Backpacking Into the Secret Section of Zion National Park

In this video martha and I backpack into the Kolob Canyon section of Zion national park, which is separated and largely hidden from the rest of the park.

[@letszoomhikingteam]

I-15 not I-95😅

[@TopoTravelers]

You’re so right, I completely misspoke there! That’s my bad

[@letszoomhikingteam]

@ all good I just got a chuckle out of it, love the video. Thanks for shedding light on the hidden Zion gem 💎

[@h3yw00d]

I was gonna say, where tf is i-95, so I looked up kolob and saw it was off i-15 and relaxed, knowing I'm as dumb as I thought I was and not a bit more. Also, I gotta make it to southern utah more. Down about Richfield, the rocks start turning purple, and it's so beautiful.

[@szwakyd]

I had the same reaction. There are some sections of I95 back East here that are nice but nothing nearly as spectacular as Kolob.

[@weaverlance]

There's a reason the park doesn't publicize this section of the park. There's been 3 Cougar attacks here in the last decade. Beware!

[@larryg2705]

Finding someone to share a passion like this with you is one of the greatest gifts on earth. Cherish it.

[@salvadorarellano900]

I was already really enjoying the video and then the long exposure star trails you took came up and WOW they came out so well! Nice Job!

[@TopoTravelers]

I know I love that setting on my GoPro, it always looks so amazing

[@MsTaraRyan]

I really enjoyed this video. Call out from someone who lives at 8k elevation, the splitting headache is most likely from altitude. People forget how it can affect your oxygen intake especially as you are sleeping.

[@myradioon]

When I was in Zion in the 90's I pointed to the map and said to my girlfriend "That's a HUGE area...and nobody goes there"!?. 95% of the time a headache is due to dehydration. In the High Desert you sweat under your clothes in the cold and it's dry. You need to hydrate just as much as in the summer. After you eat and during the night your body processes all the water in your system and you dehydrate. Leg spasms are a sign of dehydration too. Drink tons of water and eat or take salt pills. Bring a water filter. Thanks for the vid!

[@TopoTravelers]

You’re probably right, i was drinking less to conserve water. Glad you enjoyed!

[@myradioon]

@@TopoTravelers Bring a hand pump filter. Heck I drink out of higher streams above beaver activity. Great videos take care.

[@budfoon]

Yay! Finally - someone hiking the back country that actually knows some of the science and history of what they're hiking through. Thanks!

[@FriendlyBear-re6ln]

What a cool adventure. Martha is a trooper. I love your attitude and love all your videos. Enjoy the outdoors and best of luck with the uni!

[@TopoTravelers]

Thanks so much!

[@gregskolozdra]

Very fun video! Beautiful landscapes! Thanks for sharing!

[@mikeporter6952]

Thanks for sharing your adventure! Beautiful country - nice camera work!

[@TopoTravelers]

Thank you very much!

[@billj5645]

I backpacked in Kolob many years ago. I was driven out by the mosquitos and biting flies. So you might be there in cold weather but at least the insects won't be bothering you.

[@jeanriff7954]

Merci beaucoup pour votre treking video.nice place in kolob canyon Gid bless you and permit you to make many nice trek.salut from Alsace.

[@saddlelac]

I really enjoy all your videos. Thanks for another one. Good luck on your exams.

[@TopoTravelers]

Thank you! I think exams will go well

[@carmelahearle957]

This was fun!. Loved it. Kolob has a special vibe to it.

[@samblethen]

When you're way out in the wilderness remember the old Native American saying: A leaf fell in the forest. The Deer heard it, the Eagle saw it and the Bear smelt it

[@susansmeeton4321]

great hat Martha - wonderful trip , thank you

[@weekendhikeraz]

So pretty! I want to go to Zion so badly! Thanks for sharing your adventure!

[@CrAck-MoNey]

Been here many times. We used to ride our horses through here. It is a Very amazing place. I've seen many places off the beaten trail in Kolob. I'm sure you had fun.

[@vopvoopone]

My buddies and I backpacked the Zion Traverse last May and I have to say, the Lee Pass to Hop Valley part through Kolob Canyons was just stunning.

[@TopoTravelers]

That’s good to know! I’ll probably do another trip in the future and try that section

[@raktoda707]

You two certainly are hardy. Beautiful video,nice editing.Safe travelsb

[@walterwadlow9438]

Thanks for a great video! We love Zion, but have never been into this area. A future trip-yay!!!

[@JBaads]

My in-laws lived in Orderville, UT, near the parks. The best day to visit Grand Canyon is on Christmas day. My wife's grandfather worked on the roads and tunnels into Zion.

