Visiting the site of the strangest Grand Canyon Death

In August 2001, two people went missing under mysterious circumstances during a nude photography shoot in the Hopi Salt Trail / Little Colorado Tributary of the Grand Canyon.
It took several weeks for the Flagstaff Search and Rescue team, enlisting the help of the Hopi Native American Tribe, to piece together the chain events of this tragedy and discover the bodies of these individuals.
I was so fascinated with this story, and the landscape in which it occurred, that I used Google Earth to find the specific event locations and plan a 3 day backpacking trip to retrace the chain of events from start to finish.
I initially read about this story in the book "Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon, by Michael Patrick Ghiglieri and Thomas M. Myers.
Condolences and best wishes to the family of Linda Brehmer and George Mancuso.
If you visit this place, you must contact the Navajo Nation and secure your permits in advance, have a 4x4 vehicle, and be extremely skilled in backcountry / survival skills, and above all- be very respectful to the fragile heritage of this place.

[@lizpeterson6719]

I hiked the canyon in my 20's, I'm 73 now. Thank for being young and adventurous enough to record this. Wonderful, thank you, thank you.

[@houseofsolomon2440]

I hiked it a few x's back in the late 80's & early 90's, both south & north. I'm mid 50's now & done w/solo extended hikes 😅 p.s. 1st time to sedona was '84 - unrecognizable now : (

[@kimberlypetrossi6607]

It’s so sad isn’t it!?

[@Rougenodengonsi]

So cool, my mom is around your age. You guys are time travelers and have made it so far. You made the world you see today possible for younglings like us, thank you

[@kathyallman6178]

So fantastic to record this for us! Never got a chance to see the Grand Canyon in person! So sorry for the two who died! Take care of yourself! Thank you! 🕊🙏❤️🙏🕊

[@MoonTech168]

What of your memories stand out to you the most? Curious fan. God speed!

[@filly3594]

I appreciate how spiritually sensitive you are at these beautiful sites. Your respect for the land is part of what makes your videos so great. Thanks, Nolan!

[@hermanmunster4949]

Life has taught me that strange things happen in strange ways. After all, it's called the monsoon season for a reason and the canyon is a big ditch that the rushing water funnels into. You are a brave soul hiking alone in this rugged remote section of the canyon. A twisted ankle would make a mystery story when your camera is found down there years from now with no signs of you to be found. Rock On..!!

[@michaeljames4509]

Hopefully he notifies someone of his itinerary on these trips.

[@beed5923]

Yup im with you...remember the guy that had to cut of his own hand to free himself when a rock rolled on it....oh boy...not me😲🤤😨

[@barrybarnes96]

@@beed5923 That was a crazy story. Had to be done. Ouch.

[@Sid-gu5qk]

I live in a beautiful wilderness in the Canadian north, but that Grand Canyon is something else. I can see how one could become obsessed with exploring it. Awesome.

[@leoshanks7299]

I knew him My wife and I operated the Desert View store we bought post cards from him it was a sad day when that happened.

[@judsonefisher]

Killer video. Really enjoyed the format and how much educational content you tied in- looking forward to pt2!

[@the_pov_channel]

Thanks dawg

[@whiteraven69]

Loved the story and going along on your hike to the Emerald pool. I was fortunate to have a good friend invite me, along with 10 other Adventure Seeking Alaskans on the Grand Canyon in a 16 day raft trip. The river trip is a wonder of the World and the stories of the Canyon are absolutely wild. Thanks for sharing this interesting Book and story.

[@user-oh4lo5nc4l]

Michael Ghiglieri, one of the authors of your book, has also written about Maj. William Powell and the first trip exploring the Green River, Colorado River, and the Grand Canyon 1869. My great grandfather William Hawkins was the cook on this first trip, about 20/21 years old.

[@kb_9880]

Awesome about your great grandfather William Hawkins!

[@TexLogan-du2yi]

From what I know about canyoneering and flooding, I would always have a plan for where to go in order to climb to higher ground. In other words, have an escape plan. It's crucial to plan the escape prior to arriving at dangerous low spots so there would be time to get back there and climb to safety. It's possible that they were mere feet from being able to escape the danger if they knew what to do.

[@vizionaryquest9446]

The invisible is more powerful than the visible ! THANK YOU 🙏🤗💓

[@Sirshackleton]

Not sure you are alone in the canyon but if you are that is awesome and impressive! Nothing gives a person a stronger sense of freedom than being alone and perfectly comfortable with it. Kudos too for doing all that you can to make your hike a safe one. Keep the videos coming!

