Better than the Zion Narrows? - Backpacking Parunuweap Canyon, Utah
Better than the Zion Narrows? - Backpacking Parunuweap Canyon, Utah
Let's face it, the Zion Narrows are crowded. And if you want permits to hike top down, they're hard to get. While researching that trip, I stumbled across another, lesser known alternative; Parunuweap Canyon. No, it isn't the Zion Narrows. However, it has a section - known as the Barracks - that is very similar. But wait. There's more. And depending on what you like, more may be better than the Zion Narrows.
Parunuweap Canyon doesn't require permits at all. It's actually located along the east fork of the Virgin River, starting at Mount Carmel Junction, Utah and extending into Zion National Park. Note that the portion past Labyrnth Falls (at the border of Zion National Park) is a wilderness study area which you are not allowed to enter. But that's fine, because the area you ARE allowed into is incredible. There are numerous canyons - both named and unnamed - that you can explore. Most are fairly narrow with red rock walls extending hundreds of feet up. Rock Canyon was a beautiful canyon that contained a riparian stretch that was very unexpected given the surrounding landscape. French Canyon was a tight slot with beautiful red rock walls and a clear stream running through it. Both of these canyons can be descended with technical gear and experience.
Originally, we planned to hike in from Mount Carmel Junction, camp a Rock Canyon and day hike to Labyrnth Falls, then revere the trip back to our car. But Tina found a canyoneering beta for Rock Canyon that included a sneak route that would drop us straight into Rock Canyon after a 1~2 mile hike. I'd read that the first 4 or so miles from Mount Carmel Junction were an open wash with unspectacular views, so that option sounded great. But....
The roads to the sneak route were by Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Not surprisingly, there is a lot of sand around Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Lots of sand. Deep sand. The roads were definitely the worst sand roads I've ever been on; do not attempt this without the right vehicle and the right gear to get you out if you get stuck.
But we made it and the trip in was perfect. Short and sweet and right into the scenic part of the canyon. We camped at the confluence of Rock Canyon and the East Fork of the Virgin River. There was a spring nearby and petroglyphs right across the river from us. Couldn't have asked for a better spot.
Day 1 we explored Rock Canyon, a couple side canyons and walked upstream to the Desolation gullies.
Day 2 was the big day. We walked downstream toward the falls. The canyon was beautiful almost immediately; the same light grey/blue waters as the Zion Narrows, only with tall red rock walls instead of the greyish walls the narrows are known for. There were several beautiful alcoves that reminded me of Jacob Hamblin Arch. And plenty of great campsites and springs.
After several miles, we came to the Barracks. In this section, the walls closed in on the river, but again, they were red instead of grey. We went a short way up French Canyon, which was absolutely gorgeous.
Around this time I realized the hike was a lot longer than I anticipated, so we had to speed up and shorten our trip into French Canyon....and skip our planned trip up Poverty Wash completely.
But Parunuweap Canyon just continued to wow at every turn. My intended itinerary was to see Misery Canyon, the Powell Plaque and Labyrnth Falls. Out of those, I REALLY wanted to see Misery Canyon the most. So we continued on.
Eventually we came to the one major obstacle in the canyon; an unnamed waterfall. It can range from easy to impassable depending on log and rock placement. When we were there, it was impassable. Luckily, there was a bypass to the canyon left that we knew about. A short bit of fun scrambling and we were around it and back in the canyon.
And the canyon just kept getting better and better. We eventually came up to Misery Canyon and were able to climb up into it a bit. There was a chamber in Misery Canyon I had read about that contains a double arch. I read you could climb up to it, but you have to be a better climber than me. I couldn't get to it. Still, Misery Canyon was beautiful and I will definitely be back to canyoneer it.
After Misery Canyon, Parunuweap Canyon's walls got taller and closer together. And grey. The next half mile or so looked exactly like the Zion Narrows. Only there was no one there but us. This was definitely our favorite part of the trip.
We eventually came upon the Powell Plaque; a memorial to John W. Powell. I don't know who decided this remote and unknown canyon was a good place for a memorial, but I like their thinking. I would love a similar memorial in some remote place.
