SO MANY RATTLESNAKES!! | Thru Hiking The Arizona Trail! | Day 15

Today I (Twister) continue my thru hike of the AZT!! I’m getting closer to mile marker 300! I see some pretty impressive wildlife today!

[@calsurflance5598]

While working at a trauma center, we had a 12 year old come in with a rattle snake bite to his hand. He had been hiking with his family and saw the snake sunning itself on a rock and decided to polk at it with a stick. It took the family 9 hours before they got him off the trail to get help. When we got him it was questionable if he would loose his arm at the shoulder. They medivacked him to Sacramento. Moral of the story. Don’t F-k with rattle snakes!

[@markfournette2483]

He won't make that mistake again.

[@jamespazera3038]

😊 pretty cool hike!

[@gladegoodrich2297]

After several close encounters I bought some Cabellas snake boots. They work great and I highly recomend them. Haven't seen one snake since buying them.😊

[@blakkat4126]

So, they’re working well.

[@user-zk5kg1rc1j]

Fascinating. I haven’t been back to the SW in years. I miss it. Who knew the beauty to be seen without trees?!

[@650gringo]

Az Game and Fish says there is an average of one rattlesnake for every acre of land in AZ. I saw three of them laying on a rock not far from where you were. Having lived here since I was a kid I can tell you that you might hike 300 days without ever seeing one, then all of a sudden in one day snakes are everywhere. Lizards are the same way. Nature is wild.

[@DougCeleste]

Thanks for your interesting notes. I live in Albuquerque and several years ago, I thought I saw a rattler crossing near the front steps on my property but it turned out to be a Sonoran Gopher Snake since there were no rattles. We have tons of lizards around here that the road runners love to feast on when they catch them. I get a kick out of the lizards doing their "push ups" and not sure why they do that. Maybe to look for other lizards in their territory? Anyhow, when I catch one in my house, I try to catch it to release it outside.

[@gabriele1975]

Really enjoyed learning about rattlesnake, striking abilities. Think that’ll be helpful when I’m doing my hiking. Thank you! The scenery was spectacular!

[@OutSpandingAdventures]

I learned that from a Californian that I was hiking with in the first couple hundred miles of the PCT! One thing I didn’t mention is that it’s worse to get boy by a baby rattler as they don’t have any or much control over their venom output when they bite.

[@arizonabeaver3760]

Make sure to do some additional research before you trust this person's claims. Whether stretched out or coiled, snakes are able to strike! Additionally, what the person from California told him is also false. Babies can control their venom and probably do not even have venom to deliver.

[@georgesealy4706]

I suggest hiking the AZ trails in the winter (Early November to late February). The rattlesnakes will be hibernating. The darn things are smaller than one would think and they are not easy to spot. I play golf on a desert course in AZ, and we always have to be mindful of where we are. The rule is "you never put your hand where you can't see." Anything can be under the brush and grass trying to keep cool.

[@05140842]

Rattlesnakes in Arizona do not hibernate. They go into what is called low activity.

[@susanlaven7319]

Unfortunately the only thing even more terrifying than the snake is the hospital bill after being bit.

[@Jaybird209]

That’s if you make to the hospital in time before dying being so far out

[@jakeporter8476]

False! Biden 2024

[@eegarim]

I spent a winter on a Guest Ranch in Wickenburg taking people for horseback rides. On the warmest days we might see, or hear, several rattlesnakes during a two-hour ride. I NEVER got used to that sound.

