Hiking 800 miles across the desert - The Hayduke Trail Section 10

The final episode of the Figure it Out series. I thought I was just going to stroll on through to the end, but I should have known better. The Hayduke wasn't going to let me go that easy. Due to my own mistakes and some vague directions I ran into the hardest navigational challenge of the whole hike on the last day.
By the time I reached the western terminus in Zion National Park, I realized that all the best parts have already happened. Reaching the end just means the hike is over and I have some mixed feelings about that.
If you would like to support this channel please consider buying the book I just released based on the Hayduke hike. It's called "The Regular Life" and it goes into much greater depth about the psychological aspects of spending time in the wilderness.
fiveacesmedia....
Intro music created by: John Richard Thompson, Jacob David Van Loon & Now With Real Humans

[@colinmarx5025]

I can tell that this series represents a massive amount of work, and believe me when I say that it shows. The dialogue, editing, and imagery are wonderfully balanced and really capture the vibes and headspace of a remote thru-hike. You should be very proud. Thanks for sharing!

[@chadaustin6438]

Loved the entire series. I was fortunate enough to stumble upon your PNT doc a couple years ago and have seen everything since. Didn’t think I had any interest in hiking the Hayduke until watching this series. Thanks for always making thoughtful projects. I get a lot more out of your films than any of the other backpacking/wilderness creators I follow. The passion shows.

[@brucepierson844]

Tremendous accomplishment ! I have watched all of your KZbin videos, excellent photography and narration. You took a lot of risks, I am glad you are safe. I look forward to seeing your next adventure .

[@lindahikes2760]

Alex, I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed your series. I watch a lot of You Tube videos in "passing". But, whenever I saw one of yours come up, I get rid of distractions and watch yours intently. Awesome shooting, editing and story line. Thanks for sharing your adventure!

[@WildernessMindset]

I know what you mean by watching videos in passing. I do the same thing, but every once in a while a video will grab all of my attention. I'm honored to do that for someone else!

[@johnkolehmainen2666]

The documentary sure lived up to it's title! I really enjoyed all the episodes and your narratives about what thoughts and feelings were going through your mind on the hike.

[@WildernessMindset]

thanks John! Lot's of time to think out there.

[@fernharmon4092]

Alex thank you so much for this series. I savored each and every one and it was hard to watch this last episode, much like finishing a good book I did not want to come to the end.

[@cburton103]

Incredible series. Thanks for taking the time to make it. I’ll be backpacking the needles district in a couple months living in pure luxury compared to this. It was great seeing all of the different areas, as well as seeing your progression in skills, mindset, and the confidence you built overcoming each obstacle.

[@burningbeard9478]

Thanks, I truly enjoyed the journey and your editing style...that was definitely one of the hardest trails I've ever seen...congratulations

[@travisdeuel]

Really enjoyed this series Alex. Great balance of commentary, silent visuals, guide, guest appearances, along with a variety of camera angles. This long format really paints a grand experience for the view. Appreciate you taking the time to do all of this!

[@yannledochowski4264]

This series is really well done! GOod job!

[@jamescampi50]

Alex, this video series is exceptional. Thoroughly enjoyed the metaphorical musings on your trail experiences. You definitely were on more than one journey out there on the “Hayduke Trail” A

[@davebraunlich]

This entire series was extremely well done. Thank you.

[@peterbsilverman]

Really excellent work. Making a film of this caliber while dealing with the physical challenge of the route and the harshness of that environment is no small feat. Bravo.

[@WildernessMindset]

thank you! I have a lot of fun with the filming and I think I would actually enjoy the hike less if I wasn't filming.

[@lilredheadmlh]

Loved watching through the entire series!! Really well filmed and produced! I hope to do the Hayduke someday soon!

[@zachzimmerman4092]

Aww man I'm sorry to see the series end! Thanks for all the hard work that went into making this, I really enjoyed it!

[@michaelrockinger]

Well done Alex! Thanks for sharing this amazing series of videos. Your filming skills are awesome. And this trail takes one by the bowels.

[@bcd689]

Thanks for taking the time to upload this. At 69 years of age with feet and back issues this is something I will never have the energy or opportunity to do. About 15 years ago I did GC rim to rim, spent one night at Phantom Ranch and ate their famous stew. Also went to Zion, Canyonlands, Arches and Bryce Canyon so lots of memories here - fantastic dialogue, one can take alot from this storyline. Safe travels buddy - John (Melbourne Australia)

[@jaypete3500]

Great series

[@cosmicbackwoods]

this is a beautiful series. thank you for sharing it with us

[@WildernessMindset]

Thanks Benjamin! Help me share it with more people if you don't mind.