[@Page5framing]

Any time it’s cold is the vest time to visit. Crowds are much smaller.

[@jamiewilliams685]

Great video, keep on trekking!!! Loving the snippets of information as you walk through the wilderness.

[@purplerpenguin]

Nice videos! And beautiful country.

[@agmartin2127]

Nice job of sprinkling some geology facts in... and generally, good job!

[@TopoTravelers]

Thanks so much!

[@JojoWolfcat]

I like Martha's hat, I have a very similar one

[@Ou81gi812]

🎊 First time viewer. Enjoyed tagging along and appreciated the educational points that you brought up. Living in Alaska for over 50 years, the desert region is a different type of beauty. What really caught my attention was that “Cyanobacteria” bullshit. My Grael water filter can protect me from “beaver fever,” but those cyanide-based critters are something else!!! Be safe. Happy Trails

[@TopoTravelers]

Glad you enjoyed! you may be right about the Cyanobacteria but I’d rather play it safe at the end of the day.

[@Ou81gi812]

@ There are NEVER any shortcuts when it comes to safety. “Safety” is always more expensive…and more work. You did the right thing. When you’re 100 miles away from civilization and help, you only have yourself to rely on. I HAD to get the iPhone 15 when it came out solely for its S.O.S. satellite 🛰️ feature…one of those safety/expense things! Like they always say about the best quality outdoor gear: “Buy once, cry once.” Finally, you kids should seriously think about hiking with a 9mm. You can carry it in a “fanny-pack” worn around your waist for easy access, even with a backpack on…or have it in a chest-worn binocular pouch; again for easy access. Four legged predators are bad and two legged ones are worse. No one needs to see it or know you have it. One of the biggest benefits of carrying a gun in the outback is…3 shots in succession is the universal call for help. Your screams can only travel so far, especially in a wooded environment. Happy Trails

[@roberthale2268]

Great video. I really enjoyed it. I've painted plein air out there a bunch but never went into the canyon. I hope your headache went away.

[@TopoTravelers]

It did, must’ve just been a random headache

[@BurleyBob0010]

Outstanding video! For earaches carry Vicks vapo-rub and a few cotton balls. Dab it on cotton and place in ear canal. Instant relief! I was up on the mogollon rim and suffered a double earache and this stopped it. Got the knowledge from a RN.

[@TopoTravelers]

Great to know, thank you!

[@ACEDIAMOND666]

My mother lives on the Mogollon Rim. She's an LVN since mid 80s.

[@focusmerida6863]

Great video. So cool seeing Zion from a different perspective. I once camped at the Eagles Nest looking down on The Narrows. I think I accessed it fr Kolob Terrace. Love your night sky timelapse shots.

[@TopoTravelers]

Thank you! I was so happy with those star trail time lapse shots too. The eagles nest is on my list, I will probably hit that trail next time I am in Zion

[@johnshaide6954]

Great adventure, thanks for sharing!

[@ruinsandridges]

Great adventure! I have wanted to explore that area. Some great mountain climbing there.

[@TopoTravelers]

I was thinking the same, doing some climbing there would be amazing

[@YoDiggidy]

What a cool trip! Amazing place

[@rrs9933]

I love Martha specially when you ask her for the Hot chocolate… 🤦‍♀️… she’s amazing, brave, adorable, strong and gorgeous all at the same time on a regular campaign day 💪 ❤🛞🏕️🏔️🤦‍♀️

[@charleshicks3492]

Excellent; loved the hat😂

[@Suwanneerivergirl24]

Hope you’re ok dude, and good luck on finals to you both. Scenery was beautiful, but the night scenes were magnificent!🙏✌️

[@TopoTravelers]

Im all good, it must've just been a random headache. Thanks so much!

[@jmcboo0208]

I love how you discuss the geology of this area. I watch a lot of similar videos where somebody will show a very interesting feature on camera and not even point it out. Also, I like to watch videos that show ancient Native American ruins, which are mostly in the southwest. Have you ever come across any? Do you ever seek them out? And have you ever seen any in locations other than the southwest? Keep up the good work, my friend.

[@TopoTravelers]

Yes I do seek them out, and I actually have several videos on them if you are interested. They are pretty hard to come by, but if you do your research you can figure out where to find them

[@jasontheron7655]

Will be spending about a week in southern Utah right after New Year's. Favorite place on Earth. Hiking, camping, fishing and exploring a few areas we haven't seen before. I wasn't considering Kolob as a possible place to visit, per our allotted time. But after watching your great video, I've decided to add 2 days recreating your route. I believe you took the La Verkin Creek Trail. Did you notice whether there were any fish in any part of the creek you observed? Glad I found your vid! Thanks very much, great job guys!

