The Wild Google Earth Adventure That Pushed Us to the Edge...

#googleearth #nativeamerican #exploring #thetrekplanner #americansouthwest #ancienthistory #googleearthfind #hiking #googlemaps #googlemapssecrets
🌟 If you want to see my videos early, bonus content, and 3D models of sites that I visit on my trips, please support me on Patreon!
➡️ / jefftjohnson
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I hope you enjoyed this adventure! It means so much to me that you spent the time watching it. If you enjoyed this, please consider subscribing. I strive to bring relatively unknown, odd, unique, and special places to you each week from the American Southwest!
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👍How to be a respectful visitor to these places👍
Native American groups still live in this area and beyond today. These places are still special and hold significance.
1️⃣Don't climb on walls or structures. Don't lean on or climb over them. Many places don't even need to be visited up close. View these places from a distance or with binoculars.
2️⃣Do not touch the rock art. Don't touch or create new rock art to preserve ancient stories.
3️⃣ Leave All Artifacts. Leave artifacts and structures undisturbed to maintain their historical significance. It is illegal and wrong to take artifacts. If you want something to take home, support local tribes by buying their handicrafts and jewelry.
4️⃣ Manage Waste Responsibly. Use waste bags; don't leave human or pet waste behind. Don't 'go' near cultural sites.
5️⃣ Camp With Care. Don't camp near historical sites. No fires near these areas, and ensure all waste is packed out. Don't make fires in caves or alcoves. Camp in designated spots only. When you leave, make sure to make the site cleaner and better than when you found it. Pick up extra trash you may see.
6️⃣ Control Your Pets. Don't let pets roam freely near archaeological areas to prevent destruction. Pets are not allowed in or near sites.
7️⃣ Preserve Fragile Areas. Don't disturb fossils and please protect delicate soil and plant life.
8️⃣ Follow Rules. Don't engage in illegal actions such as building cairns, or using climbing gear to access archaeological sites.
9️⃣ Obey Drone Rules and Laws. Numerous locations in the American Southwest and beyond, such as the Navajo Reservation, Wilderness Study Areas, and various restricted spaces, enforce strict drone usage prohibitions. It is crucial to not only honor the legacy of the people who once inhabited these areas but also show respect for the present-day residents and adhere to their local laws, customs and regulations.
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NOTE: I don't claim that I am the first person to "discover" these places. I just find things on Google Earth and want to go see what they are!
I do not claim to be an expert on anthropology, geology, or archaeology. I say that my channel is about "amateur archaeology". I don't have a degree or formal training in archaeology. I am just a hiker who loves to explore and see new things especially the ancient history in the American Southwest. This is what my channel is about. I hope you stick around and explore with me!
I do not give out locations to the places in my videos. I take seriously the responsibility to protect and respect these ancient places. If you do find/visit one of these locations, please visit respectfully. I try my best to hide noticeable landmarks, mountains, and canyons in my videos.

[@rustyambrose573]

Anybody else caught the snake at 5m52s

[@d1andonlydp]

5:50

[@deantodd1427]

Dang it. I was just about to log in and comment that. Looks like a gopher snake?

[@ibyt33]

YES

[@sarahparker-cahill8345]

I got on here to leave a comment about that - but you beat me to it. Lol

[@pauljarine]

Now I did! Whoa!

[@heden1460]

I'm glad you took a friend along with you on this one. It was awesome.

[@dr.a006]

Definitely not a place to be alone and have an accident or injure yourself!

[@SasquatchBioacoustic]

Umm, did you not see the SNAKE at 5:51?

[@sitbone3]

Looks more like shedded skin of a snake than a live snake.

[@johnganshow5536]

He might have stepped on it. Looked like a Gopher snake...

[@jonericus]

I came here to say that!

[@anonymous_protagonist]

​@@sitbone3 That was an actual gopher snake. Shed skins are mostly grayish-white with extremely faint patterning and slightly transparent.