[@nikolasalmodovar6420]

Alex, I love your strength, wisdom and storytelling! Keep going. Wish you the best!

[@LCThompson]

This was a first rate production with fabulous photography. I hope the Hayduke never becomes popular as it doesn't lend itself to the facilities and gentrification of some of the other long distance trails. This hike was truly an adventure, and I hope it stays that way. Thanks.

[@MdvGau]

Please list the top three "metaphors" you discovered. I guess I missed them...thx.

[@backcountryagenda5507]

was the Dairy Stand on the dirt road to Water Canyon? I think i saw it in Jan. I also saw the FLDS for the first time and thought I walked into a scene of " children of the corn"

[@Khumbu0609]

Quality filmmaking, and more entertaining than anything on Netflix! I loved this. I enjoyed the commentary, too. It landed just right with the highs and the challenges. Back in the '70s I did a lot of solo backpacking in the Sierra, and I've driven just about every road in Southern Utah multiple times, but seeing it up close and personal was spectacular. I'm impressed by the hike itself and by this excellent documentary. Hey, I'm curious if #2 faced the same challenges with Fat Man's Misery?

[@WildernessMindset]

Awesome I'm jealous, I want to do some hiking in the sierras. Was it crowded back then? Nope #2 got through it much more smoothly than I did. I think all my problems there were self-created haha.

[@Khumbu0609]

@@WildernessMindset There were crowds in Yosemite, although I climbed the cable route on Half Dome, and I was the only one there! No permits, no crowds. Outside of Yosemite it wasn't crowded anyplace I went.

[@WildernessMindset]

@@Khumbu0609 wow that's awesome. I've only driven through Yosemite once but I've heard it's the most crowded park in the country now.

[@Khumbu0609]

@@WildernessMindset Sadly, it is. I live close enough for day trips, and I still love it dearly, though. Hey, one last question: were you influenced at all by Edward Abbey to do the Hayduke Trail?

[@WildernessMindset]

@@Khumbu0609 One of my friends I met on the Pacific Northwest Trail inspired me to do the Hayduke. But once I had decided to do it, I read the Monkey Wrench Gang. That book colored the landscape for me and gave it a sort of attitude that I wouldn't have known otherwise.

[@potatothorn]

well, we were so hooked Rox and I watched all the rest of the videos today/ WOW what a series... good job figuring it out at the end there, i can see how it would be easy to get off route// i got a little lost in the canyon above weeping rock on my way down from the east rim, it is crazy how many footprints will lead you right off trail in some places... like why did you see a rope in the first wrong canyon? crazy... /everyone gets lost at some point i think it makes for more adventure thanks so much for taking us with you, and again/ GREAT series

[@WildernessMindset]

I definitely made a lot of wrong turns, most of them just weren't that dramatic so they didn't make it into the movie ha. I was wondering why I saw a rope in that first route. Im sure some people go through there on purpose, it was just misleading for me to see it. And I know what you mean about the footprints, especially in a national park. They go everywhere, I feel like you could follow some off a cliff if you're not careful lol.

[@MrProach2]

Thank you for that series, Alex. I've just watched all ten episodes end-to-end. I enjoyed your commentary and philosophy more than the scenery, because I've seen much of that scenery myself after spending over 30 years hiking & canyoneering in southern Utah (despite living in England!) I have also flown across most of it in a small plane; you get a different perspective again. I've never done the Hayduke (nor will I...too old & unfit now!) but I will continue to do shorter hikes & canyons again when the travel restrictions are lifted. I'm amazed that your videos get so few views. Rob (from UK)

[@WildernessMindset]

Hi Rob thanks! That's some big dedication to fly all the way over here so many time to hike the canyon country. I can definitely understand the attraction though. It would be really cool to fly over it in a small plane, you'd really get a sense of the scale of some of those places. The philosophy stuff is my favorite too, it's what motivates me and it's what I'm really looking for when I'm out there.

[@Moose_And_Bugs]

Thanks for creating this video series. I was actually really inspired by "A Sense of Direction", your PNT video and thru hiked it last summer, this may be next on the list . Also met a couple in Glacier on the PNT who had just finished the Hayduke, first time I heard of it. Wild adventure! Keep it up man!

