hike out west.

[@seandavis4465]

You sound like the biggest p**** on earth. “ I hike out west” 😂😂😂😭

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Welcome to the AZ STRIP except worse more remote. Tribe side.

[@UTAH100]

@@sluggotinfantryman We go off-road in Moab, UT and I have been to Sedona so I have some experience.

[@Truecrimecommunity]

Some of us choose to live life on our own terms, on the edge! If we die, we die! Because in the end, we’re all going to die! The difference is, only some of us will have ever truly lived “I hike out west” lol

[@UTAH100]

@@Truecrimecommunity Whatever son. I have probably taken more risks than you and I have truly lived- more than most. I have ridden a motorcycle over 20 years. I have jumped off of cliffs on skis in Colorado (Vail.) Yes, I have the video. I have ridden mountain bikes, and yes, I have hiked our West and done some rock climbing (Yosemite, CA, Death Valley, CA and Moab, UT.) I am not sure what you find so humorous about that? I also have a friend who is now bedridden for life after a motorcycle crash. I also got a mTBI. I am not saying not to have fun, but be aware of the risks and limit them, or don't. When people throw all caution to the wind and make numerous dumb decisions, it catches up to them. It is as simple as that. Only then will they realize that the short lived thrill and social approval, was not worth it. All those supportive friends disappear when you get hurt- at least most do. I disagree that life is short. When you are in daily, chronic pain, it can feel quite long. Laugh at me now, but one day, you will likely learn this lesson.

[@joedo1240]

This trail definitely will be on my bucket list. So incredibly beautiful, almost unreal! The color of the water is insanely blue. Thank you for sharing. Another great video…great job!

[@lovenspired]

Beautiful trail and footage of the hike. Friendly tip to travelers: To preserve the pristine waters and environment do not abandon trash or contaminate the environment through the wear of commercial goods like bug spray and sunscreen. If needed, use organic bug repellant recipes (like citronella oil based repellant) and wear sun protective clothing (hats, sunglasses, gloves, thin long sleeve shirts) over sunscreen. To give honor back to the local Hopi tribe, the ancestral stewards of these beautiful lands, please donate to a local Hopi-focused community preservation/enrichment project, Hopi charity organizations/events, or consciously shop at Hopi-owned businesses in the area.

[@positronikiss]

LETS GET THIS TO THE VERY TOP!!!!

[@astralenlightenment1743]

YES YES

[@KevinEassa]

Thank you so much for this! People need more knowledge of LNT. I’ve noticed when people actually learn the principles and why they’re so important, that most people do follow LNT. It’s just tough because it’s not something taught in too many places

[@KevinEassa]

Absolutely

[@nohomofootball]

I agree! Let's preserve lands for the indigenous people! Next time you visit my homeland--England--please do not buy anything from anyone who does not have super white skin and an anglophone name. We Anglo-Saxons have as much claim to our ancestral homelands as the Hopi have to theirs. Let's return all lands to the native, indigenous people. Beautiful idea!

[@stevenconn630]

Just breathtaking!Literally brought me to tears,nature is awesome. Just a by line 10-12 yrs ago I drove to Lake Havaseau(sp) from Palms Springs,Ca and there was a stretch along the road,where I saw the Colorado River and water was also that color blue.amazing!11

[@damonlouis6536]

saw the thumbnail and instantly had memories of many small rivers feeding the colorado. it's been over 25yrs since i was there, so glad you had it all to yourselves

[@jeffskinner4162]

Thank you for doing this. We gave this trail a go and had the same experience you did the first time. We are definitely going to prepare better and do it again. 💪🏼💪🏼

[@LittleEarth649]

I cannot stress this enough, PLEASE RESPECT THIS LAND!! ITS SACRED LAND FOR NATIVE AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES!!

[@KevinEassa]

!!!! ^ thanks for adding this. I tried to make it clear to be as respectful as possible in the video but can never share responsible outdoor recreation enough!

[@Truecrimecommunity]

No shit? We get it! We’re tied of hearing you chirp every time you see a god damn video of the superstitions

[@bettykline348]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks for watching Betty!