[@virtualpilgrim8645]

How many hikers like him have died alone out in the desert because there was no one there to help them.

[@PerpetualWane]

@@virtualpilgrim8645more than one, but thats just as much apart of it as the shoes on your feet. How many men have crossed the desert alone and lived to tell the tale?

[@TitaniumTurbine]

@@PerpetualWane “A part of” what exactly? Making risky decisions and then being reported missing in miles of desert and canyons? It’s all fun and games until search and rescue teams are expected to risk their lives to save some foolish lone wanderer.

[@PerpetualWane]

@@TitaniumTurbine a part of the journey? The adventure? The challenge? Whatever you wanna call it. If you walk out into the desert with no way to survive the trip, whether thats knowledge, equipment, or resources(ideally all three), then you probably shouldn’t have gone out there in the first place. Sorry you’ve been conditioned to believe you need to spend your life in temperate boxes and concrete jungles.

[@sharpridgehomestead]

haha, I agree ... in all of my hikes whether they were just a day or thousands of miles over weeks ... food tastes way better. And I believe I saw you pick up some trash (water bottle on the ground before you got to camp) - thanks for keeping nature clean. Nature provides everything in life we need, it doesn't cost us anything, it only asks that we preserve and protect it.

[@the_pov_channel]

the goal is to always leave a place better than you find it

[@fredMplanenut]

Think Aron Ralston, think, plan, stay safe.

[@eegarim]

As you end this video and talk about the Hopi seer, I got goose bumps. So many mysteries in our world we are completely unaware of because we live lives so disjointed from nature. Thank you for taking us along on this amazing adventure.

[@BxBxProductions]

same with the geese bumps. mysteries are mysteries because they're gatekept by the illumintay and nature is a medium they use to disrupt out karmic connection to the universe. they used to achieve that with rose quartz pyramid capstones back in the day but it's 7g towers now. macdonalds sell quarter pounders and many consume quarter pounders each day without realizing the environmental damage it does. nice adventure tho

[@michellemortensen1862]

Epic video of a wicked hike!

[@the_pov_channel]

Truly gnar

[@CrucesNomad1]

I would love if you could document plant and animal life a little more as you trek.

[@the_pov_channel]

Sure thing, I can give that a shot. The cactus's in this particular canyon were gorgeous

[@sawangsinawang7778]

@@the_pov_channelplease

[@ancientearth2250]

Man, you are awesome. What a kindred spirit you have. Thank you for sharing your adventures and exploration with us.

[@gonagain]

Keep these high quality and interesting videos coming and your channel is going to go nuts.

[@the_pov_channel]

Lots of work to do! I am grateful for people like you that I can share with. Thank you

[@395joe8]

bullshit

[@doubleg3277]

This place is one of the quietest places I've ever been in my whole life

[@imhere653]

I completely concur, sir! A power bar at the bottom of the canyon (or anywhere else on a challenging hike) tastes really, REALLY delicious. However; that identical power bar tastes more like what chocolate-covered road must taste like when you're not fatigued from outdoor fun and other food choices are within reasonable reach. I've hiked the GC twice, but only on the well-traveled and definitively marked routes. I'm glad to see you're "slaking your thirst" for the lone wolf type of experience while you're able. Think of all the people who thought they would go but never did. A small percentage of hikers actually do this. We're part of an exclusive group that have seen the canyon from the bottom up. Worth every step!

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Bravo. It’s great to see that not only have you done the research but you actually go to the location. Really enjoyed this video and waiting for part two. Subbed

[@HuangXingQing]

Read that book along with several others when I first began playing outside. Off the Wall was equally good. I thought you were about to narrate the story of the bloke who accidentally backed his auto off the edge. Or the dad who tried to fool his daughter while posing, he jumped down to the next ledge and . . . lost his balance. Niiiice. Best way I've found to stay alive is to read accounts of those who didn't.

[@JamesHawkeYouTube]

An extremely well put together video. From camera work, to on screen presentation, to editing and telling the story - both theirs and yours. Great work.

[@Maggie-tq1du]

Thank you so much for sharing this. You and you videographer are it!❤

[@bobe3250]

I used to spend two weeks a year hiking in the mountains living off the land. After two weeks food in town was just as heavenly as you described. A hot smothered burrito was transcending. 😊

[@mannsonthemove2958]

Apparently there are rock formations the Hopi do not want photographed on that trail. Great video, thank you.