[@WildernessMindset]

awesome, glad to hear it! Pretty rare to meet someone who has just finished the Hayduke haha. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions about the trail.

[@eveostay99]

Wonderful series! Thanks for taking the time to make this. I enjoyed seeing your adventure and hearing your philosophies.

[@WildernessMindset]

No problem it took a long time but I had a lot of fun making it.

[@nks487]

haha, I can''t even remember the number of times I've fucked up nav on the final legs! You just get complacent when u can see the end in sight! Great video series btw! I am going to watch all of them! Edit: No reason to be pissed off! Looks like you tried some incorrect climbs out and correctly backed off when the climbing became too difficult. So that's good judgement.

[@WildernessMindset]

I'm both glad and sorry that you can relate haha. It's frustrating when you're expecting it to be easy. It wouldn't have been so bad if I knew it was going to be hard.

[@swnorcraft7971]

Just finished ep10. Watched the whole series in two days. Riveting! Great filming and editing, better than almost any commercially produced doc film. The amount of personal effort you put into the filming is awe inspiring. I like your choices of music and the limited amount. Too many overdo the music....poor choices and way too much. I watch an occasional movie and forget all of it by the next day. "Figure it out" will be on my mind for weeks. Thank you so much for sharing....your insights, philosophy and honesty are truly refreshing.

[@WildernessMindset]

thanks for taking the time to watch it all! It's hard to grab people's attention, especially for long form stuff like this. So it's a huge compliment just to hear that someone watched the whole thing haha.

[@denisehawkins3534]

Absolutely phenomenal series, Alex. I spent about 10 years in Utah and recognized many of the places along your route from weekend and week long trips to southern Utah, but had never heard of the Hayduke. Binged the entire series when I should have been working and I regret nothing : ) I'll definitely be checking out all of your other videos, and spreading the word to my hiker friends!

[@WildernessMindset]

i'm happy to be your method of procrastination haha. Thanks for watching!

[@tcmauer]

Thanks so much for this series. Excellent commentary. I'll be on the Hayduke in a month's time and your documentary has given me so much to look forward to!

[@WildernessMindset]

wow I guess it is that time again already. Good luck you're going to be blown away!

[@troymckaskle]

Absolutely epic. Well done!

[@JasonCaster]

Hey Alex amazing work on your documentary. Watched on Amazon. Loved your insights! I created a documentary on my PCT hike and I know the work it takes to set up your camera to film yourself hiking and then returning to get the camera. You end up hiking twice the mileage. I also appreciate your editing and music choice. Nice life’s work right there! Well done and maybe we will hike together one day! -Jason (radar)

[@WildernessMindset]

Nice! yeah hopefully we'll run into each other on the trail someday.

[@HM-gk3rq]

great series! thanks so much :)

[@hikerccter9036]

I know I am late, but had to thank you for taking us on the ride. As beautiful as your work is, the narration really brings it home. Your an amazing young man.

[@WildernessMindset]

You're to kind ha thank you!

[@brianwofford3831]

Awesome, thanks!

[@lyndonreddick1888]

Shoot! it's over, and enjoyed the series and the hiking adventures. You got thrown a curve there in Zion- Fat Man's misery is mentioned in Jamal Green's Across Utah series. But, he last did a reprise of his first Hayduke (by- passing GC) in 2018, so I don't know if you've seen them at all for reference. If you had- well, he is very thorough and meticulous. Cool how you ended it at Weeping Rock, reminds one the tunnels on the Zion highway. Kudos, bro. (oh, and I should say- I liked hearing your philosophizing). And glad you got through safely.

[@WildernessMindset]

Yep of course I didn't see Jamal's hike through there until after I finished the Hayduke. He was going the opposite direction but that sure would have helped haha. Just to see what it looks like. Looking back I wish I would have kept going past Weeping Rock. There's a lot more in Zion that I didn't get to see. I was pretty ready to be done by then though ha.

[@lyndonreddick1888]

Don't be mad, I ended up driving through Zion's main Hwy in the dark though I spent the day up on Kolob Terrace. I think that waterfall, and the bi-pass were in Jamal's hike vid. Still, it was nice to compare the styles. You had some cool music to go with the pan and zoom shots, also some neat country between Colorado City, and Hilldale, I didn't know about. Weird how that Weeping Seemed to be near the Hwy yet all I could see was a huge cliff face. Guess it was up above. I have the Hayduke guidebook and I'm going to do some offshoots of places that I've seen on both Jamsl's and your vids, can't wait.