[@chubbrock659]

Good catch, had to pause to see it

[@TheStormey]

If I concentrate I can smell the fresh air that is scented with sage that you're in up there❤

[@dr.a006]

When I walk through sage I love to pinch off a couple leaves and smell them. Love that scent, especially in the springtime.

[@nancysmith2295]

I love the smell of sage. It reminds me of home near Reno, Nevada. Sage is back in my life in Northern California near the Oregon border.

[@user-cy1eu7qv3p]

As a retired elk hunter I'm thinking hunting blinds for game and the walls ALONG the the ridge to channel game to ambush blinds

[@user-wm3bf7pi3u]

Also those white mineral deposits at around 5:00 could be salt.

[@nancysmith2295]

I like that idea. I'm glad you shared your hunting experience. I wouldn't guess that that possibility. I did consider his idea of security shelters. They have old Spanish type in the rain forest, El Yunque, in Puerto Rico.

[@short-hand4312]

agree. they could spot game from a distance. may be shelters for hunting parties.

[@vonniebristow]

The elk are a clue. They’re all hunting blinds and water pools. No pottery, no fire evidence. Temporary. Great adventure!

[@michaeltaylor4984]

Nice kill zone in those draws. I bet that valley was farmed. The creek made that area a nice grocery store.

[@1nvisible1]

*Love the animation of what the full wall looked like originally @**14:30**, looked great!*

[@soyoucametosee7860]

Not a hunting blind. They did not have rifles. They had bows. And not like the modern bows.

[@vonniebristow]

@@soyoucametosee7860 it seems the walls were low. Looks like the could have stood to draw and release but more than anything, hunting is watching.

[@user-wm3bf7pi3u]

At 5:00 he's asking about the white deposits, could be salt. There is most likely a salt lick near too.

[@prizzyhoney]

Disabled senior here and love going on your adventures. TY

[@Holcroft1969]

Same here, I love going on Jeffs adventures.

[@Nova2032-]

I know huh! Jeff makes us feel like we are right there with him !

[@Nozzlejockey2]

ME too. no wheelchair access.

[@Ddax-td7qy]

If you're able for road trips, this terrain reminds me (somewhat) of the trip over Sitgreaves Pass on Old 66 between Kingman AZ and Oatman, and on to Needles. Don't take a big RV or trailer! Spectacular and varied, and there is a paved road.

[@wheels636]

​@Nozzlejockey2 I'm a paraplegic in a wheelchair also. That's one of my beefs with totally restricted access to certain area's. It excludes people who have to use a wheelchair. Not that everywhere has to be open but it would be nice to not be second class citizen's like a lot of people try an make us.

[@mikeb3603]

Great adventure! Coffee and watching the scenery on Saturday morning! Thanks

[@brianpeterson6976]

Same thing for me, you can't beat it 😊.

[@ginkodragon]

Me too!

[@Redfour5]

Note the location at the confluence of three valleys providing a view to all of the main access areas. Wonderful defensive, observation position.

[@jacobgates1986]

What state is this? Looks like my current state of new mexico?

[@ChristinaColoradoan]

I really have to think those are shelters from the elements made for hunters. With views all around, they can see for miles. My bet is, if they explored further they would find the camp. 🌞 Love the adventure 💯

[@shortyharris2234]

Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer) at 5:50. Also known as Bullsnake. This very large constrictor is common throughout the southwest. Also regarding the leaking water bladder, always carry an empty spare bladder for exactly this reason, an empty water bladder only adds a few more ounces to your backpack and takes up almost no space, and could save your life.

[@ibyt33]

5:51 on the lower right handside, IS THAT A SNAKE?🧐🧐🧐🧐😯😯😯😯

[@johnganshow5536]

Gopher snake..

[@corneliusdinkmeyer2190]

Yes, a live snake!

[@1nvisible1]

*The argyle socks would've protected him. Makes snakes think you're a chain link fence.*

[@steiner554]

What A GORGEOUS landscape/scenery!

[@marylavine2632]

Great trek. So glad you had a buddy along. Scenery was awesome. Thank you both.