Anyway, we didn't have enough time for the falls, and I had heard you needed a hand line (which I brought), so we turned around and booked it out.
I absolutely loved this place
Пікірлер: 179
MayThere be NOWHERE that YOU can go, that BEAUTY will not rush to beat you there❤❤❤
Stunningly beautiful!!! I love it when people take me places I’ve never been and Will probably never get a chance to see! Thanks!
I love to hike in beautiful places with people who make me laugh. Thanks for the virtual trip. The ending was hilarious.
Tbh Ive only watched two of your videos, but y'all are the energy i need in my life. the outdoorsy playfulness sarcastic teasing.the whole vibe is immaculate.
I’ve done the Narrows twice . This looks amazing and way more calm. Love you guys. Thanks for the videos.
Awesome looking hike. Subbed to your channel a few videos back. Great stuff. I appreciate the info and how genuine you both are.
KZread recommended your channel! Thanks for sharing!
What a great place. As I watched I was transported back some 55 years to a time when I explored the woods near my grandmother’s farm all by myself. Those woods are no match in terms of beauty but the sense of adventure and wonder for a young boy was essential to my development into an adolescent and played a huge role in making me self-reliant. I’m thankful for that and thankful for your videos. You guys are great!
Some of the best camera work keep it up. Love it.
Wow, this you tube video #3 of yours for me today. I really like this one. I have not been to these places. I have been to coyote gulch and the start of buckskin and a lot of the Needles and Island in the Sky. And the whole of the white rim trail. But this video was awesome, thanks a lot.
Really enjoy your videos!! 😁 thank you for sharing
You guys are awesome and amazing
Great job Jerry.
New follower. Love your style of video. Amazing place. Thank you for sharing. Can’t believe it took me till now to find your Chanel.
Great job on the videos! They inspire me to get out and about. Thanks! :-)
You guys knocked it out of the park on this one! Great adventure and edits!!
Thanks so much for sharing !
I adore you guys! I love your videos. They are so delightful to watch both for the inspiration of nature but also for the inspiration as a couple. You two make me laugh. Thank you so much.
Just want to tell you guys that you have inspired me to live my life full of life. I love your videos, experiences and how you put it all together for us to watch. Maybe I’ll see you on the trails . God bless u both
@JerryArizona
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! We'll be out there.
You freakin killed it, so beautiful, thank you for making my day
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
This was a fun trip. Highly recommended, although difficult to get to.
Blew my Mind! Thank You Both.
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
Blew my mind too! I want to get back down there and take the technical route through Misery, then take the Barracks down to the falls. Hopefully next year.
So beautiful.
Great video!
Beautiful! Certainly rivals the Narrows, without the hordes of people. Thanks for sharing 👍
@JerryArizona
Жыл бұрын
Narrows top down is a great hike as well. Gets crowded at the bottom, but worth it.
I love your expedition! Thanks for the alternatives!
Awesome adventure
You guys are so F@#%ing awesome!! Love your videos!! You make us wish we had did this kind of hiking when we were younger!! Please keep sharing and quit bleeping! ;)
Nice to meet you in buckskin gulch on Sunday (June 7). We just came out from Lee’s ferry after 3 days backpacking. Thank you for posting so many fantastic videos. Many cool places in your video have been added into my bucket list. Please keep posting good videos! Thanks!
@JerryArizona
4 жыл бұрын
Good to meet you too! Funny you posted this, because I am editing the buckskin video right now. I literally JUST did a clip of you and your party into the video...It's only a grainy, quick shot though. If you e mail me (e mail in the "about" section) a picture of you guys from your trip, I'll stick it in the video if you want.
@lycheer
4 жыл бұрын
Didn’t find your email(I am not good at looking for this in youtube). It is funny I cannot find a group photo of us, which is 7 people. Our photographer hiked slowly behind us. I put couple of photos from iPhone on Dropbox link here: www.dropbox.com/sh/oyp7voqh46r3rcm/AAAkmssHL7y6MvBvUT706kDva?dl=0. It is ok not to use any of them. We are moving to Escalante hole-in-a-rock area tomorrow for 3 days. Then maybe come back in fall or next summer. Thank you for all your good videos.