[@DougCeleste]

GREAT video and thanks for sharing! You are MUCH braver than me to be hiking in that terrain with the rattlers, especially at night when they are really active. LOVED those mountain scenes before sunset. I had one close encounter with a HUGE prairie rattler at Mt. Sunflower in Kansas at sunset in 2005 that scared the hell out of me. We saw each other around the same time and then it went under my rental car and coiled itself. It never rattled but did hiss once as I kept my distance from it and took a photo or two with my zoom lens. I left it alone and it left me alone before it went on its way to do some night time hunting. Be safe out there in lovely Arizona! 😎

[@sdboy1978]

I almost landed on a rattlesnake curled up near the PCT coming down a small rock formation about less than a foot away. I jumped up and yelled like a girl!😆

[@austinado16]

Mid-Aug '23, I was running another R2R at the Grand Canyon. About 200m before Phantom (coming in from the North side), I came around a blind left-hand kink in the trail, and at the last second, saw movement out of the corner of my left eye, hear the buzzing, not rattling, of the tail, and saw the pink-and-gray rattler racking itself back into a tight Z. I let out a startled scream at the same time jumping diagonally to the right......completely in "automatic" mode, and as I went air born, the last thing I saw was that wide open, white, mouth, heading straight for my left leg. The snake missed, it was all over in less than a second, and I didn't miss a step. The wave of, "HOLY %$#&" hit about 2 seconds later, followed by all the thoughts of "What if......?" My daughter runs R2R with me often, and I always let her lead. In this area of Phantom, there are a ton of Cicadas buzzing in the trees, so I didn't hear the danger noodle, and when I finally did, it was in full buzz mode, not the normal rattle mode.

[@richardjohnson8009]

I had my headset on for shooting and went to take a piss in a bush, my headset isnt that good and all i could hear is like youre saying a buzzing noise, but because of the headset I couldnt tell the direction, got very lucky

[@austinado16]

@@richardjohnson8009 I'm thinking that once they are at the stage of buzzing, that's defcon 3 for them, and where they decide to strike. Glad you got lucky!!

[@user-ke9yk5qp3u]

"Ok, cmon"! That's funny! I do the same thing. I say "OK buddy, cool your jets"! I'm just passing through. 😂

[@davidaaaa4611]

I have been telling people to watch out for sneaky snakes when hiking or going to water falls etc. You are so right. Thanks for the video. Maybe it will wake a few people up.

[@sparkymac3320]

This dude is awesome. Love his attitude

[@travispower2683]

As an Arizona native who grew up backpacking all over that region I would suggest wearing boots. They will protect your feet from a lot of hazards in the desert. Rocks, snakes, centipedes etc.

[@ervinslens]

Brilliant presentation bud, this looks spectacular! Last of Us vibe 🔥🔥

[@DavesHikesNewMexico]

Great video, I run into lots of rattle snakes out here in NM Had one last year a foot away from me when he started rattling. Not afraid of them but I also respect them. lol

[@wendypelaez9305]

No matter what, you are always so positive. You always say, “But it’s fun,” so there’s not a hint of complaining!

[@OutSpandingAdventures]

I think it’s mainly because I just really love to be out hiking so even if I’m having a “bad” day on trail, it beats a “good” day at the office when I used to have a job like that 😂

[@monicableiler1361]

Just subscribed!You’re so chill- love your vibe!!! and love how you appreciate Mother Nature!

[@OutSpandingAdventures]

Hey thanks! Glad you’re enjoying following along!

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

What a beautiful trail 👣

[@OutSpandingAdventures]

I know!! It’s simply stunning!!

[@maureenmukhlis2934]

WHAT AN AMAZING DAY😍😍 those mountains are so beautiful!!! If I saw a rattlesnake, I would probably mess my pants🤣🤣🤣 BE CAREFUL OUT THERE🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@OutSpandingAdventures]

Thanks! The rattlers will definitely give my heart a start but they’re honestly not too scary!

[@caseykelso1]

Thanks for sharing 🍸

[@scottcastillo7936]

I did a lot of that over there! Beautiful.

[@normreber8944]

Younpicked the best time of year when the desert is green and the wild flowers are blooming. March and Aoril are best. 2 months from then it will be dry and brown and hotter than heck in the shade

[@donnanhuggler8451]

I grew up in a place called Oracle Arizona (as well as Tucson) and I live in Boston now.. boy oh boy does this video hit home!

