Unforgettable Wilderness Camping in Utah's Grand Staircase Escalante

3 days in a vast and rugged wilderness navigating towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and sweeping plateaus.
Music composed by me ‪@afternoonhue‬
Geology reference - • Breaking Down Navajo S...

[@alanbierhoff6831]

Before I say anything else about this amazing videos, I want you to know that I appreciate every single extra step you had to take to set up those incredible camera shots. You must have walked several extra miles to accomplish it.

[@maximbudnick]

Hey, Alan! By now I've learned to be patient and enjoy the extra steps to capture nature in her most flattering light - but it's still a lot of work and it feels good to be appreciated! Haha

[@polemeros]

Yes, it's easy to forget how much additional thinking and walking and set-up and take-down EACH SHOT takes. Doing the hiking is by itself impressive, but when you factor in all the camera-related action....wow.

[@theoptimusdime]

@@maximbudnick Really awesome video. Wow!

[@charlesmorris9249]

Agreed… well done sir

[@maximbudnick]

Thank you, James!

[@jasondivirgilio4768]

Another beautiful video. I love the shadows of the water spider, the white moth, and the countless textures of the land. Nicely done.

[@maximbudnick]

Thank you, Jason!

[@BuckMckawtheotherone]

Only 10.9K subscribers. You deserve a hundred times more. Beautiful work Max. It is a mesmerizing place. Thanks for the video. Stay safe.

[@maximbudnick]

I'd be more than happy with double! :) Cheers and thanks!

[@Astrionix]

I truly believe Utah and its surrounding areas are some of the most beautiful and breathtaking places I have ever been.

[@maximbudnick]

I agree!

[@genaldobazilio9039]

Man, you know how to tell a good story! It's absolutely amazing every shot you pick to share here with us.

[@maximbudnick]

Thank you, Genaldo! Are you Brazilian? My wife is from Brazil :)

[@genaldobazilio9039]

@@maximbudnick Yes, I'm Brazilian! Saudações do Brasil para você e sua esposa.

[@XanderBudnick]

One of your best! great edit D

[@maximbudnick]

Who is this?!

[@kevinharding2099]

It is very clear your worked very hard to get these shots. Lots of extra steps and set ups. Great stuff.

[@maximbudnick]

Hello, Kevin! Thanks for watching and for the encouraging feedback. Cheers!

[@billwoods6481]

So much memorable footage here. 16:46 - 16:51 especial;ly caught my eye. Just wonderful. Thank you!

[@maximbudnick]

Also one of my favorite shots in the video :) Thanks for watching, Bill! Cheers!

[@eyalofer5015]

One of the best south UT video I have seen

[@maximbudnick]

Wow that means a lot, thank yoU!

[@Otis1953]

I'd like to take out an advertisement saying "SUBSCRIBE TO MAXIM BUDNICK - YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE MISSING!" Your cinematography is outstanding

[@maximbudnick]

Dale, your supportive comment helps keep spirits high! Thank you! :)

[@viensvoir66]

Speechless on so many levels. Thank you, sir.

[@maximbudnick]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching :)

[@darrellcaruk8880]

Great Video , so laid back and something different. Looks like you enjoyed the change of landscape.....

[@maximbudnick]

Hi Darrell! Yeah, how could I not enjoy those views?! :) Thanks for stopping by! Hope you've been well!

[@tamirew9247]

Brilliant photography! The natural scenery is of course awe inspiring and you catch it so beautifully. My most favorite is watching the shadows of the water skippers. You have a great eye!

[@maximbudnick]

Yeah the water skippers looking like little helicopters - I also loved that and I'm so glad I has the right light to film it. Thank you for stopping by, Tami. Cheers!

[@allanbudnick]

Well done. Easily one of your best. You captured this amazing environment beautifully. Thanks for the eye candy!

[@XanderBudnick]

hi dad

[@maximbudnick]

👋hi dad!

[@janetwhite3768]

Really picturesque Max…..

[@maximbudnick]

Thank you, Janet!

[@fisherman5662]

Great video. So soothing that I find myself nearly hypnotized. Alluring to say the least. Thanks Maxim.

[@maximbudnick]

My pleasure

[@dianetbailey9185]

Beautiful Breathtakingly scenery! ❤

[@maximbudnick]

It really is!

