Return to the Red River Gorge - Grays Arch & Auxier Ridge

I visited the Red River Gorge in Kentucky a few years ago and have always wanted to spend a more time there. We had a lot of side trails planned in the area but unfortunately the weather just didn't cooperate and would have made things pretty dangerous. In this video we did get to see Grays Arch again and I got to explore the Auxier Ridge area. Join me for 2 nights in the gorge.
Trip Data
Parking lot: 37.820159, -83.666948
Day 1: 2 miles
Day 2: 22 miles
Day 3: 0.25
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[@evoldoer6229]

+500 man points for going solo thru that cold night.

[@AJKPenguin]

That Shell station is a lifesaver. There's also now a Citgo.

[@AJKPenguin]

Awesome with the snow! Hearty hiking and camping!

[@racheltweedy1822]

Thanks for this video! I'm headed here pretty soon and can't wait!

[@Stoep-zt4lb]

Thanks for the video .Good to hear you got more trips planned I love the rocky landscapes. I life in a flat country, No mountains here Greetings from The Netherlands

[@potatothorn]

Great Video.. ive never been but have seen the area n so many videos and i cant get enough, always awesome... seeing it in winter is a nice change

[@lulamarie6218]

Just hiked the ridge 2 weeks ago. So gorgeous, it was in the 90’s! Great video

[@kellyfollin3293]

Those were great shots of Grey's Arch, Red River Gorge is beautiful. The first time I hiked there i was about 10 yrs old, enjoyed watching it alot cause haven't been there in yrs now....thx

[@tannerstinso4368]

Always good info! Glad you had a good time on Auxier Ridge.

[@FrozensAdventures]

it was a blast!

[@RatandCat]

The storm makes it such a great adventure. Beautiful!

[@lindasplaylist100]

Hay Frozen my home area. Love wintercamping. And the Red River area is so beautiful.Its so awesome. Loven your channel.

[@norvelltl]

Love Auxier Ridge! I've never seen it in the snow...beautiful!

[@claramullen]

Good trip Jason a weird one but cool stuff with the double arch. Looking forward to all those adventures to come. And that confirmation on that AT decision it will be totally awesome to follow you on that. So gald you guys lived to tell us about this hike beware of strange people wow

[@BryceNewbold]

I've watched tons of RRG videos but none in the snow. Looks totally different! Great video man! I think this is the year i finally backpack the gorge

[@stowe18]

Recently got some reflective cordage from litesmith- love that site, I’ll have to check out the bag liner. About that strange guy- at the very least you had your friends with you in that situation.. but that would have completely freaked me out.. glad you were spared with having to share your tarp, or worse, hammock. Great vid- thanks for sharing!

[@wildernessalchemy5130]

Great video and great job on embracing the suck. Thank you for keeping it real!

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

Looks like a fun trip!!! You brought out the man card line!!!! 😂😂 way to tough it out...i had similar weather on my Arizona trip. Thanks for sharing! :-)

[@cindylouwho9348]

Even though I am scared of heights, I love Auxier Ridge Trail!

[@blakemiller138]

Thanks for a entertaining video. I just got back from a 3 day trip in Big Sur area in Calif. No snow here. Hike on.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Ha! Awesome. Isn't Auxier Ridge cool? Best bang for your buck in the gorge I think. Relatively easy hike but sweet views. RRG is such a good place to visit. Creepy with that guy! Lol.

[@billfoster9317]

Love your vid's, The weather has been bizarre this year and a lot of the roads at RRG have been closed. Looking forward to your upcoming trips. Be safe ..

[@FrozensAdventures]

Yea it's getting pretty lame woty 70 degree weather followed by below freezing the next day.

[@uptrail7169]

Very good video again! Auxier Ridge was also in our plans for RRG the next time we go. I would have gone at the same time if the weather was better. It's a very long drive for us! Maybe you could meet up with us when we go. I know that it would be close to this trip, but it would be more of a spring like weather trip. One last thing! I ditched my whoopies and went back to the cinch buckles. Faster setting up especially in the cold and better tree range.