[@the_pov_channel]

Yes, Respecting the Hopi Heritage of this place is most important when visiting. It is very fortunate people like myself are even able to visit.

[@kittykaht1944]

​@@the_pov_channelI appreciate seeing you pick up after the litter-bug. ♥️🐞

[@oongieboongie]

I understand not allowing the dead to be photographed or kept in museums, but nobody should dictate who photographs what bunch of rocks on this planet. Some people have photographic memory anyway so It's kind of not fair.

[@mariecolette9066]

@@oongieboongieBeing respectful of others cultures is a given..but is it respectful to others to keep natural beauty from others? I can’t understand why they don’t want something that belongs to the planet photographed? It belongs to the planet, to nature..

[@justaintracin]

​@@mariecolette9066all I've gotta say is "it is a public place I am free to record or photograph anything I please... Am I free to go officer"

[@tuxpano]

Great episode! Thanks 🙏🏼 for taking us there!

[@AdventuringwithTrevor]

This just convinced me that i have to go hike down into the Grand Canyon sometime this is amazing. Been to the too a couple times while on other road trips in the area. Nice video dude 🤙🏻

[@elizabethwilliams9597]

That's so beautiful, I have lived in Las Vegas since 1990 and have never been to the grand canyon.

[@rdking8001]

Thank you for taking me with you on this journey Memorable

[@the_pov_channel]

Cheers!

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

Imagine Sitting Bull,Geronimo, Crazy Horse all sharing stories. I hope you left a mark your great grandchildren can find. Absolutely mesmerizing. ❤

[@privatemh2648]

I was reading the same book and looking up something totally different and was thrilled to run across this. I've always been fascinated with the Grand Canyon. I have visited twice but only hiked the Rim Trail, never went into the bottom. It's on my bucket list for sure! Thanks for this post and your footage!

[@Wyrdsmythe007]

This was a beautiful and tragic video. Thank you for sharing this trip with us.

[@YukonCorneliusMJH]

I don't know how I found your channel but I love that you tell the story while doing the adventure. Kick ass dude! 👍

[@the_pov_channel]

Thanks brotha

[@overland.viking]

Very interesting story. This may be one of my new favorite channels!! I love that you hike to remote places to camp and explore. Looking forward to part 2.

[@the_pov_channel]

Thanks so much. Exploring remote and beautiful places is a wonderful thing, especially in the American West. Lots more headed your way

[@Jenn_B]

I really enjoyed this video and look forward to part 2.

[@theescoob8684]

sweet video man! looking forward to part 2

[@the_pov_channel]

Thankee sai. Think my storytelling gets a bit more cohesive in part 2... and the Confluence is one of the coolest places I have ever visited.

[@NUNYABEEZ]

Thank you for showing us such a magical place.

[@johncarton8005]

love your work...thank you❤❤❤

[@13zounds]

Just found your channel and I’m so happy. Thank you for sharing your journey. You’re a great storyteller.

[@elizabethf8078]

Anyone from Arizona knows that flash floods happen all the time. Weather checks are 100% necessary. I grew up watching people get washed away in the washes with every storm..even from storms 20 miles north. Watch a video of a flash flood, and you'll never forget it. It's like a tsunami you can't see coming.

[@glom_gazingo]

I live at the south rim and it's always cool to see different areas of the canyon documented. Thanks for the video!

[@rhondascraftobsessions5817]

That little waterfall lookes amazing!

[@theturnersontheroad4537]

Great story telling, gonna check what else have.... I saw you like Trek Planner too😊 good stuff from you both

[@youaregodspursuit]

A great story about a story. Thank you.

[@the_pov_channel]

🤯

[@Crappie_Hunter_Seeker]

Wow ! What an adventure. Aren't you afraid of the rattlesnakes that could be in those rocks? I know people have died there due to that. Thanks for sharing. The Canyon is beautiful !

[@toriwolf5978]

Wow thank you for posting this so interesting, your a great story teller….please be careful in the canyon looking for more videos subbed , loved it when I was there❤

[@ARCavingandOutdoors]

When he says it's gonna be interesting. What he really means is, this is about to be super scary and sketchy 😂

[@handcraftcreeps]

That took a TURN 10:53 !! Moral of the story check the weather and listen to the Native people 🙏

[@the_pov_channel]

Crucial!!