I can't believe I hadn't heard of this place until now, definitely on the list when I'm in Springdale again! Thanks Jerry!
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
It's a great spot. I want to go back and do Misery Canyon from Checkerboard Mesa, check out the Barracks to the falls and back out Checkerboard.
@Ashley_Schaeffer
2 жыл бұрын
@@JerryArizona Love checkerboard mesa!
Amazing!! Putting it on my list. My list definitely getting longer cuz of you, Jerry ;)
@JerryArizona
4 жыл бұрын
Always a good thing to have a long list of places to visit. We did this one last second because another trip fell through. It did not disappoint.
Very informative! That sand is awful to drive in. We white knuckled through some similar sand in the hot springs area in Mammoth with an SUV--we were really wishing we our Jeep for it. Appreciate you sharing this trip. It's on my short bucket list now.
@JerryArizona
3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely! This trip led us to buy some appropriate sand gear; boards, portable compressor, shovel, etc. Oddly enough, I got stuck in the sand in my Tacoma a couple weeks later off Hole in the Rock Road and was able to get out just by switching from 4H to 4L. Still, it's good to have the right vehicle and equipment. FYI, I have a 'trail guide' video for Parunuweap that gives more detailed info on the hike, roads, etc. if you are planning a trip. It is a great area, for sure.
Is a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing.
WOW! What an incredible adventure ! Love this!
@JerryArizona
3 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
Nice video.
Just wow! You two are adorable!
Love watching you two. I'm a Utah native and you guys always seem to find the most beautiful places I've never been. It would be awesom if you guys showed a quick map of your route. I appreciate your written explanation. Thanks a bunch for the relaxing video.
@JerryArizona
Жыл бұрын
Really wish I could add a downloadable .gpx file to these videos, but unfortunately, you can't on YT. At least not that I know of. Maybe I'll figure something out someday.
Great video guys!! I get a crack out of Piranha-Weep 😂. I always wanted to go backpacking out that way! This looks like an awesome one to go for! 👍
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
This is definitely a great hike. I also recommend checking out the Zion West Rim Trail in the area. Both totally different, but amazing.
@michael_budda
2 жыл бұрын
@@JerryArizona I did hike in Zion a few years back, not backpacking but did Angels Landing, I loved that! So scenic!
Nice! Gotta do that soon. Glad to see others pucker on those sandy roads.
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
We've since gotten sand boards, a shovel and compressor (and tools, a jack, charger to jump a vehicle, etc.) which should make it better. But man. I do not like deep sand.
@flyinandy8347
2 жыл бұрын
Mother Puckers! 🤣
Awesome!
Wow, i like your Video!
Your videos are the best! Makes me want to get out and explore
@JerryArizona
4 жыл бұрын
That's the idea! Any questions, let me know.
Wow 😯 the hike is harder than I though
Nice! Another great video by you guys. I will be checking out the trail guide video. This looks like a great way to see this canyon
@JerryArizona
4 жыл бұрын
This was a great trip. I highly recommend it. Any questions, let me know.
Beautiful hike. Watch out for rattlesnakes - lots of them.
How wundreful.It must be incredable beeing able to explore these million of years old canyons,,even with a bit of careful fear . Take care. Friendly wishes.
New to this channel. You guys rock!
This looks awesome! I have been looking at doing the narrows but I think we will do this one now first ha
Very impressive you two. I live very near here and have never been there. I agree the sandy roads can be the most scary.
@cher-amirose7109
2 жыл бұрын
Me too. I actually don't know any locals that have hiked this. Hope it never turns into another Zion Disney Land.
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
It's definitely worth checking out. I want to go back and do the technical route down Misery canyon into the Barracks. I've heard it's amazing. Also heard the exit route is horrible, but that's canyoneering.
Loved the IBTAT coffee scene
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
I had no idea what IBTAT was. Now I follow a new channel. Thanks! (Although since I didn't know who he was, I want to watch some of his vids now and see if it's actually IBTAT who does Jerry Arizona coffee scenes....)
Airing down your tires will help immensely in the sand. If upon return to roads you are far from a gas station to air back up, a portable one can be had for very little money. Anything off road related will go better/smoother with less air pressure. Love the video. I just returned from Utah and these are the kind of hikes I want to return to do.