[@bostoncityofchampions6581]

We have different snakes in Boston 😂

[@jimmycline4778]

I was coming from Lake Pleasant and saw the biggest rattle snake I’ve ever seen in Arizona crossing the road,,,I’ve also been anchored in a cove with me in my kids in the water and saw a rattle snake swimming across the cove, I gotta us outta their and never anchored in another cove on that lake! Arizona is invested with rattle snakes!

[@lyons11siren]

Thank you for this info. I live near lake pleasant and I like to walk the trails there during the cooler months. I haven’t seen any snakes in 4 years.

[@poco1174]

Just came across a small Mojave hiking the Black Gate in Nev, DNWR. My Aussie found him. Close call. She knew to back away quickly, been thru Rattlesnake aversion training. Highly recommend it if you hike with a dog. They are nocturnal in the desert, but you do see them in the Creosote scrub in the late afternoon and early morning. Hiking at night here is tempting fate.

[@George-yh3zy]

Great video, it's almost like hiking the trail myself, without the sweat.

[@brucemorrison3563]

I lived in Az for 7 years.Never saw a Rattler.Out in the desert hiking or dirt biking and did not see one until i was hiking in Yosemite. National park.I live in Colorado now and see them often in the foothills of the rockies.Just got to keep your eyes peeled.

[@ernstdh]

Awesome country side. 13:17

[@nicksmacro]

I live near Superior, those sections of the AZT are my stomping grounds. Yes, there are more danger noodels in that specific area than anywhere else I run / hike. Dunno why, but it's true.

[@bryontharp5790]

When i was 25 i could walk like that a day too keep goin

[@Recogneyez]

Looks like hell out their lol, good thing I live in Oregon

[@jorytrim6456]

A wise man once said, "I HATE SNAKES, JOCK! I HATE 'EM!" But they are cool when I am on my couch watching them in your video.

[@OutSpandingAdventures]

Lol yes 😂

[@sandrawarner2551]

That one snake with white rings closer to tail Is a Mojave Green. Most venomous snake there is !!! Lucky for you to see one.

[@OutSpandingAdventures]

Whoa I had no idea!! Thanks for telling me!

[@anneearley6328]

Born and raised in AZ. Encountered more rattlers than I can count. I've never been struck but i worry every summer about my dogs and the rattlers and toads. Had a cat struck when I was a kid. Vet gave her massive doses of vitamin C and she survived pretty handily. You live out here you kill alot of rattlers and do your best to cultivate the presence of king snakes.

[@05140842]

Get your dogs snake avoidance trained and with that they will do they toad avoidance training also. Killing the rattlesnake(s) is not the appropriate response. Rattlesnakes do keep the rodent population in check as do king snakes even though king snakes do eat rattlesnakes. The best course of action is to leave the rattlesnakes alone and let them do their job. Learning about rattlesnakes (ecology, characteristics, behaviors and benefits) is extremely important here in the desert Southwest of the Sonoran Desert, yet we are the rattlesnake capital of the U.S. Embrace the wildlife.

[@williamburdon6993]

Rattlesnakes can strike almost any time they are not completely stretched out, knowing a thing or two can get you killed. I'm from Ohio and I was told to never pick anything up with my hands and never reach around or behind or under anything. I was in the back yard and started to pick a small rock the size of a softball up, I remembered what I was told and moved around so I could see the other side of the rock, I would have grabbed 2 bark scorpions sitting on it . Not deadly, but painful.

[@blakkat4126]

I came across one of those in our kitchen a couple of years ago. It was looking for crickets, which have been hopping around the house. I noticed a small,opening under a door to the outside. Needless to say, I closed it off and that was the end of it. Scary though. I could’ve s easily stepped on it in the middle of the night getting a drink from the fridge.

[@BaaSicStuff]

dude 11 min ago, man I'm dam near first! Dude cactus are so tall there!

[@graciel3725]

BOLO killer bees!! Not even kidd8ng!