[@robmetcalfe8902]

Great video man

[@maximbudnick]

Thank you very much, Rob. Cheers

[@mayberry1965]

Natures beauty and her unexpected discoveries are truly a gift. Thank you for capturing her glory and sharing it.

[@maximbudnick]

My pleasure, May! Nature really is the most beautiful subject!

[@larrywright8695]

So intrigued by your love for life Max… Love you and your vid’s, as well as Xander 🙂

[@candidagomes2774]

Congratulations by this espetacular film!!🎉🎉 Very much work and strong connection with Nature!!👍 Thanks for sharing this!! 👍🌲🌲🌅🌅🎉

[@maximbudnick]

Thanks so much Candida, you are appreciated!

[@traveler.west1]

Max, thank you for sharing your personal experiences. You are an exceptionally talented cinematographer. Your added comments of the surrounding geology shows me just a brief glimpse of your calming & brilliant mind & soul. I want to thank those responsible for raising (Mom & Dad?) such a talented man.

[@maximbudnick]

Thanks Frans! I am really glad you enjoy the geology stuff as well. I will let my parents know 😄

[@gregwatson7383]

Hey Max , words can't describe just how fantastic your videos are! You capture the beauty of nature on your whole journey. The work you put into your photography and your relaxed state is brilliant and you should be on the Discovery Channel! If you don't get a call from David Attenborough asking you to join his crew on their next journey there's something wrong!! Cheers mate 🇦🇺

[@maximbudnick]

Hey there, Greg. Thank you for your kind comment - it's not only incredibly helpful for a small channel like mine, but also gives me that wonderful feeling of having created something that brought another person joy and peace - which countless other creators have done for me over the years. Once again, thank you!

[@thienqueue]

So glad YT recommended your channel, this was such a joy to watch.

[@maximbudnick]

I am also glad! Thank you, Thien!

[@BogWraith1]

I can not tell you how much I love what you & Xander do to make this great content for both your channels. The music you composed adds so much to your videos & I love when you and your brother use them. Thanks for taking this 64 year old boy from Montreal with you to share these experiences. I miss my youth when my health allowed me to enjoy camping and exploring. ❤to you & Xander, always!

[@maximbudnick]

Thank you for your kind words - specially about my music. I'm very sorry to hear you can't get out as you used to, and I'm happy my videos bring you a bit of enjoyment of camping and exploring. Cheers and thank you for stopping by!

[@blindsidr2066]

Stunning!

[@maximbudnick]

Thank you for stopping by! Cheers

[@kavali6320]

Just breathtaking. Thank you so much for taking us along. Nature is overwhelmingly beautiful, always and everywhere. PS: Caught myself always peeking in the corners of the screen right away when some unknown animal or plant appeared, just to not miss the name of it ;)

[@maximbudnick]

Hey there, Kavali. Glad you enjoyed the labels - I was worried people might not enjoy it due to it cluttering the screen. Thanks for that feedback and thanks for watching! Cheers

[@freywayne6574]

Great production as per usual Maxim. The time lapse, gave an incredible aspect to the beauty of the area. The canyons were absolutely fascinating to see, like an open book on time passing. It makes you wonder how far the soil from this area has travelled and what the eefect has been on the surrounding area. Thanks Max for this incedible journey.. I will be looking forward to your next adventure.

[@maximbudnick]

Thanks Frey! I thought it was an incredible spot as well. Really makes you think of things like the passage of time.

[@kingpie21]

This is awesome, can’t imagine the behind the scene, to set up the camera to capture this beautiful place. Good job and thank you.

[@maximbudnick]

All the walking back and for to get shots is a bit of a pain in the butt if I let myself feel impatient, but I've learned to accept that it is what I have to do and try to enjoy the details. My pleasure and thank you!

[@ultima8250]

It took me until you started talking to realize I wasn't watching Xander's channel lol! Top notch as always!

[@maximbudnick]

Haha yeah people mix us up occasionally. Thank you for watching, Ultima!

[@maryj1754]

I love the way you capture the beauty of the canyon, the river. Your brave to hike by your self. Especially when you see mountain lion tracks. Be safe in your travels.

[@maximbudnick]

Thanks Mary I appreciate that! Mountain lion attacks are exceedingly rare. I didn't even consider it to be honest.