[@fredericmurer9221]

Alex, I hate you! I came across your videos a few days ago and got stuck for hours on end to my computer screen and now I'm having a hard time catching up with work. But, man, what a wonderful journey I've made thanks to you. Thank you so much for sharing your adventure with such class. Cheers from France.

[@WildernessMindset]

Hey Frederic sorry about that, but that's probably the best compliment you can give me haha. I'm glad to distract you from work.

[@fredericmurer9221]

@@WildernessMindset ;)

[@edmiesen5030]

Alex, I appreciate what you have done for us. I'm especially grateful, because I was planning to continue my through-hiking career on The Hayduke but was stopped by serious cancer. Man, I studied that guide book and visited portions of the trail to get the "feel" of what it is. Now, It's not possible to go, but your series took me there and I experienced it though your eyes. Thank you sincerely. Papi Chulo

[@WildernessMindset]

Wow Papi I'm really sorry to hear that. I know the video only offers a fraction of what it's like to be out there but I'm glad you found it. I wish you the best of luck!

[@edmiesen5030]

Fortunately, I backpacked some of the trail in Spring: Arches, Needles, Dark Canyon, Bryce, Zion. It’s stunningly beautiful and so remote.

[@annienelson527]

Fantastic series, Alex! Your video work, and storytelling were top level. Gorgeous. What a humbling way to end a thru-hike! You expect to feel accomplished, and some mastery of this new terrain you've spent so much time in, and then it hands you one last reminder of nature's mastery over you.

[@WildernessMindset]

haha that's exactly what happened. A very fitting end for a trail like the Hayduke I thought. I'm looking forward to your hiking projects this year if you are still planning on doing those.

[@annienelson527]

Alex Maier baring any health catastrophes during the next three months, we’re a go.

[@hikerstl]

What a wonderful experience for you. I enjoyed your thoughtful commentary. I have visited many of the areas on weeklong backpacking trips, but tackled very little that this route demands. Great achievement. I bet you will remember your route finding up out of the Virgin River for the rest of your life.

[@drufner8305]

We are missing new installments of your videos already. I know it is not typically what you do, but I personally would love to see a video of your equipment list on your trek across the Hayduke.

[@luissaucedodebergerac2000]

Alex. How many days did you spent on the trail and how many total with zeros in general.

[@WildernessMindset]

The whole hike was 67 days. I don't know the exact number of zero days but I think it was around 10. We got stuck in tropic for 6 days because of weather haha.

[@luissaucedodebergerac2000]

You really rock.

[@rand0m0nium]

Great job Alex! Amazing series. Thanks for posting.

[@deniselarson2124]

Loved this series Alex, thank you for sharing your adventures! I look forward to seeing more of your wotk.

[@gsagebrush]

Great series!!! Could you come out with a "making of" episode that shows what gear you use to make video, and your shooting process? And I am curious what you are using for map animations. Also, when you show an aerial shot, presumably from a drone, in the intro to the Hayduke series, was that a one-time thing and you do not normally carry a drone? What is your base weight of video/audio gear? Again, fine work and looking forward to your next series.

[@WildernessMindset]

I've had a few requests to do that I definitely will at some point. I live in Michigan and it's super snowy outside so I might wait until spring to make that video. For the maps I just used screen shots of the actual online map from my GPS tracker. Then animated it in after effects. I started out the trail with a drone and was planning on carrying it the whole way but it was just too much. When the choice came down to carrying more water and food or a drone I had to send the drone home haha. If the sections between resupply points were shorter I could have kept it. All of my camera gear, including the drone weighed about 10 pounds. After I sent the drone home I was carrying about 6 pounds of camera gear. My regular pack base weight was around 20 pounds. Thanks for watching!

[@rickostheimer8203]

30 lb base weight: that explains your pack. It looks like my pre-medium light weight monster, my Gregory Denali. Kudos for humping all that gear, when you filmed from the tripod 3 times. I've recommended your series to folks who ask what I'm up to during my training hikes.

[@WildernessMindset]

Yep I bought most of my gear before I knew much about ultralight hiking. It seems to work well and it's nice to have the extra room for camera gear.

[@coolthingsbyjames]

It has been such a pleasure to follow these videos. Definitely some of the highest quality and most underrated thru-hiking content I've seen. I'm more than excited for what you make next, Alex!