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
It's a great hike. We were supposed to hike the Zion Narrows, but they closed it due to COVID so we scrambled to put this trip together....basically on the drive up. After getting home, I bought a portable compressor, sand boards and a shovel for future trips.
@jasongray9411
Жыл бұрын
@@JerryArizona +1 on dropping air pressure and getting a compressor - surf fishermen on the Outer Banks of NC get great traction driving on the beach with lower air pressure - it makes it all doable. Love your channel, I've learned a lot from you. Grateful.
Wow! Gotta do this hike next time we make it out that way. Looks amazing!
@JerryArizona
3 жыл бұрын
Try to leave enough time to get to the falls.
wow, this place is so cool!
Great hike!! Got to make a trip to Utah
Escobar's is boss. Looks like a cool area, thanks for the video!
Mixed feelings watching this. I finally get to head down next week after having it on my list for several years now and this is a great edit which has me more stoked to get down there, but the crowd free experience you enjoyed won't be enjoyed by many more others who come after you with videos like this getting 60K views and growing.
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
I'm trying to be more careful with this and showcase places that are protected by difficult access, permits or some other deterrent. (Unless they’re already well known.) This one takes a long slog through the sand, backpacking, a high clearance 4WD and/or ropes to access. So that hopefully keeps the crowds limited. Ironically, I just hiked an area this past weekend and just stopped filming midway through the hike. The place was fairly empty, easy to get to, not permitted and beautiful.....so I decided NOT to make a video. Done that plenty of times. I understand those mixed feelings.
@WasatchWill
2 жыл бұрын
@@JerryArizona No worries...I'm guilty of the same sometimes. I think it's human instinct to want to share. It can be a struggle not to. After all, as Chris McCandless penned, "Happiness only real when shared." But we can also get spoiled with solitude once we experience it and that's worth preserving for some areas too, I think. Keeps that mystery alive for others that may stumble into it simply by skimming a map and trying to piece together an adventure in such a location for themselves. The more work and effort that goes into that research and planning with a bit of a gamble when not having a lot of info available for particular trail or route can make the trip all the more rewarding if it is successful, just as you alluded to in this video. I always thought Coyote Gulch would remain pretty crowd free given how remote it is and the rough driving it can take to get down there. I took a trip down there with my wife in 2009, an early October weekend, and my wife and I saw very few people and even got the whole alcove at Jacob Hamblin all to ourselves for a night. However, I don't think we could experience that kind of solitude down there again now days with how viral it seems to be on Instagram and elsewhere. Those crowds down there have now resulted in the need for wag bags and I'm sure limited permits will be necessary in the near future if it continues to grow in popularity, which would make it tougher to access at that point. And I do respect the permit system being needed for some places, a necessary evil if you will. Angels Landing becoming the most recent victim of overcrowding and now needing a permit to legally access. So yeah...definitely worth exercising caution with what location details we share with our videos and other social media content as LNT principles can extend there a bit as well. There may be a few in my group that do youtube videos and a couple have pretty big followings and don't typically hold back on sharing the locations of their adventures, so, guess we'll see...it is what it is. Mixed feelings indeed. I've considered being more open about locations in some of my videos for the few subscribers I have, but be more discreet in the title and description to make it less searchable. But I don't know...I also figure with titles and descriptions, if people find it, it's because they already know about it and are now actively researching it unless they stumble into it as a suggested/related video to something else they were watching. Was going to call mine "Not the Narrows" but thinking about it now, other folks looking up stuff to watch for the actual "Narrows" in Zion would then see that as a suggested video. So maybe keeping it to the actual location name is better after all. Hmmm....decisions, decisions. If nothing else, we can at least drive home the benefits of being respectful of the landscapes and all that we encounter in them, being courteous to others we encounter, learning and practicing LNT, and thus use our platforms to educate others on how to preserve the beauty we encounter and the ecosystems that contribute to that beauty. Anyway...sorry for the lengthy reply but you do have a new subscriber in me now and I look forward to following along on more of the journeys you do share.