[@diamonddavemusic]

The walls of this canyon remind me of a great hall within a gigantic cathedral. No doubt that architects have been inspired by Mother Nature's beautiful design. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us. I wish you all the safest of journey's my friends. ✌🚶

[@SelbyRadabah]

Good to take a friend on the tough adventures!

[@rustyrobinson8027]

I want to personally thank you I really appreciate and enjoy your content 👍🇺🇸

[@jeffreyburnside3786]

The close proximity to the game trail leads me to believe that these structures were hunting blinds. They would lay in wait for an animal to get near then strike as a group. With everything so wide open they would have had to stay hidden to successfully hunt. Great Job!

[@robgardner1951]

I love Trek the planner. Best videos ever

[@johnnorth9355]

Wow what an amazing landscape - not somewhere to take lightly so having a companion was a good move. The ancient spirits obviously took against your cell phone and drone ! Well done for persevering , we all appreciate it.

[@corneliusdinkmeyer2190]

I was thinking perhaps he had entered one of those areas where electronic devices just go wonky.

[@sevenirises]

I'm sure the camera couldn't capture the grandeur of this as in person....but wow, what a place! Thank you so much for pushing on to reach that destination. Our world is so incredible.

[@user-xt9it4si6i]

That canyon is so unbelievably beautiful I’m wondering why you guys don’t spend the night out there it would make it so it wouldn’t be so stressful to get out and back you can spend the night and head out the next morning just a suggestion keep the videos coming they’re awesome

[@19bishop56]

My thought exactly. A night under the stars, with little light pollution, it’s a glorious sight to see. I’d feel safer out there than any large city!

[@teddyrobo1]

Ive hiked like this and never take chances once it starts getting darker. I’d have camped somewhere

[@woodedarea]

“It’s worth crossing the river.” Words to live by.

[@kathietee291]

Jeff! This was just so beautiful! I think of all the driving and hazardous hiking you go through to bring us these videos, and I’m very grateful! Just glad you had your friend with you on this one! Thank you so much!

[@charleneosborne344]

Always Awesome! THANKS FOR TAKING ME ALONG🙃😉❤

[@nnonotnow]

Another great video! Be careful out there!

[@MrJerry101]

Kevin is the MAN. You should include him on an overnight camping adventure.

[@lnbjr7]

Glad you had a friend with you for this video as all the loose shale made for hazardous climbs. Thank you for another great video adventure!

[@charleneosborne344]

Maybe hunters blind for hunting these elk that still roam the land,they'd just quietly lay in wait for animals to come through the area😉 Maybe!!

[@HighrSelf]

I see spirit EVERYWHERE here. What an awesome adventure! Totally beautiful and so different from most of your other adventures! Unusual loss of battery power? Totally expected for this location. Nature is ❤!!!

[@11karmk11]

My thoughts, too! Spirit vibes are strong in this valley.

[@breeburrows6608]

Beautiful paint brush flower. Mis them so much.

[@richardhoover4471]

Fantastic trek!! I am so glad you guys made it back up and out safely!😮

[@katep23]

What glorious scenery. Thank you. So very interesting, as always. Glad you persevered!

[@lint2023]

Great adventure. You make me want to move back to AZ so much. I loved hiking in the desert for hours at a time.

[@truth-or-nothing]

I'm rom phoenix and I don't miss that hell hole one bit ,I now reside in spirit lake idaho 😊completely gorgeous and not as hot 😉

[@chubbrock659]

It’s amazing how much life exists in such a barren place

[@SeMoArtifactAdventures]

Excellent adventure my man!!!! That looked like a killer spot to live back then. Glad you all made it back. Enjoy your weekend.

[@iwasfloyd]

What a great journey!! So beautiful as well!! Thanks for taking us!!