[@TopoTravelers]

That sounds like an amazing time, it might be my favorite place too. Yes, I took the la verkin creek trail. Although there was plenty of water I didn’t see any fish

[@jasontheron7655]

@@TopoTravelers thanks for the quick reply! I appreciate the info. we'll have a couple poles with us just in case, as usual. Looking forward to the hike. New sub. You've got some great videos. I expect you'll keep getting more and more subs. Great job!

[@Robin-ng4lh]

Really cool and accessible part of the park.

[@gloommoon9245]

Thank you ❤

[@dineblue4940]

Thanks for sharing

[@jonnywatts2970]

18:48 great shots! 🤘

[@samblethen]

I used to have a hat like that when I was a kid growing in Maine with those long harsh winters

[@TopoTravelers]

Definitely would have needed that there!

[@BobI-jb4rk]

Happy belated Thanksgiving. I want to explore that area next time I’m near Zion. 🥾🗻

[@TopoTravelers]

You should, it’s definitely worth the stop

[@dineblue4940]

From Navajo rrez Arizona that yucca it can use as shampoo the root,if you pull out the root can't touch with grease hands you have a clean ✋ and rub in warm water and wash your hair

[@TopoTravelers]

That is very interesting, thank you for sharing! Yucca is such an amazing plant

[@exploringgodscountry]

Thanks for sharing. That's really cool. I'll have to checkout this area of Zion! That's a lot of coats! Chances are you'll sweat and then the moisture gets SUPER cold. Are you guys from southwest? I have a puffy coat, rain coat, and long sleeve t shirts. Works fairly well. Although sweat / keeping moisture off you is hardest part.

[@TopoTravelers]

We are from northern Utah, so we know the area pretty well. And yeah we ended up shedding layers pretty quick

[@Gabrocol]

Another hidden place in Zion and very hard to reach is Crawford Arch. 100% worth the excursion though from the photos. I hope to see it one day

[@raystevens687]

Wow how did you get your cell phone do the spinning of the stars 🌟 that is cool.

[@TopoTravelers]

My go pro has a star mode that gets them really well

[@ReviensZidane]

next time check out the Kolob reservoir area. You can't always make it to the reservoir but there are Zion wilderness trailheads and no one is there

[@wesleygolden1000]

Collab canyon is not hidden. People just have bad planning with trips like this. Took a helicopter tour that had to emergency land and hiked 4 miles in the rain and blistering winds. Lowkey was the funnest thing on the trip because I got to see Zion without 200 people to my left or right

[@smhs1262]

I like Martha's hat

[@ThePdog05]

Great spot to camp, did a stay there a few years ago

[@andrewsilver]

what are you both studying in school? great video, thanks for sharing. we were there last year and wish we could do what you guys did.

[@scottstaats7408]

I may have camped in that spot or nearby many years ago when I monitored Peregrine Falcons for the park. My favorite job ever. Also monitored Desert Bighorn Sheep. Had cougars close but never saw em in park. Countless rattlers tho...

[@TopoTravelers]

That’s awesome! Were you working for the park service or for a university?

[@skaughtmc6591]

Another empty section of the park is if you take the road heading towards the reservoir from a few miles outside Springdale. There are a number of trailheads, and even in the peak of summer tourist season, I was out there completely by myself at each stop.

[@TopoTravelers]

Good to know, were the views pretty good there as well?

[@skaughtmc6591]

@@TopoTravelers Excellent views. At times you can see Zion Canyon in the distance, plenty of unique rock features to hike around, and at the highest elevation on the drive , Lava Point Overlook, your so high up up you’ll need a jacket in the middle of summer (when I was there it was around 110 in Springdale, and low 40’s at Lava Point).

[@TopoTravelers]

@@skaughtmc6591 that sounds awesome, im definitely gonna have to check that out next time

[@inyobill]

For me the only _really_ hard part of camping in cold weather is getting out of the bag in the morning.

[@KristenCox9]

That timelapse!

[@mmagscott]

Love the hat!

[@dougfolland3247]

Thanks for posting this and setting up another area to be totally overrun with people.

[@bagelboy2091]

W vid

[@matildagreene1744]

Being WAY up north from Zion...The layers are good but the baseball cap must go !! You need a warmer hat 😘

[@TopoTravelers]

You’re probably right!