[@maryj1754]

@@maximbudnick - Ok but be prepared anyway. I doubt you get a phone signal out there. Be safe.

[@maximbudnick]

Phone signal comes in and out, but I have a satellite communication device on me at all times - all I need is a view of the sky :)

[@maryj1754]

@@maximbudnick - That’s great. Very smart of you!

[@maximbudnick]

Thank you again, Mary! :)

[@annamariaterracciano7283]

Omg Maxim at the start of the video, the music is so haunting, mysterious, soothing and calming. Like you said, blown away by the authenticity of nature over millions of years, we are such small human beings compared to the enormity of the canyon, thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us, absolutely amazing 😊

[@maximbudnick]

Hello, Anna! What a nice and thoughtful comment! Thank you! You made my day :)

[@Adamwood21212]

Been waiting for this! With yours and Xander’s long trip, and Jon’s injury, I’ve been anxiously awaiting any new videos! 😃

[@maximbudnick]

Yep the trip was fantastic and I am sorry it's over, but it's been wonderful looking through all the footage. Thank you for watching!

[@michaelhudecek2778]

Me too.

[@maximbudnick]

:)

[@FoundPonds]

Calming, beautiful and serenely captured, as always Max!

[@maximbudnick]

Hello there, Ponds! How have you been? Glad you liked this one! Wonder if I'll see your condensed version of it later this week :) Thanks for stopping by

[@FoundPonds]

@@maximbudnick I've been doing great, thanks! Your masterpiece is good as is and I really appreciate what you share. Looking forward to the shenans this summer.

[@maximbudnick]

@@FoundPonds definitely!

[@deliveranceoutside]

Awesome video! Really cool to follow both yours and Xander's journey through America from two different perspectives.

[@maximbudnick]

Glad you enjoyed it - thank you for your kind words. I'm working on editing the video of the next trip I did down there - which Xander and I were on together - so you'll get to see different perspectives on the exact same trip :) Cheers and thank you again!

[@davewinch7677]

What a beautiful place, quite different from the Canadian wilderness but just as fascinating and a great job of filming it.

[@maximbudnick]

Thank you, Dave. Yeah it really is absolutely fascinating - like being on another planet!

[@kathmandoo]

Incredible country.

[@maximbudnick]

Truly

[@Lwof1025]

Great to see you appreciating my part of the world, Max! I've been told by Navajo friends that the water a skeeter bug skates on is safe to drink. The time-lapse moon shots and canyon water falls are everything. Another contemplative beauty. Thank you!

[@maximbudnick]

Really one of the most magnificent landscapes on the planet. Thank you for that interesting info on the water safety and skeeter bugs - I'm actually curious to read more about it online. Cheers, Luna! And hope all has been well with you.

[@earthangel8730]

This stunning adventure was a true journey. Beautifully filmed and narrated too. You've got a real eye for capturing the subtle beauty of a place Max. 🧡

[@maximbudnick]

Thank you so much, as always means a lot to hear that.

[@lmcwill0502]

Just came upon your video for the first time. Been there once but never hiked it or camped as you are doing. I would give anything to be able to do that. I love the great outdoors especially in UT . Enjoy your exploring , I will be watching

[@maximbudnick]

Hey, there. I hope you get the chance to go back and try it out - you can always pick a shorter/simpler route to accommodate whatever gear or time you have available. Let me know if you do - and thank you for stopping by!

[@JB-eg1tb]

Thanks for sharing another wonderful adventure! Surely there are far more memories from your experience that are not captured in video but looks like this one will bring back so many down the road for ya.

[@maximbudnick]

One of the best parts about making these videos is how it creates a record of the best days of my life :) Thanks for watching, JB! Hope you've been well

[@JB-eg1tb]

@@maximbudnick Very much so-- went to St George recently for a couple of days and got to see bits and pieces of similar areas you showed in this video. Love that place. I used to go camping regularly on the weekends 7-9 times a year. Due to some physical limitations, have not been able to do as much. The few days trip was not what I used to do but it was still nice to be out enjoying what I could. Thanks for sharing such great memories of your experiences! Keep at it.

[@maximbudnick]

@@JB-eg1tb My pleasure as usual, JB :)

[@sadiqa7447]

Loved the video Max! An awesome way to remove silt from the water is to use Alum powered. The alum coagulates the silt and you can collect the water. You'd still need to disinfect the water afterwards.