[@randomvintagefilm273]

07:57 I ALWAYS travel with duct tape & scissors, for emergencies😂

[@ginkodragon]

What a beautiful and fascinating canyon! From your drone shots, it looks like the Grand Canyon! It was so worth it for us to view! Thank you for taking us with you! You had said that you probably never go back there, but I hope that the two of you will do more to explore that canyon! I'm so happy that you did this trip with your friend! You might consider carring some emergency supplies too, such as little patch kits to repair your gear, a first aid kit, including tweezers and moleskin for blisters, emergency food (like Gu and energy bars), rope, knife, extra batteries, flint and steel or waterproof matches and a recargable light to clip-on your clothes or a head lamp. Also, have you considered some equipment to camp overnight either from necessity or by planning? There are small, compact, one man shelters and lighter sleeping bags now.

[@corneliusdinkmeyer2190]

I was thinking the same thing. The night sky out there would be absolutely breathtaking!!! And imagine being able to say, I slept in the same spot as our ancestors 800 years ago!!! Who knows what kind of dreams you might have!

[@Martycycleman]

The scenery is absolutely stunning. Hey it definitely wasn't a failure 😊

[@jbra94]

Your channel excites the explorer in me, making me feel that there are still many ancient things left to discover.

[@michaelschuenemann3505]

Difficult but Rewarding Adventure to see the Fantastic Ruins - the Landscape was Awesome - well done You Two ! Many Cheers from Australia !!!!

[@nnonotnow]

When Kevin dropped his pack down early in this video, I think that's when the seams on the water bag started leaking. I don't think there are any active beavers in that location. what appeared to be a Beaver dam is debris from the frequent flash floods that go through there. The white birds in the sky were snow geese migrating North this time of year.. I might suggest getting a separate battery pack very small that you can charge up as a backup to hook your phone to when you're remote areas. I love what you do. Keep doing it

[@Komainu959]

28:44 If that's not from a beaver what else would it be? Doesn't look to be human since there wouldn't be a reason to expend energy to cut stuff down and even if there was the arc of a swing means it would be weird to have older growth all around fairly fresh looking cuttings. But those tracks they found earlier also look too small to be beavers from what I know.

[@ginkodragon]

Nnontnow, I think that you are correct about the beavers. There are no real signs of beaver activity. No knaw marks on the the bark, no domed housing. The sticks that were cut might have been a result of the Elk trampling on it to get to the water.

[@billyjackcurtis4680]

Actually looks to be more like a muskrat of some sort from the tracks and the feed.

[@JTube571]

@@ginkodragon Looked like clean cuts, not a trampling break.

[@Lighteningmay]

Not going to mention this isn’t moose country? Beavers live here not moose lol

[@user-df8zq5nx8l]

You guys are in a spiritual place. Camera dies, birds elk..pretty special

[@geneskare175]

I just needed to add THANKS JEFF AND WIFE, KIDS, AND FRIENDS. LOVE YOU GUYS. GUNNY 😂😅❤❤❤❤

[@SongOfSongsOneTwelve]

5:00 Guessing calcium carbonate deposit.

[@dianespears6057]

No pottery, no residential occupancy is my thought. And wow, what a trek. Thanks to you both.

[@maryturko6490]

Wow! Great adventure! Surprised that there were no pottery shards.

[@cWatts-zv3oo]

The places you take us are so mysterious. I personally can't thank you enough for sharing these efforts.

[@ArdenSinn-oz3hq]

That is nothing short of being spectacular ❗

[@mega-lomart7154]

Your productivity is incredible

[@sherryaleshire9187]

If not for you I would never have known how much history and beauty there is in the desert. I said it before Thank You !!

[@geneskare175]

Jeff I used do what you are doing now. I loved it, and now 65 years old disabled ( we call it differently abled) it's demeaning. Anyway love your videos. As I said I used hike in Glacier, Jewel basin, Banff, and many other places here in Montana. So much has changed we did not have phones let alone cameras, not in a box or or go to the Famous Instamatic pocket cameras. If lucky we remembered a compass. Your adventure are almost easy compared to the crazy crap we did.😊 ❤ when I watch your vids, it takes me back to those days when my buddies were still alive I'm the survivor of that group. Thanks Jeff happy you do this cuz you enjoy it NOT necessarily for the perks. Which I'm sure must be nice that's hard work I don't care who you are

[@Mareen333]

Thanks for the adventure. My knees no longer allow me to hike, so I'm very glad you take us along with you. Here's to our next adventure!