@steveperreira5850
2 жыл бұрын
You have an understandable lament!! Absolutely more people will go there after seeing this video. I do a lot of hiking to secret places and I don’t think I’m gonna be telling people exactly where they are if I ever make KZread videos. The places I go here in the wilds of California, no other humans ever ago, and they are like paradise.
@WasatchWill
2 жыл бұрын
@@steveperreira5850 Same here...I'll reveal info for places that have already become popular or others have shared to the masses, but I have a number of pristine and amazing spots that I'll always keep close to my chest.
@JerryArizona
Жыл бұрын
@@WasatchWill these are all valid points. I'm sure I have added to the problem and will admit I've been guilty of both mistakes and poor choices. Recently took down one of those videos that I felt was especially bad for the location. It's a fine line. I'm a huge fan of permit systems. The more difficult to obtain, the better. I was really disappointed that they recently increased the number of daily permits for the Wave. I'd rather never get to go than have them make it easier to go......
That Great Jerry and Tina- 55,000 views! Woohoo!! Gorgeous amazing hike!! Thanks!😊
The people who used to live there, were very happy. Makes me wonder what happened to them.
Jerry can you post a trailhead map other than entering from the west side of Checkerboard Mesa? Thanks!! Great video, great comedy too!
@JerryArizona
4 жыл бұрын
Glad you liked it! I'm thinking of making a separate "trail guide" type video with more info if you want to plan the trip. However, if you look up Rock Canyon Utah and search enough, there are some canyoneering beta write ups that you can get the road info from.
@shanek1962
4 жыл бұрын
Jerry Arizona Thank you, Jerry. We were visiting the Escalante/Zion areas last week. My wife and I connected the Right Fork to Grapevine, to Left Fork and eventually the Subway. Then watched your 10 tips. Oops. 13 hours later we finished. Dead. The road you took in would be most helpful. I knew about the Checkerboard Mesa entrance with CUSA, but not a drive in method. I’ll look further. Again great videos, and very useful. Thanks for posting.
@JerryArizona
3 жыл бұрын
@@johnperic6860 been there twice now. Love Aravaipa
Awesome videos! Loved to watch all of them. Heading to Utah next week and Narrows will probably be closed. Where is the access for that sandy road?
@JerryArizona
Жыл бұрын
It's....difficult to explain. We came in from Coral Pink Sands, but I don't recall the roads. We took the approach to Rock Canyon. If you search "Rock Canyon Ropewiki", it may bring up info. The roads are intense for sure though. If the deep sand wasn't bad enough, it was pretty windy so you'd have to keep up speed to not get stuck, but also worry what you'd do if someone was coming at you around a hairpin turn in spots. Another option is to look up "Misery Canyon" and take the sneak route/exit (non technical) directly down to the Barracks section. It is not technical but scrambling experience it helpful. Either way you take, wayfinding abilities are necessary. You can also take the traditional route by Mount Carmel Junction, but it adds a lot of miles to the hike. I think I released a trail guide for this with more info a couple of weeks after I published this video, so that might help you as well.
great choice of music~
Superbe..!
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
It's a really cool area, for sure.
Just found your channel! LOVE this adventure. Is there a way to share the road you used to bypass some of the hike from Mt. Carmel/Orderville? Thanks!
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
I have a track on Gaia I could send you via e mail if you can download and use it on that app. I've looked around and can't seem to find the guide I used to put this trip together anymore. I have to say those roads were terrifying; deepest sand I've been in except maybe right before White Pocket. Only it was like that section for dozens of miles. Another option is to go in by Checkerboard Mesa in Zion. You can park on a short pull out and basically follow the exit for Misery Canyon so you avoid the technical section. I made a video of Misery recently and you basically go in the way I came out.
Bro, art... It's fuckin art. Superbly done. New to your channel. Underwhelmed by the cliche BS that's a dime a dozen. Plus, I did indeed have margaritas. Def liked, Def subscribed!
@JerryArizona
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, man!