[@maximbudnick]

Thanks for the tips!

[@allisonwanderland9917]

Huzzah, there you are! Welcome to the States. Beauty views, eh?

[@maximbudnick]

Hello, Allison! How have you been? The USA is absolutely beautiful - I've had many of my best trips there... Love it!

[@allisonwanderland9917]

@@maximbudnick Been well, thanks! Great place to road trip, for sure. Enjoying the fresh air up here in the Adirondacks ⛰️

[@maximbudnick]

@@allisonwanderland9917 Ah beautiful. I just love the Adirondacks!

[@jaythomas996]

Thanks for sharing another great video Maxime! Appreciate learning how much passion you have for this type of exploring.

[@maximbudnick]

My pleasure, Jay. Thank you for stopping by!

[@holmenadventurecamp]

Great vibe, really liked this one. Suits you. Much love, best wishes. Holmen.

[@maximbudnick]

Thanks a lot Thomas! I appreciate the feedback

[@tesina21]

Wow, what an incredibly unique, beautiful environment! The waterfall find was my favorite part of your video. Also loved the time-lapse shots towards the end. High quality stuff Max, keep killing it!

[@maximbudnick]

Thank you, Tesina! The waterfall was so wonderful - I am glad that some of its beauty translated to the camera. Cheers and thank you for watching!

[@andy_bo_bandy_4]

Your thought process is deep. Enjoyable. Thank you for this video.

[@maximbudnick]

My pleasure, Andrew. Thank you for stopping by!

[@kpstx]

I don’t know about filtration of water out there, but letting it sit in order to settle is where I would begin. One thing to be cautious of is the dissolved salts in the water. There are a lot of minerals in the soil and water. Salt Lake City is named that because of the high salt concentration of salt in the lake and pretty much the whole desert. Solar distillation is one method to remove the salt. Collecting snow might be easier.

[@lenzlambrecht6925]

wow that was just magical. You have a great way of capturing the landscape and telling its story, watching this felt really immersive. Thanks for making and sharing these videos!

[@maximbudnick]

Thank you, Lenz. I appreciate the kind comment!

[@radarbase]

If there was a *double-like* button I'd click it, Max. Wishing you great success with your channel -- it'd be a treat for us all if you got to film explorations like this wherever you choose.

[@maximbudnick]

haha thanks a ton. I accept 😃 All the best!

[@alannolet3109]

Oh wow, absolutely stunning. No more or no less than the Ontario backcountry - just in a completely different way. And as always, amazing job of capturing it all, Max. (Btw, you were almost unrecognizable when Xander pickup you up at the airport, all clean-shaven and baby-faced... lol)

[@maximbudnick]

Haha yes a good shave before growing it out on a long trip is my usual strategy. And I agree - no more no less - just totally different.

[@bluwtrgypsy]

Such a magnificent adventure, Max. You were truly captivated, with such joy in your heart. Places like that touch the soul. Utah is a beautiful state. The photography was outstanding and tidbits of info were very interesting. Loved hearing your music, too. Thanks for sharing this unforgettable journey. Blessings

[@maximbudnick]

Thank you, Indigo! Utah is one of those places that tempt me to say there is nowhere more beautiful. Glad you liked the little info tidbits - I was hoping it wouldn't ruin the flow of the video. Thank you for stopping by and leaving such an encouraging comment. All the best

[@DanOwen11.11]

Another stunningly beautiful video, Max. Also the narration and your demeanor are what make these videos so special.

[@maximbudnick]

Hello, Dan. Thank you for saying so - it can be quite difficult to be comfortable seeing myself speak on camera. It rarely feels natural despite my effort. Occasionally it feels "good enough" and I reluctantly include it in the video... Anyway... What I am saying is that I appreciate the encouraging feedback. Cheers!

[@chrisgolden1770]

Highly recommend a millbank bag to pre filter dirty water so it doesn’t clog your filter

[@maximbudnick]

Great suggestions, Chris. I gotta get a new filter and I'll try to pick up one of those filter bags at the same time. Cheers!