[@lukefish7562]

There is not a worse creature on this planet IMO. Carry on. Happy hiking

[@heartattackhiker3527]

I jumped over one on that section of trail. Hope you stayed at MJ's. No warning real chill 🐍

[@user-jo8vx2xx8j]

My single day record of individual rattlesnake encounters is 27 in one day in the Tortillita Mts outside of Tucson. I also stepped on a 6 ft diamondback there on a different day. My record is 40+ that came out of a den in February and I walked up into the middle of them before I saw one. That was due east of Picacho Peak north of Tucson.

[@scatdog1]

Cmon dude !! Sounds like the old fish story where each year that fish you caught years earlier went from 10” to 30” and gets a bit longer each year.

[@troygonzales6386]

LOL ! My record was 76 and then I saw 92 one day .

[@nancykennon310]

I went to step into an open spot in a berry patch. My dad said he never saw someone jump up and back on the same leg they were standing on.

[@scottcastillo7936]

Very nice vudeo.

[@charlesbroadway6864]

I live in northern Ohio. No rattlesnakes.😊

[@Arizona_Stonah]

I’d rather deal with the 14 species of Rattlers here in Az than live in Ohio with none.

[@thenorthwestohiorailfan3007]

Technically, your statement is not true. Ohio is native to the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (very rare, not really encountered), and it lives in the northern and NW portions of Ohio. Southern Ohio is native to the venomous Copperhead and venomous Timber Rattlesnake.

[@kw19193]

Mate, if you're ever out hiking there again bear in mind that a rattlesnake can strike out to 50-75% of their body length. And if they're pissed they can actually launch themselves at you, irritating beyond words. Cheers!

[@Sneakyjoe69]

Hey did you see alot of or hear quail or were you too high up

[@desert-walker]

I live in Tucson, i’ve hiked thousands of places, but never seen this many rattlesnakes. I think I might see one every two years if that so I guess I’m lucky if you think about it but anyway nice video.

[@DesertNebula]

I'm trying to get over my rattlesnake fear when hiking.

[@scottcastillo7936]

Cool, but advise wider hat in AZ.

[@user-ym3dl2cp6h]

Where exactly is this area of Az.?

[@jetblast1mpmp]

This year 2024 I saw my first rattlesnake while I hiked. I was walking along a concrete which turned quickly to a dirt trail. I looked over and saw a pattern it looked like...and it was ..a snake! I was at pause and the pattern start moving! It was a snake medium diameter oh maybe 2.5 inches but let me tell you it slithered around the large rock it was behind and faced me. I looked right into its eyes it was looking back I could not believe it. In the 22 years I have been living in Arizona I never encountered a live snake along my pathway. I walked back as it stared me down as if to let me know I am bad and my name is not MJ. I was glad this snake was a youngin. If I had seen a large snake I would have backed away and ran like hell! And the rattle which I must admit I have heard before but the sound is so intense I had thought those sounds where cicadas lol! They where snake sounds! I must tell you I am still getting over the whole ordeal. I will purchase snake boots. LoL!

[@williamburdon6993]

No thanks to the night hiking, too many 200 feet deep holes in the ground and lots of fangs out at night.

[@aaronhooper1656]

Bro you hiked 300 miles. Were did you start

[@kathysmall3616]

I wonder if the two ladies you met were the wander woman they do you tube videos also. They were hiking the Arizona trail.

[@OutSpandingAdventures]

Oh I don’t know! I didn’t catch their names!

[@kathysmall3616]

@@OutSpandingAdventures you will have to checkout their channel they are triple crowners and have hiked a mess of other trails.

[@wendypelaez9305]

I was wondering the same!

[@glennhenson6495]

in my encounter with a rattlesnake I heard it clearly knew what it was, coiled only about 5 feet from me, which in retrospect surprised me because a family of 3 had just passed by there not more than 2 minutes before. But I backed up and that was probably the most fearful was am I going to walk on another one as I'm trying to get away.