I just discovered you guys about a month ago when I started planning a trip to Utah this coming September. Love your videos not only for the information on great places but the wit and humility you display. In your Parunuweap video, you talk about the canyon sneak via Rock Canyon. So I quickly jumped to Google Maps and I see there are two routes to Rock House. Did you "drive" the road that approaches from the north or from the south? I can't tell by comparing your video to the satellite images. It also looked like you parked a bit before the end of the road. Thanks, Dave
@JerryArizona
Жыл бұрын
We came in from the south. Parked at 37.16295,-112.84229 according to my Gaia. Unfortunately, it doesn't show any numbers or names for the roads. And they were extremely deep sand. If you look up "Rock Canyon" on canyoneering websites like Ropewiki, you should be able to get some better info. That's how I found it, but I can't seem to find the original article/beta I used.
Awesome..DUDE !! hahaha
For more white knuckle driving and a big payoff... try Gold Butte, National Monument to Little Finland... Your vehicle in the video will make it... very photogenic area... and otherworldly.
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
Wow. Looked it up and it looks interesting. Added to the list. Thank you for the suggestion.
Bad ass!
Amazing video like your channel a lot Utah is a very beautiful state. Question what's the name of the song at 6:05 in the video. Stay safe and keep exploring
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
Edvard Grieg - Morning.
@Love2Wander
2 жыл бұрын
@@JerryArizona Thank you been watching a lot of your videos the last couple of days
What did you think about the rock scramble up from the Powell Plaque? Is it manageable?
@JerryArizona
4 жыл бұрын
We went back out the sneak route from Rock Canyon, so I'm not sure. It didn't look too bad from the bottom though.
What type of hike shoes are you guys wearing for in and out of the water?
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
For creek walking like this, I generally just use wool socks and regular (NOT waterproof) hiking shoes. Something that will drain and dry somewhat quickly. Bring flip flops or something dry for camp. I've tried the water sandals and such and find just wool socks and hiking shoes is best. (Too many rocks get in sandals.) For this hike, we also brought neoprene socks just because we were in the water so long and used those when our feet got cold.
You need to keep Matts off rescue towing on speed dial..lol.
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
Definitely need them on speed dail.
Do you have the directions to the sand road you took? I live in Cedar City and would like to find this place. TIA.
@JerryArizona
3 жыл бұрын
I have a trail guide video about this that gives more details. I put some coordinates in the description of that video that you can enter into an app like Gaia and hopefully piece the route together from it. Otherwise, look up Rock Canyon Utah online and see if you can find a beta that gives a route. That's how I found it (unfortunately, I can't seem to find the beta I used now.) One of these days I need to figure out how to upload routes on here.
I was preparing to be disappointed but you came through at the end with a “Fbomb” and flipping him off. Well done.
@JerryArizona
4 жыл бұрын
She does that a lot. It's mostly deserved.
Amazing video! Are permits required to backpack overnight?
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
No permits required for this hike. At least not for now.
By the time you got to The Barracks, had you had a chance to dry off? Seems like it would be cold in the shade?
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
There were spots where you got sun. And the water was never that deep. We did have neoprene socks, which helped.
What are your thoughts on doing this hike in late July? I do not want die in the heat. Is it possible to stay cool by throwing yourself in the water? Or should I wait for October
@JerryArizona
3 жыл бұрын
I think we did this in May, but I'm not sure. For the route we did, it wasn't bad. The water definitely helped. If you go in the long way, I would not recommend summer. I haven't done that, but miles and miles in a relatively open wash in sand in the sun would be absolutely brutal.
@jaymenna
3 жыл бұрын
@@JerryArizona Thank you sir!
Driving on Utah sand is treacherous. Two reasons why. 1. There are many areas where the sand is very deep and can trap your vehicle. If you spin your wheels, you quickly can dig your vehicle down enough that recovery boards are useless. There rarely is any thing for attaching a winch cable. 2. Rarely is there any cell signal, not even for 911 or SMS. There is no 911 service on any of the satellite phone services. To use a sat phone, keep a list of phone numbers for the sheriff's jurisdictions where you are traveling. Some states will provide a list of phone number in the PSAP system (public safety answering positions; ie: 911 answering facilities). You carry a 3-day survival pack for everyone in your vehicle, right? Do not skimp.