[@Suluk46]

I would imagine that many of those distant shots required walking nearly twice the distance on this trip to go back and pick up the camera :)

[@maximbudnick]

Haha ya a lot of extra work but worth the effort I think. I am Back in the city now lets catch up soon :)

[@mflacke]

Beautifully shot as usual. I have to admit I am a canyon junkie too. So much so that I lived in Utah for 10 years. Even though my true love is canoe tripping, the high desert has an amazing draw on me. The great thing about Utah is the diversity of environments and it's the hub of the west making so much a days drive away. Glad to see you guys expanding your scope. Can't wait for the rest of the series from you guys!

[@maximbudnick]

I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful trip. I hope I bring out even a small fraction of the beauty of those landscapes out in my videos. Thank you for stopping by, Flackee. I hope you've been well!

[@rob.e.t.9107]

A stark contrast to the environment I'm used to seeing you in, but stunning none the less.

[@maximbudnick]

It really is stunning down there. Thank for watching, Rob!

[@MaximusWilliams]

Incredible imagery. Thank you very much for taking us on this journey with you 🙏🏼

[@maximbudnick]

My pleasure, Maximus. Thank you for coming along!

[@тимофеич77]

Beautiful! Show more cooking and camp living also, would be intresting.

[@maximbudnick]

Hello, Simon! I would love to and have in lots of previous videos - there is just so much to do I don't always get around to that. I loke the suggestion though. Thanks for watching, and for the feedback. Cheers

[@тимофеич77]

@@maximbudnick 🙏🏽👌

[@maximbudnick]

:)

[@graemesmith3]

Sick video Max! Been loving watching your stuff! Would love to adventure with you sometime....when you're up near Parry Sound next let's reconnect!

[@maximbudnick]

Awesome man really glad you enjoyed! Would love to catch up. I pass through the area somewhat frequently :)

[@benweir665]

Looks spicy out there.

[@maximbudnick]

So spicy 🌶️

[@hopeeternal99]

Did you find any ruins? It's so interesting where the lands native peoples used to build. Usually along cliffs.

[@maximbudnick]

Not on this trip, no! But it really is very interesting stuff. Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@ldg2655]

Be careful camping along streams or washes. Flash floods are not uncommon. That being said, I really appreciate the way you take the time to identify the birds, wildlife and plants along the way..

[@maximbudnick]

Hi, Leslie! Thanks for that - I'm always doing my best to learn and lessen risks. Glad you enjoyed the little details of flora and fauna identification. Thanks for stopping by!

[@littlepony6762]

Thank you For showing off Utah Stunning Beauty I live here in Utah my home Hope you will be back for more Corrinda

[@maximbudnick]

Oh I will absolutely be back. One of my favorite places on Earth! There might be places as beautiful but none more beautiful - in my opinion. Cheers!

[@michaelhudecek2778]

Okay Max!! I have to ask!! How on Earth did you know where you were going?? How did you know where you were?? How did you get back to civilization?? How did you not get lost?? How??!! This was so amazing and so beautiful!! Thank you!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😊😊😊😊😊. Michael

[@maximbudnick]

Hey Michael. I thoroughly examine maps and satellite imagery prior to any non-trivial trip. I often have my route well planned out with a good idea of what topography should look like as I travel. On top of that I carry official trail maps and printed out topographical maps with me - according to how remote the trip is and how likely it is for paths to be difficult to follow. Other things I might do are read what other travelers have posted about the area on forums, and speak to forest rangers beforehand to be aware of any potential hazards. And if all else fails I have a satellite device tracking me with a big red button that sends search and rescue to pick me up and take me for an extravagantly expensive helicopter ride - but I'm counting on never having to press that button haha

[@michaelhudecek2778]

Okay, thank God! I'm glad you have all of those resources to study and your device! Thank you for taking the time to explain it to me! 🙏😊. Michael.

[@maximbudnick]

@@michaelhudecek2778 :)

[@Kim-lg8qv]

Absolutely beautiful video . This is my first time seeing one of your videos totally hooked. I usually watch Xander So happy I found your channel .

[@maximbudnick]

Thank you, Kim! The encouragement means a lot. Next video coming out is of a trip - also in the desert - that Xander and I were on together :) Cheers!