[@michaelm.3210]

For what it's worth (LOL) ... Having lived in Mexico and South America for the past 14 years, I would highly recommend a broad-brimmed hat--just to keep MORE sun off you. (My first rule for living in either Latin America or South America is this: Get Out Of The Sun!!! LOL)

[@Gail-ux2ly]

As someone who has been bitten by a diamondback I can tell you that it is not a fun experience. Interesting, but not fun. And SUPER expensive!

[@Arizona_Stonah]

I live south of Tucson in Green Valley Az. Luckily our local Fire Dept. will come and get snakes from your yard,garage, basically anywhere you see them. I called them 3 times in an 8 day period. Remember everything out here wants to bite,sting or kill you !

[@anneearley6328]

It's true, third generation, raised on a 2000 acre ranch. Scorpions, rattlers, gila monster, coral snakes, brown and black widows, river toads. Lots of stuff needs a free meal in the desert.

[@kathiebauer5165]

Hela River. 😊

[@MeachPango]

i ALMOST accidentally stepped on one hiking 4 weeks ago. Luckily, he didnt even see me as he was taking a drink from a puddle. Haven't had my legs shake from adrenaline that bad in a WHILE.

[@BaaSicStuff]

California also, everywhere recently, bear too....u getting scared yet lol

[@OutSpandingAdventures]

Lol no 😂 I love seeing Rattlesnakes!

[@BaaSicStuff]

@@OutSpandingAdventures Im going to be honest I do not, but they are cute. My 14 year old packs with us, she has great eyes. We pass many babies that we would never see, I think, she's spotted two baby rattlers on separate occasions, that we would have walked right by, no rattles.

[@yellowdogadventures]

dude is out there alone in snake country in jesus shoes and socks....

[@rogerdodger6160]

Socks and sandals? Arizona native here, love your videos.

[@howardb.6205]

i wish you'd show a map of where you are, and where you are going

[@dollarstoresports4820]

We have a trap, US patent # 11,950,587, which will trap Rattlesnakes

[@hazmatlarry72]

I must be a rattlesnake. I want be left alone too

[@DudeEnterprise]

Way to cavalier!

[@philsmith2346]

I'm just curious. Is there a Arizona Trail organization with information on where it begins, tips, etc.? Thanks. Rattlers! Yeah, we have our Timber Rattlesnakes here in West Virginia and the rest of Appalachia, and like you, we ain't so lonely to want them fer travelin' buddies... Glad to see a Bighorn in your video. Sooooooo do you have a Trail Name, like Tuscon Tim or anything snazzier?

[@OutSpandingAdventures]

Yeah you can go check out the aztrail.org pretty much all the info you’re looking for can be found there! Ha I got my trail name of Twister back when I hiked the Appalachian Trail!

[@philsmith2346]

Thanks for the heads up on the AZT, there Twister. I was wondering if anyone had given you a name for Arid zona there. Heck, I'm 74, and you make hiking the Trail look easy. And it ain't. But if ya look good doing it, that's gotta count fer something good. I'm going to try to stop dreaming now, Mister Twister. Enjoy, and sweet dreams over there!

[@nicknickerson4674]

Florida has lots too

[@OutSpandingAdventures]

Oh I saw my fair share in Florida when I hiked that trail earlier this year!

[@nicknickerson4674]

@@OutSpandingAdventures yes.... I watched your FT adventure aswell🙂

[@robertmclean9737]

Found large Prarie Rattler dens several times, hundreds of Snakes. One of the worst experiences of my life.

[@user-jo8vx2xx8j]

It's funny how you remember the number because every encounter is a micro-truama.

[@tomcooper6108]

Timothy, you are wrong, a snake can certainly strike without being coiled. Don't bet your life on it.

[@plutoplatters]

You are walking waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too fast next to those bushes. Always SEE where thy feet are touching.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

"They can only strike when they are fully coiled" Bull Shit.