[@markeverson5849]

I think a person could possibly climb the canyon walls as the water went up in the right location in a flood situation that is for a tough swimmer and climber I always like to travel with some rope PS also a pointer is when you travel the Buffalo River in Arkansas up the upper Buffalo River Wilderness it's in a canyon and we ran it by boat years ago camping I followed old Melvin Johnson up the buffalo in my boat with my brother-in-law Randy simonis from Wisconsin and the river is prone to flood also and I asked Melvin during those big floods when you camp what do you do when the water keeps Rising question mark he said make sure you have a long rope I would say 50 or 100 ft of strong cord anchor rope to tie your boat off with all of your camp and fishing equipment in hunting equipment in it and as the water levels rise and keep Rising you keep moving your Camp up higher above the water line meantime letting your boat drift but tied off so that it can raise as the water levels go up and you are sleeping

[@themaazmaaz]

Until watching this video, I never knew the Hopi people were promoters of delusional superstition. It really motivates me to oppose all Hopi land claims, an issue I previously wasn't aware of. I'm going to do some more research into this, but if true I'll be writing to my senators/reps urging them to oppose the several Hopi land claims to limit the spread of this dangerous nonsense. Please, if you know about any other superstitions being promoted by sovereign tribes or other governmental entities, please let me know!

[@datrooster4112]

​@@themaazmaazby all means do it lmmfao and find your self band from tribal lands! Don't think it can happen try it lmmfao

[@themaazmaaz]

@@datrooster4112 That would be funny because if they did that they would be in violation of federal statute; 25 U.S.C. § 1302(a)(1) prohibits tribal governments from abridging freedom of speech, the ICRA equivalent of the First Amendment, which definitely includes trespass due to political speech. I would then be able to sue them for civil rights violations in federal court and they'd end up paying me just for criticizing religious superstition. Now, to be clear, they are probably sharp enough not to take such obviously illegal actions, but it is hilarious that you believe this.

[@Sharona-21]

What if you sprained or broke your ankle on those uneven rocks? Doubt if there's phone coverage. Brave young man. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@Miami7]

I also have that book, and also read the story about them. You're right, that was one wild story. And what a GREAT book "Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon" is!!

[@naturallytrailheaded]

Excellent footage of some gorgeous scenery! I'll be hiking the canyon very soon, and will have to read that book before I go. Thanks for the tip!

[@eliminator7ful]

I love your videos. Keep up the great work. This is right up my alley, err, canyon.

[@richardnowakowski3981]

Awesome video and i find it most interesting that you can experience total sunshine in the canyon and then all of the sudden get hit by a giant wall of water. What a dangerous but glorious place.

[@dear_darling]

Amazing share thank you 🙏🏽 incredible story

[@bonblue4993]

Thanks for the tour of the canyons!

[@leighsayers2628]

Fabulous ,.beautiful vision and story telling ..loved watching .. From Australia.

[@the_pov_channel]

I want to Visit the Northen Territories in your country! Lots of beautiful nature and canyons there

[@leighsayers2628]

@@the_pov_channel there certainly is ..Australia is a beautiful country

[@haemstah]

​@@the_pov_channellived up there during the 90s. Defo lots of cool spots.

[@LeeXiaoMei]

My new favorite channel. Keep living the life! It’s great that I can be a pocket buddy.

[@dyannejohnson6184]

That was bittersweet….yes your right about the flash floods in deserts

[@Holy.HannaH]

Nice. Very interesting. Really appreciate your curiosity and passion and excitement for personal exploration.

[@sonnystephens3753]

Oh this is cool. Glad I found you as a smaller channel. When you have a half million subs I can claim I’ve been knowing about your work for a long time. lol 😎 be safe out there.

[@DameEdnaBrown]

Great video, thankyou so much for sharing it

[@mlove11111]

Be safe always . Thank you for your journeys .🏕️

[@MausTheGerman]

My new favorite channel on KZbin. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[@lynnh4923]

Great video with exception of Linda and George losing their lives...may they rest in peace. You are a very brave soul and keep on having these types of adventures while you're young...not saying you can't do them when you're older but I think it's better for many different reasons when you are younger!

[@DianeHasHopeInChrist]

Love your channel, which showed up on my suggestion list. New Sub! Great video.....going to binge watch!❤

[@KimberlySparks-wr6bh]

Just random crossed your videos. They're great. I can't wait for part 2. I gave you a thumbs up and I have subscribed. Hope that helps.

[@the_pov_channel]

Thx 🤙

[@KevinBrunt-os9nw]

Awesome video young man!