[@patti3447]

Beautiful footage thank you for taking us along and sharing a place we’ve never been❤

[@maximbudnick]

My pleasure, Patti. Hope you've been well up there! Cheers

[@davidmichael3160]

Magnificent scenery is a understatement. No wonder that people go into the wilderness to find their deeper selves. I’m fascinated by the production of your videos. Seems to me that you have to set up the shot and the camera and walk past it, sometimes a considerable distance away, then double back and proceed again to the next shot. Doesn’t that double the distance you end up hiking? I’d love to see a behind-the-scenes video.

[@maximbudnick]

Hello, David. Yup it's exactly what you expect... Setting up the camera - doing my best to predict angle and settings for lighting conditions, wind, etc... Then I walk out with all my gear just as I would if I were not filming... Then I drop my bags and go back to grab the camera. I've learned that I need to enjoy that process as a creative activity - or else it feels exhausting and drains my energy. I think at this point I've accepted it for what it is and tend to find it exciting rather than tedious to put in extra miles to get good shots. Thanks for stopping by - and I'll think about the idea of a behind-the-scenes video... I have to think if there is a way I can do it that feels natural to me and my channel. Cheers!

[@davidmichael3160]

@@maximbudnick I appreciate the contemplative dimension of your videos. Invitation to reflect.

[@maximbudnick]

@@davidmichael3160 Thank you, David!

[@lauraschroeder8177]

Perfect weather it sounds like. Beautiful video. Great filmimg.

[@maximbudnick]

It was marvelous! Thanks for the nice comment, Laura. Much appreciated. Sorry for taking so long to reply

[@tomwoodrow5494]

Some water hints. Get as much as you can and let it sit for a while. After it clears up decant off the less silty aqua, then filter it. It is literally dust suspended in the water, so it might take a while. I have brought along a 2.5 gallon collapsible jug, from Coghlans, I think, works well, not too heavy when in the pack. Fill it after dinner and let it sit all night, you should be able to get almost 2 gallons and not tank your filter. The 300,000 km2 is all at the Colorado delta in Mexico. Some of the stickiest mud in NA. Now go see Zion! Not better than Escalante, nor worse. Almost mandatory tho. Great Vidya!

[@maximbudnick]

Thanks Tom much appreciated on the tips! Good idea about the collapsible water container. I have backpacked in Zion before and drove through it but is super complicated with permitting to film in any national park so it was not in the cards for this trip. Any suggested routes?

[@mikehaberstock2758]

@@maximbudnick Flocculation.

[@maximbudnick]

A word you don't hear every day

[@hankremer6606]

Beautiful cinematography.

[@maximbudnick]

Thank you, Hank. Cheers!

[@susansmeeton4321]

what a wonderful adventure - you certainly have a photograpers eye

[@maximbudnick]

:)

[@pamalvestad3848]

Many thank yous!!! Amazing

[@maximbudnick]

My absolute pleasure, Pam. Thank you for stopping by and for the nice comment.

[@daveboise_2222]

Videography is first rate. Setting the standard.

[@maximbudnick]

Thanks Dave! I certainly worked hard on this one.

[@franklinrussell3042]

Nice video! Utah had a creepy vibe when I camped in Moab. I was wondering if you noticed it?

[@maximbudnick]

Can't say I had the same experience - I found it quite serene. Were you still able to enjoy your trip?

[@franklinrussell3042]

Yes, I was headed for Grand Teton National Park so I only spent 2 nights in Moab

[@maximbudnick]

@@franklinrussell3042 Nice! I love Grand Teton

[@skmarrama]

It’s breathtaking in that area!! One of the most rookie mistakes is not carrying enough water. I’m glad you had a solution. This was an incredible trip! You are at the bottom on an ancient sea floor. Thank you for taking us along!

[@maximbudnick]

It really is an incredible area! I more or less planned my trip around the water, carrying a bunch of camera gear makes it difficult to carry more than a gallon. There was an option to stay along the ridge line by melting some snow water but it was nearly as sandy as the river 😄

[@skmarrama]

@@maximbudnick That makes me feel better. I’m not from Utah, but I live here. I knew that you were an experienced outdoorsman, so played it smart. So many inexperienced hikers fall off a cliff or never make it home on some of Utah’s trails. I’m SO glad you explored those canyons! It’s breathtakingly beautiful in that area. So vast and different from the many lakes and streams of Canada. If you get the chance, check out Southwest Wildlife Rescue in Cedar City, Utah. They do an incredible work rehabilitating eagles and other wildlife that get poisoned or hit by vehicles on the highway. You have such an eye for nature, you will not be disappointed.