[@charleshicks3492]

Excellent hike and video; that water, the blue is amazing 😎😎😎😎😎👌👌👌👌

[@lorimadden9672]

Absolutely gourgous Thank you for taking me along 🙏 😊 ❤️

[@andrewlombara3165]

Wow! What an incredible place. Thanks for posting.

[@KevinEassa]

It really is, thanks for watching Andrew!

[@bobvogel1598]

Awesome spot! I did the raft trip 25yrs ago and hiked up from the bottom to another incredible spot on the little Colorado that was deep and you could dive off the surrounding rocks into the pools! Not to many people will ever experience this place

[@missboozehound]

Awesome! Did this in HS was fantastic! Magical place. Beautiful!

[@KevinEassa]

It really is incredible! Thanks for watching 🙏🏼

[@igorcorti6364]

Thank you both! We are heading there march 24th and we are so excited ❤️

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks for watching Igor! You’re going to have the best time!

[@kidabek]

Thanks for sharing guys! Amazing place.

[@KevinEassa]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@dougcooper4917]

Amazing Video and Amazing Photography! Very Beautiful! Thank You For Sharing It With Us!

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks Doug!

[@chriswessels5678]

Awesome video Kev, that water is incredible. Thanks for sharing!

[@KevinEassa]

Thank you Chris!

[@nahimabella]

This place is amazing ! So beautiful, definitely putting this one in my bucket list !

[@KevinEassa]

It’s well worth it, thanks for watching!

[@icristiane1]

Truly amazing place! Your video helped us prepare so much. Unfortunately, about .25 mile from the river, my husband suffered a fall due to loose rocks + dirt from recent rains and dislocated his shoulder and cut his thigh pretty bad. He’s a beast and managed to finish the hike and we got to the beautiful blue river. Thankfully we followed your advice and had the Garmin. Got heli’d out and also called for another person who got injured. Navajo Ranger said it was because it was a full moon… he gave me a jr badge so I’m proud ;) haha

[@oswal1853]

Rock on guys. Thanks for share .✌️

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks for watching man!

[@vincedavis5326]

That was great! Thanks for the share!

[@KevinEassa]

Thank you Vince 🙏🏼

[@Jay-zg8zy]

So helpful. Thank you for providing this detailed explanation

[@KevinEassa]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulsolomon1396]

We just got back and I want to thank you for this video. It was super helpful for planning and setting expectations. For sure the most intense, treacherous and unforgiving hike I have ever done but absolutely rewarding. We decided to camp up a bit higher and day hike down to the LCR. It saved us some hiking the day we hiked out. I also found it to be buggy down near the water (mosquitos and some biting flies..we were there in October). Also the researchers seemed to have the high ground/shaded camping areas so only beach camping seemed to be available. We filtered water from the stream that was to the right of the helipad (facing the water) and it was less brackish than the LCR water…still wouldn’t want to drink a lot of it as it definitely has some salt in it but it did the job for cooking and getting us out. Keep on adventuring!!

[@DavesEpicPhoneShots]

Awesome! Totally enjoyed this one. Beautiful footage 👏👍

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks Dave!

[@robertmw1475]

Such an Amazing & beautiful land. Arizona I am only realizing now realizing how interesting of a place it is & how many geographical values it has. Been binge reading Arizona Highways Magazines & discovered a lot of the states history also. I can't wait to create the means to spend some time there just exploring & make the trip to see it in person.

[@NoOverhead]

That was awesome!!!!

[@tamez76]

Awesome , great video!

[@Lynn-ef5uz]

Stunning ！thank you so much for sharing!

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks for watching Lynn!

[@derbagger22]

A photographer's paradise!

[@KevinEassa]

Oh yeah it was haha

[@kirstynackley5461]

Wow this is amazing! Great work as always 🙌🏻

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks so much!

[@angelarivard8326]

Thank you for highlighting being responsible! Arizona can be rough and if you don’t know what you’re doing it can be deadly.

[@KevinEassa]

Absolutely, very important that people realize the outdoors can be dangerous! People need to be prepared and also ready to follow LNT

[@falconsooner]

Great video and unique scenery!

[@KevinEassa]

Amazing place! Thanks!

[@JoJosCupofMocha]

This is such a beautiful place! That hike looked so brutal but worth it in the end.

[@KevinEassa]

It was so tough, but worth every step!