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Thank you for “coming along” with us, Mareen!

[@beenhacked2268]

Awsome man

[@charlottegibson9992]

So glad you were not alone. I heard oops one to many times. I have to tell you even though we’re not related , I truly worry about you. Thank you for the beautiful adventure. Love from an little old lady from Arizona. Take care stay safe and take your friend more often. Two is better than one in those adventures.

[@jamesnut5767]

Looks like a snake at 5:51?

[@mhicaoidh1]

Looks like it was probably a gopher snake, and given its position and lack of reaction may have been dead. They are non-venomous, and often mistaken for rattlesnakes. Probably didn't see it because he wasn't looking in the same direction the camera was pointed.

[@JimCockerham]

Beautiful water falls and the rock art is always so interesting.

[@JoyInMyHeart1]

What a great look out for hunting elk!

[@random22026]

We felt every crevice, every pinnacle, every nuance if this trek landscape, from all the way over here in England! :D Great adventure! Kudos to you both for not giving up...was concerned at the angle of the sun as you set out ('Dude! How much daylight do you have left, to make this hike?!')...but it all came together in the end! 7:48 Looks like the Pedernal in New Mexico! 🫢 8:08 Next time: pack a patch kit (the type that is self-adhesive and heavy-duty, like the ones used on 'doughboy' pool linings)--those 💦💦💧💧💦💦are like gold out there!

[@pskully57]

The Elk calls are called "bugling" because it's sounds like a bugle, they do it for mating and for signaling predators, etc. Elk are pack animals and travel in large groups often. I don't know why you guys don't just camp out there overnight, You could bring a compact backpack with a small tent, etc. I used to do that out on the Mogiilon Rim in Arizona.

[@dr.a006]

Right? Long ways to do this trek all in one day!

[@puppy2haley]

WHOAAAAAA! This was 1 of the best ruins you’ve explored, I think! Thanks for the vid. Really enjoyed! Glad y’all made it back to car by dark. Be safe! 🤜🏼🤛🏼👍❤️

[@attbeach6927]

Wow you two look exhausted... Thanks but very careful.

[@Ladybassguitarplayer]

You need a solar charger for your devices!! I just bought one. It's a little bigger than a cell phone. Clip it on your pack. No more dead batteries. Thank you for all your videos. I just love them!

[@TheTrekPlanner]

I actually have a solar charger now!! The panels are quite heavy though but it is something I will bring on future treks!

[@RaraAvis1138]

What an amazing place! You are so lucky to have 'found' such a fertile valley.

[@chrisk28]

Elk. Anne Elk. It's my theory which is mine. Also, why do we concentrate on the things that go wrong as opposed to the things that always go right. Great adventure, thanks as always. You guys are awesome and amazing.

[@patjohnson9287]

Loved this adventure ❤

[@sdavis7916]

Jeff! LOL The snake! 5:41 Thanks again for another amazing video! Brandon.

[@TheTrekPlanner]

haha right?! We need to pay more attention! 🐍🐍

[@paulhedman7387]

That was a worthwhile trek you won't forget. Thanks for bringing me along.

[@neuralglitch9063]

I always wonder if the water level was much higher when those dwellings were built ? Seems odd to me to seek shelter in such a high, precarious spot......love these videos !

[@CBWilliams]

Fabulous hike! Thanks for taking us with you. Glad you decided to go and glad you got through the hard parts before dark.

[@1944chevytruck]

Good job boys!

[@rodmact6548]

This was AWESOME you guys! What a trek! Climbing up and down that crumbling shale and walking around near the edges of the cliff was scary as hell! Glad you're safe. And what about that snake at 5:51? A heck of an adventure you took us on. One of the best! Thanks.

[@TheTrekPlanner]

Great eye!! Someone pointed out that it’s a gopher snake. I guess I need to get my eyes checked cause I didn’t even see it 😑 Thanks for watching!

[@davidmoffitt7297]

Very interesting ..so glad that you go and show us old ones your adventure..thanks for posting !