[@gailmadsenclayton1769]

Kolob Canyon It’s not easy many water crossings and if you’re not prepared can be pretty dangerous.

[@scottash351]

I backpack the Sierras often. But don't know if I'd go there if I couldn't drink the water.

[@TopoTravelers]

Definitely makes it a bit more difficult

[@jethroPDiddy]

Weird how there’s trail markers on these secret trails.

[@TheSpiralAim]

It's so weird, I live in Arizona and as beautiful as Zion is, it feels less beautiful when you see similarly awesome things all the time. Quality problem to have I guess.

[@TopoTravelers]

I totally get that, once you start getting used to something it gets less impressive. You got it right tho, not a bad problem!

[@heyropt]

First time watcher. You said you're a college student. Are you studying geology or, are you simply an enthusiast?

[@TopoTravelers]

I am in ecology, but I have taken several geology courses. Definitely an enthusiast as well.

[@jewel5038]

I love driving into a blm spot at night and waking up to a surprise view. When we camped near Springdale a huge jackrabbit joined me on my bathroom break at 11pm

[@IndustrialhHemprocks]

Wat settings/camera did you use for the Timelapse at 19m

[@TopoTravelers]

I used my gopro hero 11 on the Star trails mode

[@IndustrialhHemprocks]

@ thanks for the reply I heard it here first

[@tomhoward8304]

You might have just slept to soundly on your left side, that your ear began to hurt from lack of blood supply. That happens to me once in a while.

[@nowistime8070]

are you making that poor girl do the backtrack double take walk bye? I hope you are paying her haha

[@TopoTravelers]

Haha no it’s always me grabbing the camera don’t worry

[@robwhitby2035]

What an awesome trip. I have aged out of those kind of adventures. But i loved them when i was younger. Also, a biblical world view can explain every terrain feature you pointed out. Be safe!

[@TuddsCrapshoot]

Kolob is neither secret nor hidden.

[@AudaciousAmber]

What about wildlife? Plan?

[@TopoTravelers]

What are you asking?

[@AudaciousAmber]

No fire?

[@TopoTravelers]

No fires are allowed in Zion

[@weaverlance]

There's a reason the park doesn't publicize this section of the park. There's been 3 Cougar attacks here in the last decade. Beware!

[@michaelacevedo21]

At about the 8:31 mark it sounds like someone says no in a raspy voice. Was someone else with the 2 of you?

[@TopoTravelers]

Listening back, it does sound like that! Super weird. Either it was martha's breathing or there was someone behind us on the trail at that point talking loud

[@SmittySahn]

So what is the deal with drones now? All I see are ads for drones, like they are pushing hard for you to buy them. But I thought you had to basically get a piolets license to fly one?? At least pay for a take a fairly large test to even be able to fly one. Yet I see people flying them all the time. Do everyone just take a pass this test? Or just fly them illegally until you get caught? Or what is the deal?

[@TopoTravelers]

Yes you have to get a license, by taking a test that takes about a month or two of studying. Relatively low cost to entry though, which allows for a lot of people to get into it

[@blackbirdpie217]

Winter begins on December 21

[@inyobill]

If you don't know the material at the end of semester, studying for 24 hours will not fix it.

[@TopoTravelers]

Well we both knew the material, but studying is pretty essential before exams regardless

[@mikegrindstaff]

The map shows your secret...lol

[@thicktatertot]

sigma 😎

[@liquidfur2]

Looks too much like The Seeding. Don't help any creepy children while you're out there.

[@breadboy7309]

my left ear does not enjoy this

[@TopoTravelers]

Mine doesn’t either

[@mset510]

That's interstate 15 NOT I-95. I-95 runs up & down the east coast of the U.S. silly

[@TopoTravelers]

I pinned a comment saying this, I misspoke in the video

[@standingbear998]

it is kept secret, it is hidden, you not only knew about it, where it is and just walked right in there? lol bs

[@Page5framing]

Kolob is a horrible place to visit. You SHOULD not come and visit.

[@daddysdarlin5989]

Enjoyed your video. Thank you. We live in heaven on earth here! Much love from Utah!💜❤️💛🧡💙🩵💚 SUBSCRIBED!

[@TopoTravelers]

Thank you!

[@bjdan3667]

Click bait!!! No one could ever hide this. I am clicking don’t recommend channel

[@meinthesun23456]

"secret" LOL

[@rrampage36]

🚫 How can you say it's 'secret'...and 'hidden'.... IT'S RIGHT THERE ON MAPS AND GOOGLE EARTH !!! 👀 🤣🤣🤣 NOT to mention the obviously well traveled trails and signs...