[@Photoncraft]

It's really hidden gem! Thanks for video.

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks for watching Johnny!

[@destinationdezz1588]

Not anymore:(

[@wildmovement777]

Wow that looks absolutely epic!

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrishaynes8555]

Thank you for letting me join you through your journey. It is beautiful I would not of known of such beauty if it wasn't shared by you both. Thank you again😂

[@davidcavallino]

Great video, and great spot

[@belladawn622]

That was a great video!

[@monalisacampuzano1499]

Magical

[@KevinEassa]

Thank you!

[@minhhop3208]

looks like Heaven !

[@KevinEassa]

You’re not wrong haha

[@imawakehereme1818]

That looks amazing thank you for the video.

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks for watching!

[@skinnysccp]

What an amazing place 😍

[@KevinEassa]

It really is!

[@recyclemyhike7550]

Great Video! That water is the craziest color I have ever seen! I will have to make a trip out there soon.

[@KevinEassa]

It is unreal! Thanks for watching

[@shaystube15]

Very beautiful and awesome adventure. Tfs!

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks for watching!!

[@irenafarm]

I love the insider tips y’all give like how to get permits and what to do with them! Hikes like this are probably out of my wheelhouse now, but it’s still practical for moderate hikes off the beaten track.

[@almamdani6564]

Beautiful

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks!

[@marvinclark8964]

This is amazing thanks for sharing

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks for watching Marvin!

[@tbmpoy9375]

beautiful place! Awesome spot! 💯

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks for watching!

[@baldophil1386]

Magnifique...merci

[@taihuynh7047]

Hi Kevin, We love how you have the info in your video! Thank you so much!! Hopefully we can get permit. Thank you for the backpacking ideas!! We enjoy your videos!

[@KevinEassa]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for watching

[@monicamazul7593]

Thank you for sharing . It is amazing view. We are to go to paige for Memorial day and we are exited and cant wait .

[@kenkieliszewski7652]

Be sure to hike through the havasu canyon for blue green water falls and another entry to the Grand Canyon. Stayed in William's the night before

[@NatureLoverPreeti]

Great video and so adventurous!

[@KevinEassa]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@mikerobinson9504]

Of all the places where we have ever been in this magnificent Canyon, this place might well have been the most glorious.

[@keithjohnson5398]

Reminds me of going to Supai Falls, has similar pools and waterfalls. But its a much easier hike on a well maintained trail or taking horses is another option. Also lots more visitors to Supai.

[@cathleenbond3983]

I was lucky enough to be able to backpack to Havasu Falls back in 2018. Although it was beautiful, it was WAY too crowded. This hike to Little Colorado is too much for me (57 and 4 spine surgeries), however, I am doing a motorized rafting trip down the GC next year, so I will get to play in these falls. I hope they are this blue while I am down there.

[@clarencehopkins7832]

Excellent stuff bro

[@janetmccann2043]

Wow! I am def to old at this point. Sure wish I had gotten to the bottom of that Grandest of Canyons years ago. Awesome video! Thanks!

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks for watching Janet!

[@backintime1972]

Super helpful. thank you.

[@KevinEassa]

glad to hear it, thanks!

[@chasedolanphotographyvideo3372]

This was massively helpful, been wondering where y’all went! Gotta make this hike happen someday

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks Chase! I hope recovering can get better for you and then you can send this!

[@ashleydaniel3215]

Yá'át'ééh Kevin glad you enjoyed Navajoland, I'm from here and didn't know about these places or that drones aren't allowed lol you should hike down into the canyon to Supai village to see their waterfalls, definitely a bucket list spot. Safe travels

[@rickvesny5541]

Great video guys... Both accent and decent look pretty narley but obviously well worth it. Alway wondered how to get there... Thanks and keep livin your best life :)!

[@ashleymolina8158]

Me and my bf’s experience with this trail is mirrored to yours! First attempt fail. We made redemption this past year by getting an alpine start. People who do this trail, do your research, come prepared, and DO NOT underestimate this trail!

[@KevinEassa]

Glad to hear we’re not the only ones that got sandbagged hard 😂😂😂 I’m hoping this video helps give people the information they need for a successful hike!