[@strangerous1313]

This is why you don't wear your Airpods on the AZT!

[@PhaseSkater]

that didnt look like a cave. looked like a mine.

[@dreamup8431]

A night hike in mountain lion country? No thanks.

[@sharpdressedvan]

What was the purpose of this video?

[@jmc_-im6sd]

Really?

[@sharpdressedvan]

@@jmc_-im6sd What was the purpose of this video, really?

[@claddusaw]

All the bees in Arizona are now Africanized (killer) bees. You're lucky.

[@furyofbongos]

False.

[@daveversion2.2]

What is ‘Thru Hiking’? You mean ‘HikingThru?

[@barrysmith8920]

Thru-hiking is a common term meaning to hike the entire length of a trail.

[@daveversion2.2]

@@barrysmith8920 DOHHHHHHH……Thank you.

[@bostoncityofchampions6581]

This may seem like a silly question to those of you in that area, but why hike on a trail that you know is littered with poisonous snakes? Surely there must be places you can hike in the southwest without needing antivenom.

[@05140842]

The snake(s) are not poisonous, but they are venomous. You would only need antivenom if you were envenomated, which would require an emergency visit to the hospital to administer it. One should not be concerned about hiking, thus following some simple rules will avoid one being a statistic (such as here in Arizona) where Arizona Poison Control documents all rattlesnake bite victims. Relax and enjoy.

[@heartattackhiker3527]

Watch out for the 👽 s

[@KTWardlaw]

Hope you’re carrying because Mountain Lions see you…..

[@tbcoachniblick1208]

Rattlesnakes don't "HISS or whatever"....Nimrod..!!

[@furyofbongos]

Actually, some do. I've experienced it twice.

[@glendavis3257]

I always kill the poisonous snakes I encountered, unless there were government people around protecting them. I think it is funny how so many people want to protect the move dangerous animals; like rattlesnakes and wolves, etc.

[@05140842]

They (snakes) are not poisonous, but venomous. You do want to protect the animals/wildlife since they all play an integral part of the ecosystem.

[@Ghostdogsurvivalist]

Gila = he-la.

[@thuggoe]

get better hat

[@buckskin64]

Watch out for dangerous Illegals #FJB!!

[@BigDookie85]

Why are u wearing sandals lol! Geez..

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

It only means the rat population is being held down.

[@bkbland1626]

Exaggeration is rather unseemly. There aren't that many.

[@OutSpandingAdventures]

All a matter of perspective 😁 as a man from Michigan, 4 in one day is a TON for me

[@springertube]

The reaction that he and others here have described about your ability to seemingly defy physics leaping out of the way when in a surprise encounter - is certainly not exaggerated. I think all that occurs in the "flight" part of the brain before the signal has a chance to be processed in the prefrontal cortex -- it is immediate. IOW, your most primitive response before you have a chance to "think." Walking on a path along a very popular recreational river in the Arizona desert when I was 17 some 50+ years ago, my father ahead of me passed by a bush not unlike these here.* We both heard the buzz and simultaneously, we're talking milliseconds, as he yelled "snake!!" I saw it and leaped what someone behind me said afterwards was amazingly several feet up and about 6 feet back--and I ain't no MJ. My father and others described that the rattler came right across the trail in full open-mouth strike mode and disappeared into the opposing brush. While it has been debunked that they "come after you," meaning consciously hunt you down, their defensive mode when threatened or surprised can certainly make it seem that way--offensive! *The one viewer that said to slow down and be more observant especially along these narrow trails with bushes along them is 100% correct. And that's year 'round. They don't really "hibernate" here in the AZ desert as someone suggested they did. True cold does slow them down and cause them to cave up for prolongued periods when they're generally not out and about, but they can be seen out on an even mildly warm(er) winter day sunning themselves. So the caution to hikers and rock climbers to watch where you put your feet and "don't put your hands where you can't see" is without calendar limits. Spring and fall no doubt the high seasons however. 58 year AZ resident.