[@jamesmattoon9479]

Very Very good; take care but keep us this excited ! Cheers

[@Angel-hd2rs]

Beautiful! Incredible!

[@bigsi3866]

my vertigo kicked in when you looked over those cliffs…😮. Great adventure again

[@Dogman580]

I am glad you kept going and we got to see what you found.

[@stevep5736]

Outstanding adventure!!! Thank you both for taking us with you. Totally worth it!

[@victoriamaaske7420]

This is the best find. Wow. Great trek for all the difficulties.

[@bethsands7665]

You guys are awesome mountain goats !! Nice discovery. Beautiful fortress and structures. Rugged land indeed.

[@squartube]

AWSOME DISCOVERY !!!!!

[@phlebgrl6064]

Some of the most beautiful landscape I’ve ever seen. Made me wish that I could be there. Thank you for all of the hard work you put into making this amazing video. Even though you were experiencing some technical issues, it was a great episode!

[@TheTrekPlanner]

It was well worth it. Thank you for watching!

[@sandramcnight407]

Enjoyed this adventure that was exhausting towards the end Thank You Friend!!!

[@MrKendall420]

Watching with a cast on my leg...what a great find!

[@lindawoody8501]

Fun in spite of the rough hike and long drive. So glad you saw these amazing ruins. Sorry your battery died and phone not receiving signal. Yes worth it all. Thanks for sharing as much as you could with us.

[@Janer-52]

Terrifying. Exhausting. And Beautiful. Thank you!

[@JT-xh4zm]

What an absolutely beautiful place. I had no idea we had so many large canyons. I've never been out that way (except for a quick trip to Nevada) but man, it is beautiful country. You can look at it an imagine an ancient culture and wonder how they lived so isolated. Great trek! Thanks for taking us along.

[@prieten49]

Kevin was a real trooper but you have to fatten him up a little. You never know when you will need to eat him in a pinch... No, seriously, that was a big creek. The wonderful view from the ruin showed how big the valley was. The stonework on the ruin wasn't too sophisticated. That was a great trek!

[@icandivideos5743]

How did you know the way back to your car without your gps? And partly in the dark! I was so glad to see you have a buddy on this adventure it sure was remote! And beautiful! Thanks!

[@Springfield-eo8jl]

Hownold do you think GOS technology is😂😂

[@katesutton1476]

Great adventure. So much loose stone from climb over. Enjoy your journeys so much as I can't do anymore. Much luv Carry on

[@mp194801]

IT's amazing what you discover especially that area was unbelievable how close to the edge they built their dwellings and so many of them. It would be very interesting to see why they left the area - it looked like there were many dwellings on other ridges too - looked very hard to get to. Thanks for sharing and keep safe!!!

[@mickmarshall9254]

Great trek

[@janwertz2257]

Whatever it was for, thank you for taking us all along with you to places we are going to otherwise miss seeing, or even knowing exist.

[@KyungShotwell]

Gorgeous landscape!!!

[@debrandw246]

This is incredible. Wow

[@zenseed75]

My goodness. That view is breathtaking.

[@pixelpeter3883]

Awesome adventure! The places you get to see! :-)

[@dawilliamstn]

One thing for sure, the ancient people who lived in this area were very hard working people. I always wonder when you see a ruin, what kind of roof would they have had. You rarely see any wood that could be used as a support structure in or around the ruins. Animal hides would be used but they would be carried away when abandoning the location. Maybe the roofing frame would be carried away to be used in another location. Thanks for sharing this adventure.

[@joycelaurito1726]

It was a wonderful trip. I’m a shout in and really enjoyed it. 31:23 31:23

[@davidbandler]

19:30 What you failed to notice and point-out is that this structure has a unique feature. The walls of this structure were clearly once double-layered. Usually the structures/ruins are not double-layered, but a singular course that would have been covered with stucco or adobe.

[@gregharris3202]

Thank you for this awesome trek and video! The scenery is beautiful. Just to think those walls were built by humans maybe 1,000 years ago is incredible.