[@destinationdezz1588]

and practice LNT!!! This place is blowing up! Prolly thanks to Havasupai being closed! Hope it doesn't get ruined:(

[@stevelummer5939]

Guess you guys earned that one. I was there last summer but by raft. Looked like a crazy Hike out. Good work.

[@jackwatsonepic626]

I am from England and I am so jealous that you've got all this on your door step 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@KevinEassa]

Still quite a drive from us, but we are grateful!

[@BlakeHemmel]

Hiked this in June 2018, and holy crap we had the whole spot to ourselves, but it was HOT. Definitely didn't know how gnarly the trail was. We also ran out of water and struggled but it was well worth it.

[@tjtuck4520]

Can one not filter the water?

[@hernameisT]

That water 😮 It's my color! It doesn't look real at all. Looking forward to what comes next.

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks T! Beautiful place!

[@petemarron6677]

Really really liked the video

[@KevinEassa]

Thank you Pete!

[@fastgurrrl]

Neat.

[@danielcarroll5667]

Thank you !

[@KevinEassa]

You're welcome!

[@lesterlopez9147]

Thanks!

[@KevinEassa]

Thank YOU!

[@Ponpursat]

Amazing video, hope to do this hike someday

[@KevinEassa]

Definitely one to add to the bucket list! Thanks for watching!

[@ryanderek4961]

Thank you for showing us this beautiful place someone needs to make a zip line to this place that would be awesome

[@KevinEassa]

Thank you for watching Ryan!

[@cre8tivity06]

As someone.that has never hiked, this video had me in awe the entire time. I didn't want it to end. Here I am 51 years old and I am starting to get this hiking/exploring bug. I just can't believe you did that hike by yourselves and spent the night too. I take it there is no wildlife to be concerned about? What would you had done in the event of an emergency? What camera did you use to shoot this video? It was beautifully shot and put together! I just liked and subscribed to your channel!

[@thecuriousvida]

Great video guys beautiful! Don't mind the miserable complaining types who think everything is only there for themselves. Thanks for sharing and keep on sharing so other can enjoy places like this too! ✌

[@kevinthrowsthings]

This video popped up on my recommended videos and oh my gosh I am so thankful. THANK YOU for all the info! You literally answered all of my questions like permits, road conditions, and time of day the sun hits. I sent this video to my gf and it’s now on our to do list. We live in flagstaff and hike GCNP often (I lead tours as well) and neither of us new about this place! Thank you thank you!

[@vanessab.6919]

did you end up going on this hike?

[@Lfg117]

🔥

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks!

[@fordraven5884]

I like your hiking videos

[@KevinEassa]

Thank you! So glad to hear it!

[@aceyorba]

Awesome video Awesome trek. Been hiking around the GC for a long time. Never heard of this one. Looks great. How long is the elevation drop from parking lot to Little Colrado river?

[@petrarossi9981]

What a beautiful place...looks similar as Pamukkale in Turkey

[@KevinEassa]

Yes it does! We went to Pamukkale two summers ago, so incredible! We have a video on it on the channel, so underrated

[@austinado16]

Amazing guys!! So stoked for you. What a redemption!! Also, I appreciate all of the "how-to" tips, and including the phone number. Awesome job, fantastic video!

[@badkat68]

Hey Kevin, thank you for this! It's really beautiful and really well done! Just a couple questions for you.. did you just go recently? Because I wanted to know what months the water would be the bluest. (I've read that fall is really good too also)... obviously the hike up seems to be the worst part, but I've read things saying just how sketchy the terrain is, but from your footage, I didn't see anything that seemed incredibly sketchy - just your basic kind of scrambling...(though I know the pack makes it that much harder.) I did Grand Canyon, rim to rim, a couple years back, and it's obviously the ascent that's the hardest part, so I just wanted your honest thoughts about the hardest element of the whole thing. Thank you so much for your time!

[@paulsolomon1396]

We just got back. The hike down was worse. Lots of loose rock so with a 50 lb pack you need to be super careful. The hike up took as the same amount of time down. We camped in a wash about 2.7 miles down so we day packed to the LCR. Hiking back up to our campsite during the heat of the day was horrible so I also recommend beating the direct sun (we hiked in at first light and started hiking out by headlamp). Hope that helps

[@Jables77]

How long did it take hiking in, and what was the time difference coming back?