[@maximbudnick]

Interesting suggestion - I'd love to see that actually. It's a shame I'm not down there anymore. Saving it for the next trip!

[@lauraschroeder8177]

I hope you have a satellite phone since you are climbing alone.

[@maximbudnick]

Hello again, Laura. Yup I have an emergency satellite device - it periodically tracks me and allows family at home to keep an eye on my locations. Great peace of mind! Cheers

[@Jerry-ds4ye]

Bro. You are absolutely wonderful at film making... I'm in awe... ❤❤❤ you. Thank you so much...

[@maximbudnick]

Thanks again Jerry!

[@sulevisydanmaa9981]

G O O D : NO "MUSIC" (=muzak ! 98% of wilderness videos nixxed by the noizzzzz.) Suggest buy a sidearm ag cougars, rattlers ....& Butch & Sundance ' s wandering poltergeists ..

[@maximbudnick]

Haha great suggestion - specially for the wandering poltergeists! :p Cheers, friend!

[@beverleyvanderheide3234]

My husband and I discovered Utah for ourselves in 2015. We have hiked so much of it and keep coming back for more. I was trying to place your hike in GSENM but regardless it was breathtaking! Enjoyed the vistas and beauty. If you love slot canyons and adventure - you have to give canyoneering a try. Many guided tours throughout Zion/Escalante regions and beyond. It is an amazing way to experience a slot canyon! Great video Max!

[@maximbudnick]

Sounds amazing! I rock climb so canyoneering is a very natural next step when exploring the Southwest. Thanks for the kind comment! All the best

[@my_outdoor_life]

Breathtaking scenery and amazing filming skills! did you film just by yourself on this trip? I noticed the camera was moving in a lot of scenes even when you were in the frame.

[@maximbudnick]

Yes I was alone on this trip. The camera was not moving - what you see is an effect in editing. Cheers and thank you for your kind words!

[@ReadYourManuel]

Quick question max. When you’re recording long shots using drone are you also recording while walking to get the steps sound. Or just recording audio?

[@maximbudnick]

Hello, Manuel. I did not use a drone in this video. None of my drone shots have audio - the blades on the drone are rather loud and would not allow for good sound to be recorded from the drone.

[@Litoos1972]

Love your videos! It makes me want to get out there and hike! Thanks for always adding the “identification” of all the creatures you come across too! Beautiful, relaxing, AND educational?!? Perfect! 😎🤙❤️

[@maximbudnick]

Glad you liked the creature identification! I was concerned it might take away from the images. Cheers and thanks for stopping by!!

[@beyondtypical]

Slot canyon addicts unite!! It is what keeps drawing me back to that part of the world. Beautiful videography as usual. Really love the peaceful vibe of your channel.

[@maximbudnick]

Really appreciate that! I can't get enough!

[@joshuasilveira8926]

The quality and production of this video is on another level

[@maximbudnick]

Thank you, Joshua. I appreciate you stopping by. Cheers

[@CanadianSledDog]

You put a lot of work into your shots and it showed! Awesome! I've always wanted to hike somewhere like that for a change too. It's a little like the badlands in AB & SK, maybe a lot like that come to think of it. There are a ton of canyons there, but the ground is different, more clay. If you're still searching for the perfect layer, try a Patagonia nano air vest. It seems overpriced but it's the best money I ever spent on clothing, I wear it in every season. Dryest thing I've ever worn. It's gotta be the "air" vest though, not the "puff". Cheers!

[@maximbudnick]

Hey Dog! Thanks for the recommendation. I'll check out the nano air vest online. Thanks for watching and for another nice comment. Cheers!

[@snoopypeanut8938]

Stunning Max, absolutely love your video's!!! Your eye for the beauty in nature is a gift! Oh if I could help u see this beauty could only be created by a higher being how wonderfully and perfect He made all things. Never could have evolved over millions of years!

[@maximbudnick]

Hello, Snoopy. Thank you for your kind words! I can't say I eliminate the possibility of evolution being capable of creating the beautiful diversity we see in our world, but I certainly share you sense of wonder and spirituality that this beautiful landscape inspires. All the best and thank you again for your kind comment.