[@travisbackpacks]

Yes! I was hoping one day you would return

[@OregonMikeH]

This whole Vid was in such Character for you Jason, the wit, tips, demeanor, outlook attitude and Humor. As usual I loved it! Blessings to Ya from Oregon Pal, ... Mike.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Thanks man always nice to hear that

[@crazy8adventures553]

Yes, Jason always has such practical advice. I am a newbie and still learning how to set up my Warbonnet XLC and Superfly tarp.Thanks to Jason's advice from a tarp vid, I am also outfitted with Dutch BLING! I just received my hammock gear top/under quilt today, so even more new gear that I have to learn how to use:) It has taken me MONTHS of research and shopping to get set up. I had in my mind that I would eventually move "up" to a lighter weight suspension system, but it looks like I'll stick with the cinch buckles. However, I am going to move up to a Dyneema tarp when I can afford it and I have added Auxier Ridge to my list of "places I want to hike". Another great video...THANKS!

[@OutLan]

I've done Auxier a million times, but I think it's time to go back and do that loop again. Thanks for the tip on Litesmith.com. Lots of goodies on that site!

[@bgreenacre42]

Always love your vids man.

[@brookandholler5499]

The Gorge is one of my absolute favorite places to hike, but I’ve never tried it during a blizzard!! Kudos to you 🤣

[@GucciGirlandGrumpy]

Very cool looking places to hike.

[@hremaddox]

It's pronounced "NAY-da" tunnel. I grew up here in the Appalachian mountains. Terrific video!

[@uptrail7169]

I had to watch this video again to see what you use for blisters. My wife got one on our RRG trip, but then again she didn't break in her new shoes. I skimmed through and didn't find the info. I will look for a video I think you did about foot care. Congrats on 17k subs!

[@NaturalBeautyGlow]

We love Trail drama lol this was fun to watch but Im sure it was not fun at the beginning. Its all part of the adventure though! Great video

[@BackpackingWithJason]

At the fence we’re your looking at Grey Arch back track a few feet is an off trail to go on top of Grey Arch. Great view on top of it. I’m so glad you got to do Auxier Ridge loop. It’s so awesome to see your excitement on the trail. At double Arch to the right are some rock steps to get up on top of Double Arch. Awesome views on top. Really loved your video of RRG!!! Thanks for sharing. 😃👍

[@FrozensAdventures]

In my older RRG video I actually go on top of it, wasn't as sketchy at the time =P

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Outdoor Adventures awesome bro. Really love your videos. When you told your buddies do they want there man card back was hilarious. Had me belly laughing.

[@jamiemcquain4736]

It's something how different people are you get so excited about everything and your friends don't

[@DragonRoams]

Great way to make the best of needing to change the game plan. Awesome video. I still can't wait to get to the Gorge seems like a lot of people have gone there recently.

[@FrozensAdventures]

So beautiful and there's a ton of side trails to explorer that aren't on the map.

[@barbaranneboyer7997]

excellent video..(.rick party pooper) beautiful scenery thks for sharing

[@trailcat71]

Glad you didn't get rid of your intro entirely:) My trip this weekend is going to have similar weather... Snow the first day but I'll still have cold weather the rest of the weekend. Awesome video! Glad you didn't wake up with an extra person in your bed!

[@FrozensAdventures]

Haha me too!

[@dukepalk6324]

Great adventures of Frozen Kekoa wow my wife would've freaked out she would've been like babe if he gets strange wrap him up in his sleeping bag be nice though and put him on the trail😕. lol😅

[@nihilist6975]

If you make it back to RRG you need to camp at Hanson's Point. It is another unmarked trail, but absolutely gorgeous views of the area.

[@jae.m.luna2023]

Cool video. Wish we had more views like that in Texas!

[@BMad-we6qf]

I love that all of you guys listen to audiobooks and pod casts. As a public librarian I wonder if you get them free from your public library via Overdrive/Libby or if you are buying them. Read, and adventure, on!

[@FrozensAdventures]

I have a subscription to Scribd been working out great.

[@claytons6189]

Auxier Ridge is one of the best hikes there! It's a shame you didn't go on top of Double Arch, theres a nice staircase that can get you up to the top.

[@bretthikez6567]

The gorge looks pretty sweet..

[@AJKPenguin]

Good old Kentucky Route 77. Even neater with the snow.

[@jasonh4448]

One of your best videos! Is the bug net removable? You could probably of went without. Again great video!

[@FrozensAdventures]

Nope it's not removable.

[@CarlsonAdventures]

Great video. Love the gorge. Going this weekend. Look for my video of my trip hopefully by next week.

[@96money96]

Carlson Adventures I am going this weekend too! Supposed to snow though lol.

[@JoshHerodOutdoorAdventures]

The gorge is an amazing place. I know what it's like for things to get a little crazy in the gorge

[@TheBane1979]

I had no idea that was a bear den, i've been there and was exploring around that area!