@JerryArizona
Жыл бұрын
We were completely unprepared for the sand on this trip. We actually had Zion Narrows permits, but the park cancelled them due to the pandemic. This had been on my radar so we went for it; I finished researching in a hotel in Kanab. By that point, it was too late to get any supplies for the roads. When we got home, I put together a kit to take along for trips like these so we weren't taking risks like this again.
Sand traveling tip: Let air out of your tires. Letting about 30% out makes a huge difference. For example, my pickup usually has 60PSI in the tires, letting it down to 40PSI really makes it float on sand and helps significantly with the "spinning starts." Of course, then you have to find a way to air them back up when returning to pavement, but that's a small price to pay for not getting stuck! (Commenting only 3 minutes in to video, so if you mention that in the video, I apologize for the repetition.)
@matthewsresilientways
4 жыл бұрын
Finally got back to finishing the video. Had to work a while and be an adult. :) Wanted to add, that according to one theory, that petroglyph at 19:10 is not a human. Search "plasma discharge petroglyphs" and prepare to go down a rabbit hole!
@JerryArizona
4 жыл бұрын
Unfortunately, this was a last second trip; we didn't have time to get the appropriate items for sand. So unless we were stuck or really struggling, we didn't want to let the air out of the tires because we didn't have a way to air them back up. It has made me rethink an emergency vehicle kit though, for sure. I am woefully unprepared for car trouble. I'll need to check out that rabbit hole when I have time.
@dugfern
2 жыл бұрын
@@JerryArizona 12v air compressor
👍
did u air down your tires for sand travel
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
Not this time. This was last second because our planned trips to the Narrows was canceled due to COVID. We put together a car kit containing a compressor, sand boards and shovel immediately after this trip.
That looks similar to Paria Canyon in Northern AZ
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
Parts are very similar...until the Barracks. Love Paria Canyon.
I've recently stumbled upon your channel. I've lived in AZ (Tempe) for about 16 months now, and do a TON of hiking. I've been most of the places I've seen in your videos. Would love to meet up and hike with you guys sometime as you seem to be local!
@HikingEngineer
3 жыл бұрын
Also, I've done Parunuweap by hiking south from Checkerboard Mesa and went into Fat Man's Misery then down Parunuweap. Arguably my favorite hike in Zion, and i've done a lot (G2 is right up there)
@HikingEngineer
3 жыл бұрын
you guys didn't seem to make it down to labyrinth tho! That was the best part
@JerryArizona
3 жыл бұрын
Ran out of time (as usual). And I really wanted to check out the falls. I need to go back and run through Misery from the top. Maybe I can see Labyrinth then. Where are you originally from?
@HikingEngineer
3 жыл бұрын
@@JerryArizona I grew up in Wilmington, DE, but lived in Tampa before moving to AZ. I watched more of your videos today I like seeing other people's videos of places I have hiked and explored. But totally down to do a quick morning or evening hike some day if you want!
Do you ever carry any type of protection in case you may see a big cat?
@JerryArizona
3 жыл бұрын
Making a video on gear right now. Sometimes I carry a .45. Had it for that video and was camping by some tall grass thinking "If a cougar was going to be somewhere, it would be right here." I'm sure any big cat that wanted to eat me would be faster than I could draw...but it makes me feel better.
@JerryArizona
3 жыл бұрын
Ironically, I'm editing that part right this instant, talking about how I was sure that spot had mountain lions in it...
What time a year?
@JerryArizona
Жыл бұрын
I can't remember but want to say fall. Maybe October? It's best in spring after snow melt run off is done or fall after monsoon season. Too hot in the summer, too cold in the winter.
Very nice. You guys make it in a 2WD vehicle?
@brandyhofmann2582
4 жыл бұрын
Yes,curious how long the road is and what is your vehicle Jerry?
@JerryArizona
4 жыл бұрын
We drove a lifted 4Runner with all terrain tires. It did pretty good, actually. 4WD is definitely needed. And there were spots where the ruts were deep enough you might have bellied out without the high clearance. (Although we did see a non-lifted Tacoma TRD at the trailhead.) I highly recommend having supplies to get out of sand if you're stuck if you try this. Unfortunately it was a last second trip for us and we were just lucky we didn't get stuck. I think the overall sandy roads were 12~14 miles.