[@WillFink]

Brilliantly done, sir! I don't normally watch videos of trails on my to-do-list, but this one sucked me in. Kudos to you for sticking it out and filming the entire trek. Your commentary as well was spot on. It's always interesting to me how hikers mind's tend to work the same way.

[@WildernessMindset]

Thanks! I'm sure we both know that everyone's experience is different on the trail so the movie shouldn't spoil it too much for you ha. Sometimes I wonder if the wilderness makes a person's mind work that way or if people who's mind already works that way are drawn to the wilderness. It's a question of causation or correlation I guess, what do you think?

[@WillFink]

@@WildernessMindset I tend to lean towards similar minded people being drawn towards similar things. But there definitely seems to be a trans-formative element as well!

[@WildernessMindset]

Well put I think you're right too.

[@dennyegstad1477]

Awesome! Great film. Ed Abby is one of my favorites and you are a true tribute to Hayduke.

[@welve247]

Enjoyed watching the series. Thank you!

[@PaulBeiser]

Alex, what an unbelievable series, thanks so much. I "binged watched" the first 9 episodes, but it took me a long time to watch the last one, since I did not want it to end. Incredible backpack, but also more incredible the video you captured / edited to make such a compelling story! And it must have been XTRA hard - the hiking is hard enough, but taking time to get the wonderful scenes/repeats you did just added to your adventure. Now.. I am going back to watch the series again, to prepare myself to Figure it Out on my next backpack. Thanks again so much! btw, did you ever see #2 again??

[@WildernessMindset]

Thanks Paul, the filming is extra work but I have a lot of fun doing it. That's the only way I can put up with it haha. #2 just happens to live right near where I grew up so I've been able to see him a couple times when I go home.

[@PaulBeiser]

@@WildernessMindset Thanks Alex! If you see #2, tell him I can relate, my trail name is "Blaster" :-). Your video work was awesome, but the lessons/teachings of your work was exceptional.

[@WildernessMindset]

haha I have to hear the story behind your trailname

[@PaulBeiser]

@@WildernessMindset haha better to hear than experience.. :-)

[@Uaglione91]

Awesome job, Alex! Beautiful series!

[@claytonfs]

That Virgin River exit... what a roller coaster!

[@nathanaelkolb4024]

Excellent series! Some of the highest quality and most interesting on youtube. Being from Michigan, I also really enjoyed your UP series. Thanks!!!

[@WildernessMindset]

thanks! I am planning some more projects in the UP now too.

[@steveduffy5784]

Bravo! Nice work. Good series. Honorable mention, photography wise, was the canyon wall, with the shade of the trees dancing on it. I've been to all the National parks in Utah, & Arizona, but nice to see all that awesome scenery that lies around them. True grit young man way to soldier on, through the beauty, and the struggle.

[@WildernessMindset]

thanks for noticing that shot, I was kind of proud of that one ha. The struggle makes the beauty of it even better. What's your favorite park there?

[@steveduffy5784]

@@WildernessMindset While all the parks are getting overcrowded (I'm an old wilderness, off trail, orienteering hiker) I'd have to say Zion just for the two amazing, and unique hikes there - the Narrows and Angels Landing.

[@WildernessMindset]

@@steveduffy5784 I thought about doing the Angel's Landing hike when I finished but I was very ready for a break haha. In hindsight I wish I did it though. That parks are definitely getting more crowded but it seems like if you hike 5 miles you escape 90% of the crowds.

[@steveduffy5784]

@@WildernessMindset I used to work at Yosemite and unless you were doing one of the more popular trails, like Half Dome, or Yosemite Falls, a few minutes on the trail and you were away from most of the crowds. What's in your mind for the next big adventure?

[@WildernessMindset]

@@steveduffy5784 Nice Yosemite is amazing, I've only driven through it but I want to spend a lot more time there. It's one of the most crowded parks too right? I'm not sure what I'll do next. I'm not sure if I should do another trail in the US or try and go outside the country.

[@runjerryrun]

Well done, Money Shot! I enjoyed watching the episodes each week. Best of luck in the next advanture!

[@WildernessMindset]

thanks ohm boy, same to you! Anything planned so far?

[@mikewickham]

I really enjoyed the series. Sorry to see it end!

[@ericmoll1303]

Thanks! Really enjoyed the series!

[@robert7315]

whats the next big hike?

[@WildernessMindset]

I'm not sure yet. Things have been busy after getting back. I'm thinking about doing something other than a thru hike for the next project. Maybe spending a long time in a relatively small area.

[@robert7315]

@@WildernessMindset hold the line