[@floesh-408]

First! Hi from Holland and thanks for sharing

[@bugoutbasics1070]

Awesomeness

[@michellewells4603]

I’m going there next week ... I love living in Kentucky have you ever tried the small thru hike trail from Ky to Tennessee

[@RusticOutdoors01]

You can camp on that big rock on Auxier Ridge. I know they want you to stay 300 Ft away from the trail but the park rangers have never said anything to any one about it. One of my favorite places to camp.

[@CC-CODER]

The Neemor World's link I sent about the IT band strap could help you on the A.T. and future long hikes. He said it saved his AT thru-hike. Just a Velcro band from Amazon. He also suggested doing your stretching routine and working out too.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I've tried that band strap a few years ago when it was really bothering me. I found that if I keep doing 2 specific stretches before it starts bothering me the problem stays at bay. The band strap didn't work for me at the time but I have not revisited it since.

[@MrKillerRC]

My wife and I love Auxier Ridge

[@FrozensAdventures]

It's a pretty cool place.

[@flyrodhiker8326]

Great trip and video. I’m glad the creepy guy didn’t get you guys lol. One question though, you mentioned the foot salve helped with being water resistant, is there any issues with feet sweating? Thanks for taking us along!

[@FrozensAdventures]

I haven't had issues but that's a great question. I'll have to keep my eye on it.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

So somehow I missed this video until now, but based on the weather you hit, and the date you posted this... I think my buddies and I were there the exact same days at the other end. First day was miserable snow and ice, and the next two were in the 50's... was this mid to late March?

[@FrozensAdventures]

That sounds about right.

[@jaymiddleton772]

Water doesn't seem to be in short supply on your trips, but theoretically that pack liner could be used as a transpiration bag in a survival situation

[@FrozensAdventures]

Yes it could, It would work well too.

[@consumedesign]

First day I got my Darien I was setting it up and zipped the fabric in the zipper... It punched a little hole in the fabric which I put some tape on. Sucks but gonna happen sometime ha...

[@FrozensAdventures]

It seems to be a big issue with a lot of people. I've talked to 4 different people that said they had problems snagging.

[@consumedesign]

Outdoor Adventures maybe it's the zippers they use?

[@FrozensAdventures]

You can custom order new zippers as well. You will see in the next video that the added a piece of material to where my zipper snagged. Haven't had ant problems since that.

[@xbigearsx6047]

I picked up a pair of the lone peak 3.5’s to see if they help me with I.T. Band issues also

[@FrozensAdventures]

Let's hope it continues for both of us!

[@Saltydoginthedesert]

Hey Frozen, what video editing software do you use, and did you create your awesome intro logo using that or another program? I'm contemplating Vegas Pro 14 right now on Steam, though I'll probably wait for the next Steam sale unless whatever you use is less expensive and sounds better. I'm just curious about delving into 3d modeling to create a sweet intro for any future videos I edit now that I have a beefy PC that can instantly handle anything I throw at it.

[@FrozensAdventures]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqCpg5uEo7SSi6s I paid a contractor to make the intros. I'm not that talented. Check out www.fiverr.com/ Heard good things about vegas pro but it didn't work for me, I like adobe premiere cc

[@Saltydoginthedesert]

Haha! Gotcha. I doubt I'll be able to make something nearly as cool in that case, but I'm gonna try. I'll definitely look into Vegas Pro and others some others. I've always heard Adobe is awesome, I just don't like the thought of paying per year for it... I guess that's just my Jewish blood. Bahaha!

[@floesh-408]

Do you consider buying the Helinox Chair Zero? It's really lightweight and can add a lot of comfort to your trips

[@FrozensAdventures]

I've never felt like I needed to have a chair. I would just sit in my hammock. 16oz isn't worth it for me. If I was going to get a chair I'd probably try the quick back chair on litesmith.com

[@jamestaulbee3074]

Your buddies are very negative! Gorgeous views!

[@timswope1780]

Did you take this trip in March ? We passed through there on the sheltowee trail on the 24th

[@FrozensAdventures]

Yes we did!

[@joshuastaines1945]

Have you tried not using the pull outs on the hammock? You may not need them like you do on the blackbird. I have the DH Sparrow and haven't used the pull outs ever, but love the UQ hooks. Worth a try, and that's 2 extra stakes you can leave at home ;-)

[@FrozensAdventures]

I actually just use the tarps stakes doe the hammock too and it works great. In the next cideo I'm going to show my mod to the pullouts. About to hit the trail right now so we will see if it works. I did only pull out the one side and it seemed to work fine. But I like the idea of that assisted asym lay

[@oldunion]

hot hands baby hot hands, winter 101.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Yea should have some for emergencies like that. The weather dropped 10 degrees in the forecast after I left.