@brandyhofmann2582
4 жыл бұрын
Jerry Arizona, thank you, the narrows is one if my favorite places so to be here without the people of the narrows would be just perfection. How would you say it compared with 40 mile ridge road? We just saw a truck get stuck there, fortunately someone came along to help them out, we couldn’t in a Subaru. Love your videos by the way, you guys remind me of my husband and I.
@JerryArizona
4 жыл бұрын
I haven't done that road. Closest I would say is White Pocket, and these were worse. I think if we were better prepared with traction boards, an air compressor, shovel, etc., I would have felt a lot better. There are a lot of places where I don't know what you'd do if someone was coming the opposite way too. Combined with the fact that we had to keep up speed and blind corners, and I was not a fan of the roads. Btw, I just finished a guide video for this hike, so it should be out a week from tomorrow. Hopefully you can get some more info from it.
@brandyhofmann2582
4 жыл бұрын
Jerry Arizona, Thanks for the response, when we were out at 40 mile ridge there was a truck that was stuck, a couple miles ahead, only room for one car, so
Way better than the Narrows.
@JerryArizona
Жыл бұрын
The Narrows are amazing as a backpacking route from the top down. But Parunuweap is very isolated. Went back not too long ago and only saw 2 people down there.
I like the videos and the beautiful scenery. You inspire me to get out and hike. Is your gf a truck driver? More trip details, less gf.
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
Tina’s my wife. She’s actually a sailor. What made you think she was a truck driver?
I'm there now and it's cold, tip for driving in sand drop the air pressure in the tires to 15 psi
You’re safer driving across the soft sand in the cool of the early morning. The sand gets extra sinky when it’s hot 🥵
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
Going in it was early. Coming out...not so much. We planned this last second, so we didn't have time to adequately prepare, but right after this trip I put together a tool kit for our trucks including a compressor, sand board, shovel, etc.
🤣👍🏻
Awesome. Looks like a tough one. When driving in sand air down. Get a compressor to air back up.
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
We weren't prepared at all for this hike. We actually were supposed to do the Zion Narrows, but they closed it because of COVID so we did a last second scramble and ended up here. Immediately after this trip, I added a compressor, jack, sand boards, shovel and chargeable jump starter to our gear kit.
@hcdfowet
2 жыл бұрын
@@JerryArizona nice. Most people stuck in sand don’t realized that a little less air makes a huge difference. Really enjoy your videos. Makes me want to get out and explore. Great job on your filming and story telling. Just wish I had to time and energy to follow in all your footsteps.
Great views but music is so unnecessary. Natural sounds RULE.
Next time bring a couple rafts or rings and float home!
@JerryArizona
5 ай бұрын
Which is great for me because I hate that stuff!
the canyon hike was beautiful, inspiring and fun. I have to wonder, though, why your girlfriend feels she has to give "the finger" to you in each video I've watched. In my opinion, it ruins the whole message of the video. To most people, even to those who may use "the finger" daily, it is interpreted as angry, rude, disrespectful. Just recommending that it doesn't serve any purpose but a negative one when expressed on a public video that praises the beauty and majesty of the outdoors.
if u like deep sand, drive out to White Pockets
Air down your tires in soft sand.
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
After this trip we got sand boards, a compressor and a shovel to deal with sand. Unfortunately, we made these plans last second (had Narrows permits cancelled due to COVID), so we weren't prepared. Not gonna happen again.
Lower your tire pressure next time
@JerryArizona
3 жыл бұрын
Funny, but this trip taught me that we are wholly unprepared for this type of offroad experience. It was last second and we planned the route in the hotel the night before, so no time for supplies. I've since gotten some gear to be better prepared for offroad excursions (including boards, a shovel and an air compressor). Helped out a ton when we did Alpine loop a few weeks back.
Great canyon.. too bad Escobars is all you have after the fact !
sand is way better than mud
I really hate the overcranked "slow mo" shots when people film themselves in the wilderness. This isn't Reservoir Dogs, you're not a bunch of tough guys walking down a pier. This would be just as good as a slide show. Also please lose the selfie stick. I can't see the canyon with your head in the way.
@JerryArizona
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video!