[@christianboval68]

Hello friend, if you’re using your water filter in a very dirty water all you do is backflush your filter when you get clean water access you should be okay I wish I was with you on that wonderful trip Christian from Denmark 🇩🇰 eu

[@maximbudnick]

Hello, Christian! Thank you for that tip! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers from Canada!

[@JasonSudderth]

Very nice! What is the music you and Xander use for your time lapse shots? Very relaxing.

[@maximbudnick]

All of the music you hear on xander or my channel I composed. You can check some of it out here: www.youtube.com/@afternoonhue . I have not been very good at keeping it updated as of late but will do better in the future.

[@brucedow3883]

Immersive video, enjoyed the labels and small creatures. Feet wet canoeing in CA and feet wet canyoning in AZ. Lichens and moss in both. Thanks for all that

[@maximbudnick]

My pleasure, Bruce. Glad you enjoyed the labels - I wasn't sure if people would be into that. Cheers and thank you for stopping by

[@mikehaberstock2758]

If it hasn't been mentioned in the comments already. One great trick for dirty desert water is flocculation with alum powder(grocery store) or the several dedicated products. Mandatory trick for long rafting trips in the desert, especially with large groups. You can settle 5 gallons of water in under 1 hour rather than waiting 12. Sorry if this was a repeat.

[@maximbudnick]

Hey thanks Mike, this has been suggested but your suggestion is really appreciate. I definitely will try it out next time.

[@marknovak2413]

I'm a Utahn and I marvel at you guys' Canadian Shield videos. Abundant water, trees everywhere, you get around by canoe. Whole different skill set needed for the desert, eh?

[@maximbudnick]

Yes, some totally different! Very exciting to discover! Cheers, Mark!

[@ezlow1065]

Another masterpiece! Like no other doco style I've seen this was deeply enriching thankyou! Greetings from a grateful Aussie.

[@maximbudnick]

You are too kind!

[@jackgwaltney6578]

Great video of your hike. Thank you for the minimal background music and your thoughtful comments. Would you be surprised to know this was all formed by a massive flood in a much shorter period of time?

[@maximbudnick]

Thanks Jack! I have heard a little bit about this. Do share information if you have any. All the best

[@พรรณีแสนเวียน]

Hello, I live in Thailand. I just came to see your clip for the first time. I really like it. There is a beautiful nature. I thank you very much for making good clips for me to watch.

[@maximbudnick]

Hello and thank you, my friend! It's very nice to know someone far away is enjoying my video. All the best to you!

[@danclark1248]

Grand staircase is one of my favorite places in the world. You found a cool chunk of it. Where you camped night to, I have camped in a very close spot nearby! When you said you were a slot canyon addict, when we keep going up canyons we call it the bendies as in just one more bend. There is so much to see in that zone,

[@maximbudnick]

Haha the bendies - I love that! And Grand Staircase is also one of my favorite places in the world - how could it not be?! Cheers!

[@ajda1947]

Fascinating video!!! Awe inspiring. Seems like prime Mountain Lion terrain. Were you concerned?

[@maximbudnick]

Yes it's definitely mountain lion terrain - I don't know if you saw that I included a shot of mountain lion tracks. I wasn't concerned because the chances of a mountain lion attacking an adult human are very small.

[@rad199]

Great video man. As always, love the camera work and your ambient soundtrack. Your @afternoonhue project really melds perfectly with your style of videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@maximbudnick]

Thank you Ryan. Particularly nice to hear you enjoyed the music. Cheers!

[@everready19373]

Back in 2012 my friend and me hiked and camped in Coyote Gulch. It was a 3 day trip. It was pretty awesome.

[@maximbudnick]

Hi Allen! Sounds awesome!

[@danielpedersen6895]

Beautiful desert landscapes! But wasent afraid to get lost, wandering around not using trails? Or did you use some kind of tracker? Cheers from Norway

[@maximbudnick]

I examine maps and satellite imagery carefully before starting my trip - so I already have an idea of the shape of the land, and mountains etc. I take trail guides and often also print out topographical maps and satellite images. On top of that, I carry a satellite communication device that tracks my location and sends it to my family regularly - so if anything were to go really wrong, they would notice something strange and deploy search and rescue - though I hope that never happens! The main thing is being very comfortable with reading maps - always checking where you are on it as you travel - and of course staying aware of dangerous weather. Cheers! Thank you for stopping by!