[@crochikes8202]

Hey man. Just a quick hello. I have watched a bunch of your videos and subscribed for quite some time. The Gorge is basically my second home. I learned to backpack and hike there in the late 1990's. I've moved around with my job as far as LA twice and backpacked a ton out west and in the Smokies, but the Gorge is my home. Anyway, I'm about to retire in the next couple of years and almost certainly gonna do the PCT. I started a small channel a couple of months ago. Would love to know what you think, especially about my RRG playlist. I almost got Mt. Whitney last year, going back this year to finish what I started. If you ever want to plan a few nights down here, especially in the fall (which I have some pics and vids in that same playlist) you'll find it unbelievable. I really loved your Hansens Point video from your first trip where you kept on looking for it with your usual determination, and then also got in some storm trouble. Anyway, I really appreciate your channel and enthusiasm and the offer is always on the table to come down and I'll do the best I can to show you some stuff you've not seen yet. Hard to believe you had to hike that far to get to Auxier - not sure what the road shutdown is about. I've been there half dozen times this year and no improvement yet...Night friend.

[@arcana1973]

croc hikes the road was closed due to “maintenance”. From what I could see it looked like they had to take care of fallen trees.

[@crochikes8202]

Arcana73 yes. I’ve been there half dozen times and they said road maintenance. Guess we’ll see

[@crochikes8202]

Hope you have a great hiking season. :)

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Frozen: Try using antiperspirant on your feet. It's an old Marine's trick.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I worry about that because a lot of antiperspirant has a faint smell, which seems to attract bugs a bit more. I do bring body glide though which pretty much does the same thing. Thanks for watching!

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

I've enjoyed watching. You have provided two years of great content. I like how you and the guys were flexible in your plans. When I go out with my son (Baby Bear), I have to stay the course. It's harder for children change at a moment notice. I always include him in the planning stage and equipment preparation stage. I try to keep it fun, educational and include him in recording footage. Somedays he is on point and others not so much. In the end, we both love the father and son time.

[@adamstilwell7446]

Would using boots instead of trail runners in snow save the wet feet? I've never had to deal with cold wet feet fortunately, but I've never used trail runners either.

[@FrozensAdventures]

They can yes. But eventually you would sweat. 29 to 33 is a bad te.perature no matter what you do. We had water proof socks. And they were fine. I personally don't like boots for any kind of hiking except deep winter.

[@adamstilwell7446]

Outdoor Adventures gotcha. I live in northern Michigan, so boots are just the norm for me. Love seeing the different perspectives. Keep up the great videos!

[@arcana1973]

@@adamstilwell7446 I was wearing boots, and they eventually wetted through. I had the water proof socks on, but they also trap the moisture from your feet sweat inside. But that moisture was much easier to manage and deal with than completely wet feet by not wearing the socks.

[@billygoat1595]

Wow, did they pee on the trail to mark it so you could find them?

[@gregfowler1333]

Is there room for two in that hammock? No man that's weird.

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

DID YOU SEE MORE BEAR TRACKS AFTER GOT AWAY FROM THE BEAR DEN? IT LOOKED COLD BUT BEAUTIFUL AT THE SAME TIME!

[@FrozensAdventures]

No signs of bears after the cliffs.

[@theshipofdreams12345]

Do you have to pay anything to hike these trails and camp like for example of a trail The Virginia Triple Crown and if so where do you pay at

[@FrozensAdventures]

Nope fees associated with areas in the national forests at least to camp. In the red river gorge area you need a parking pass however, it's something like $1 a day, something cheap. Usually it's just state parks that you pay to camp, but still when you go on a trip do your research on the area to avoid fines.

[@beamer6136]

Man someone had to pee really bad... LOL did you see all the Yellow snow... HAHAHA

[@chrisschweder4624]

So, the AT for Frozen next year?

[@FrozensAdventures]

Maybe

[@RESTLESSOUTDOORS]

Man, and I thought Hanson's Point was cool!.... GROUP HIKE TO AUXIER RIDGE! 🤣

[@FrozensAdventures]

Love it!

[@arcana1973]

Isn’t Hansen’s point a secret place?

[@FrozensAdventures]

Yup

[@TanukiParis]

how much time for set up your tarp and hammock?