[@jimhenderson387]

Thanks so much for this great introduction. Was wondering what temp the water is?

[@kw2764]

I'd love to go there, but don't think I could handle that straight down section. Sure is beautiful

[@KevinEassa]

It’s definitely a really hard one, but maybe with some training!

[@WisdomPrime]

Beautiful place subscribing your beautiful channel ❤️

[@crystalwhitmorewhitmore3239]

Looks like an amazing hike. Maybe spring or fall would be less hot

[@KevinEassa]

We did this May 18th! And if you plan your hike to hike while in the shade, it’s pretty alright

[@johnnycactus5140]

Just remember that the brown water is when the water flowing strong (springtime). Blue water is when water is not strong (fall) as a general rule.

[@cindybrannen6597]

Beautiful video! What makes the water so blue? Almost looks like glacier melt water in Alaska but I know there are no glaciers in that climate. Glad you made it there and back safely!

[@KevinEassa]

I’m not entirely sure but I think it just has to do with the minerals/ rock flour potentially! Thanks for watching Cindy

[@Teacher2Polis2XtraRice]

I wonder how beautiful is this in night photography, specially when the Milky Way rise from above.

[@KevinEassa]

I bet it’s incredible. However, we did leave our tripod because every bit of weight matters because of how difficult this hike is

[@jjsc3334]

Let lucky people go there.

[@jc8867]

Beautiful spot and hike! Glad this popped up for me. How bad were your water filters after?

[@plantifulpicnic3940]

Beautiful video! Was the trail easy to follow? I wouldn’t want to get lost.

[@Halfpace52]

Always enjoy watching your videos. How difficult to follow the trail? Looks like some rock scrambling.

[@funafei5225]

Very informative. Plan to go on the weekend of 11/11. Hope it's a success

[@KevinEassa]

I hope you have a great time! Thank you. I also have a more travel guide version of this video on my channel that is much more condensed and more informative, in case you need any additional last minute tips!

[@jage3224]

nice

[@KevinEassa]

thanks!!

[@kirstieclark5387]

We are heading there March 11th. I'm hoping the water will turn blue by that time. Your video is very helpful, thanks for sharing!

[@KevinEassa]

Good luck! Thanks for watching. Also, just so you know, this video was more vlog style for our memories. But since making this video I made an actual travel guide for this trail, which is just information on visiting and not us vlogging. It’s a recent upload on my channel if you’d like to see!

[@kirstieclark5387]

@@KevinEassa I've watched your travel guide for Hopi trail too haha!

[@KevinEassa]

@@kirstieclark5387 oh nice! Haha. Well thank you, just thought I’d pass it along in case you didn’t see it!

[@kirstieclark5387]

@@KevinEassa Quick question though, how were you able determine that the water was blue the day you went?

[@KevinEassa]

@@kirstieclark5387 after our first time which was a huge bust, we just asked and confirmed on the phone while we got our permit. And about 2ish miles in or so you get a faint first glimpse of the water in the distance and it’s pretty easy to tell it’s blue. (The first time it was Brown we tried to trick ourselves into thinking it wasn’t brown lol)

[@minhhop3208]

so beautiful ! Thanks ! Why not used hiking sticks ? Looks scary!!

[@KevinEassa]

Thanks! Bri likes hiking poles and I think she packed hers but tbh I don’t really like using them too much! Unless there’s a day over 15 miles or over 5k feet of gain

[@arizonaclimbingguides]

I was under the impression that the Navajo nation had closed access to this area. You are required to obtain a permit with the Navajo nation.

[@moonjumper66]

Hi..i camped out for 1 week there to me one of the best things in my life that i experienced.

[@KevinEassa]

Right? It’s so incredible

[@ppearson111]

Great video and that looks like an incredible hike - but tough! What time of year did you go on the 2nd attempt, when the water was so amazingly blue?

[@KevinEassa]

Our second attempt was May 18th!

[@coralynsaucier794]

@@KevinEassa 5min 43 lol is that a lion?

[@pokert9401]

Thank you for making this video. I subscribed to you guys because your videos are very informative. You answered most of my questions. The only questions i have left is when do you know when the water are blue, and not brown? Is there a certain months to go for the blue color? Thank you.