[@imonearthnow1903]

Love your channel!

[@the_pov_channel]

no u

[@NCloyd51]

Aggressive hiking. Great pair of videos. Narration and story telling is so interesting.

[@Foliaire]

your vids are of incredible quality, pure from all the modern theatrical bullshit formats, so elegantly directed. that gem of fresh air. we request more emphasizing on encountered fauna/flora, self's survival points, random anecdota/details... or we just want more at this point! now i learned how sick of a biotope US canyons are, such a peaceful and "cosy" playground if you're methodical enough like even the surrounding quantity of live forms is never overwhelming XD scattered vernal pools, lophophoras, geology, traces of native humans... nahhhhhhh (last frame is savage, you were only sticking your legs up the sky away from getting struck by lightning)

[@justiceLaw0123]

I’m 2 minutes into the video and so glad I found and subscribed to your channel. I love the fact of you taking us to the place where it all happened. Okay, now I’m nervous 4:10 you really have guts going there alone. Glad you made it out safe. I enjoyed the video, thank you for the journey.

[@Robert_Robertson]

*Just Vote for Trump & Everything wiLL be ALright!!!*

[@1983mojo1]

Great story and video ,made me subscribe.!!

[@carolschuh5947]

Wow you have awesome videos....stay safe!

[@ashm3228]

Love your vids man, never heard about the deaths but you told it and presented it in such a fantastic way and in great quality. Your quads are huge btw, you play soccer/football? Lol

[@the_pov_channel]

Thanks, really appreciate that. I spend alot of time in the gym to make sure I can do this kinda thing safely.

[@dhw14]

What was so strange about their deaths? They ignored the weather and paid the price. So unnecessary.

[@maryhairy1]

This hiking area is stunning!

[@fridolinnatter5702]

Hello, great work! I am from Germany and have read that book too, so how unique to learn that you actually found yourself the place of their last stay ! I am much impressed by your exciting videos and wish you much luck, be careful please ! Thanks a lot , I am following you..

[@NicoleBentley-xv5il]

Its crazy you go alone. I would be so afraid. Thank you for the video and the book info. I would like to read that book.

[@andrewreinke6562]

You’re right about the food tasting best when you’re camping however, you chose one of the best brands for freeze dried food I’ve ever come across.

[@the_pov_channel]

Peak refuel slaps

[@averywatlington5263]

Great video, thanks

[@kaywin132]

Awesome video 🌷

[@bibilopez849]

New sub! Love your channel 😊

[@heatherfeather7277]

This is so cool!! I’m happy I found this because I absolutely love this channel! You did well in doing this solo, awesome filmography; very impressive. Let me know if you want to go on an adventure to find some hidden treasure. I’m down and there’s a lot of bread crumbs to a couple stories of allegedly Jesse James’ buried treasure locally. I have theories on potential locations. One involves a bluff region and a 40 square mile medicine wheel, sacred ground. Many people have attempted to find said treasure; all have failed in doing so. Lmk if you’re interested! Love the channel and I encourage you to continue making these! The earth is so stunning. 💜

[@rickschulte8594]

Great vlog, very interesting and makes one think

[@kittykaht1944]

I appreciate seeing you pick up after the litter-bug. ♥️🐞

[@lotto88lot]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 I was in Grand Canyon, it’s an amazing, and have to respect the power of nature!

[@supersonicdevin3212]

That would be wild after reading the book. How cool.

[@DoyleHargraves]

The desert is so timeless.

[@shirleyrichards2514]

Wow! This so cool is your video l just like all your other videos. Sorry about your drown. Those Canyons and all that rock 🪨 are awesome 😊 Thank you for sharing ☆♡☆

[@ozzy2725]

awesome video,awesome story, you got a new subscriber

[@jaydeedubya]

So awesome!

[@James-mb6jt]

great story telling

[@ahmed-ed4sd]

You are looking at collapsed concrete and steel buildings, the smaller holes are pancaked concrete floors.

[@debrabogans7215]

Chief Waterfall says respect goes a long ways...

[@Dlanddrum]

Very good video, thank you for sharing it! what software or web page did you use for the flyover view of the river and canyon in the video?

[@olabashanda]

Fascinating book!

[@tonics7121]

Outstanding.

[@lynnnunezwhitlock1073]

Fascinating be careful ❤

[@dean-zb9nt]

Thank you. Be Careful out there okay kid. God Bless you.

[@anthonyrenaud5783]

That's pretty brave being out there all by yourself.