[@FrozensAdventures]

Not much time at all. Maybe 5 minutes?

[@TanukiParis]

Maybe look at Humming bird hammock straps if you don't know; I have a hammock, the straps and the bug net and I'm very happy with it.

[@alexwbanks70]

Suck it up Buttercups! LOL... Just kidding.

[@crazy8adventures553]

Maybe he was day hiking and was lost?

[@billygoat1595]

Bears don't hibernate down there.

[@snowj29]

Second and hi from ohio

[@barbarataychert4910]

Your companions were a little wimpy. Where is Gary when you need him. lol.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Gary would have just had his shirt off. In their defense they had some setup issues and communication with family was a big issue for one of them.

[@WannaKamaka]

Todd didn’t invite you to his parents’ house too?????

[@FrozensAdventures]

He did. I chose to stay.

[@reaganl.5113]

It might be wise to do more research before you go somewhere new, not only are you supposed to have a permit to camp, but your also supposed to camp a minimum of 300ft from official trails... not right beside the trail. FYI you were on the wrong trail for the waterfall at the beginning. Its interesting to watch someone in an area they don't know and get their perspective of it.

[@FrozensAdventures]

We were at a preexisting campsite for both nights but yes 300 feet within any established trail and road. We looked all day and didn't see anywhere that was anywhere close to even 100 feet from any trail. Since we didn't have a fire and were not touching the ground we broke the rules a bit, yes I know breaking the rules is breaking the rules. Every single video I've watched in the area the rules have been broken because there are no campsites within regs in the heart of the gorge (at least that I've found and I've hiked every trail in the heart). The only site that I know that things are legal is Hansons point and people are slobs up there as it is littered with graffiti and trash. We had the permit on our car I mentioned this in the video, we were originally going to the Gladie information center but it was closed for some reason, so we drove all the way back to the nearest gas station and came back. Sucks we couldn't find the falls but always a reason to go back! If you know of any campsites that are within regs I'd love to stay in a spot that is legal.

[@reaganl.5113]

Most of the 221/Rough Trail area is over used but finding 'legal' sites is rather simple. Military Wall and Left Flank trails are for climbers and are usually trashed by them. The topography is such that you will find levels almost like stair steps or terraces before you get to the bottom of the cliffs, usually there are one or two of these terrace like shelves. These are created by erosion and are not perfectly level. Typically what you can do is follow a drain up and perpendicular away from the trail and count about 150 paces. What is great about hammocks in the RRGorge is the ground does not have to be flat o get a good hang. Just keep in mind they don't want you camping along the cliff walls either (100ft). FYI falls are toward the end of Copperas Creek, about 100ft from the parking lot where you parked and away from the Red RIver. The trail you took was Osbourne Bend Trail and the arch you came to is called Moonshiners Arch. Actually you could have camped legally anywhere along the Red River as that trail is not official even though is has a name, Douglas Trail. By hiking through that arch and down to the river below it there are several large sites to camp within 1/2mile upstream from there. There is more to see off trail than on trail in the Red River Gorge, over 200 arches and windows to find and photograph...and then there are those that search for Swift's Silver Mine too.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Thanks I appreciate the info!

[@arcana1973]

@@reaganl.5113 I had made a comment on the trail that if you were to follow the regulations, there aren't really many places to camp. You are always near a trail, water source, or rock formation.

[@kckrye]

What is up with those dudes you were hiking with? LAME! Keep their man cards and send those Jags packing.

[@jwagnermail]

Thanks for featuring the "man card" humiliation of your hiking partners. I hike in this area too, and I now know that you will be a jerk that will tick off your "friends". Then they will do things that will get them in danger (like hypothermia) and will need rescue - probably from strangers since you will leave them behind. I will stay far away from you and the poor saps you hike with.

[@FrozensAdventures]

They chose to leave and I accepted that. It would have been nice if they were there with me but I understand some people aren't comfortable in certain situation. There is this crazy thing called a sense of humor if you are hiking with me it's a must.

[@jwagnermail]

I didn't hear them laugh. If you are the only one laughing, maybe you need to re-asses what things are funny.

[@FrozensAdventures]

We actually had a great laugh about it at the end of the trip. Thanks for watching and your comments.

[@arcana1973]

Poor saps? I doth protest! Basically we weren't having fun, and there was a nice warm home for us to regroup and tackle the trail with a better mindset. It ended up being a great trip with tons of memories. The fact that all three of us made it through and can joke about the trip shows that we made the right decisions. Poor saps. HA