So happy to hear you've gotten to see this beautiful place, Michael, and glad we could show you some new parts of it too! The whole Moab area is one we keep coming back to as well -- it's just full of surprises! ❤️
We hiked parts of this trail and it was the most underrated hike I have ever done, and I cannot wait to go back and do the full hike from this video. So cool that you guys also found it awesome. I feel like every section of the hike has different horizons / sceneries and is a fun mix of terrain. Need to go back- ty for sharing!!! ❤
Totally agree with you! It was just non-stop beauty and entertainment. When you go back, highly recommend also taking that "wrong turn" into the off-route slot canyon that we took, because it was truly amazing. What a place! ❤️
I’ve been to Canyonlands National Park twice and had no idea this hike even existed. Thanks for sharing this incredible video-it’s packed with towering slot canyons and uniquely shaped rock formations. Looks like my wife and I need to get in shape for this long hike! Love you guys!
Yes Robert! You guys will absolutely not regret this one. It is incredible. We did several excellent hikes in Canyonlands that we'll show you in the next couple weeks, but looking back I think this one is my favorite. It was just non-stop gorgeous visuals and fascinating geology. You must put it on the list! ❤️
This is why I subscribed long ago. People that haven’t don’t know what they are missing unless they stumbled upon this upload. This is one of your very best. Words can’t describe how grand Gods handwriting is on this old earth. Bringing us these pictures says it all guys. What you bring for all of us is priceless! I love you guys! Stay safe and Happy Thankgiving! ❤️
LB we are honored by your words! And also love that you consider this to be in the top all time vids considering how utterly ridiculous we were being with the echoes, haha! That's how we know you are our people. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We are grateful for you! 💘
That was out of this world 🌎 amazing canyons and views, wow 🤩 🤩 got to do this one 🙌 thanks for sharing the epic experience, it’s on the bucket list now.
Thanks Michael! Yes we love experiencing new and amazing things on our adventures, and this hike was loaded with them. And the off-trail "mistake" slot canyon might have been the best of all! ❤️
Thank you so much! We've been traveling and off the internet for a few days and this was the first thing we saw when we logged on -- really appreciate it! ❤️
Thanks Bruce! Yes we can totally see why you loved it. We really got into some different areas of Canyonlands on this trip, and still have lots more to go back and do in the future. What a place! ❤️
Glad to see that you guys got out of Colorado and into some "warmer" country. Moab is amazing this time of year (no people, but decent weather). I Know the Needles area well , have never actually done that hike (it is now on the "to do" list). But have done a lot of Geoscience work in the area. A lot of it is Cedar Mesa Sandstone (mostly soft ancient wind blown eolian sand dunes). The area is broken up by cross-hatched fracture joints. These allow wind and water to erode these zones of weakness. That cave exit at 9:20 is amazing. You can see the cross bedding in the rock formation behind Adam (Imagine a Sahara Desert dune). Btw- The Abajos and La Sal Mountains are both stratovolcanos. I'm pretty sure that one of your next hikes will be Upheaval Dome (the two theorys are Meteor Impact Crater and the less romantic one is Salt Diapir). I'll give my opinion when you post the vid. If you have not driven the Shaefer Trail from Canyonlands to Moab.....it is a "to do" (do not miss the left at the bottom if heading east, or you will be on the White Rim Trail for 50 miles....not too good on the car). If I caught you early enough and you plan to head south towards Arizona, may I suggest Muley Point as a camp spot above the Moki Dugway. Thanks again.......love Moab. P.S. The "flying saucers" are formed by wind and rain eroding zones of softer sedimentary rock (beneath harder rock).
That is fantastic information -- thank you! Love that we can always count on you for great geological insight. And you really do know us too well. Upheaval Dome is coming up for sure! We already left the area, but are writing down your ideas for the next time because we will be back often during late fall or winter months in coming years. ❤️
It really was amazing, Billy. In person even more so, because part of the beauty was just the whole expanse of the place which is hard to capture on camera. Highly recommend this one! ❤️
Now that is the biggest playground I have ever seen! Absolutely sensational rock formations and each one different. Loved all the narrow gaps you just about got through wondering where they were leading to. We call narrow gaps in mountains 'Fat Mans Agony' over here in England and so true it tight spots. Why was there no wild life and other people around soooooo eeriely quiet! Adam could have sung til is heart content and listened to it all back with the echos. Maybe a good idea he didnt listen to himself though 😂 Brilliant video, beautifully done! you guys are awesome 😀
Hahaha Tony don't give him any ideas. 😂 If he'd thought of singing up there at Druid Arch I think he def would have gone for the reverb effect! Yes the desert in Utah is so, so quiet when you're alone there. It's sort of mystical, and a very cool experience. So glad you enjoyed! ❤️ --E
You brought back some good memories; my wife and I visited that area for about a week when we first were a "relationship", but about a year before we go married. Back in the ancient era of 1986, when I still had hair, and what's left wasn't grey.... ;-)
Haha that's awesome Lewis -- so glad you guys got a chance to see this amazing place. I feel you on the hair loss -- I think my front hairline is receding a little bit more each year, so by 2030 or so there might not be much left up there. But at least it will make me more aerodynamic! ❤️ --A
Wow, that looks like such an amazing place to visit. I can't believe there was not one other person there. I would think it would be a great time of year for a hike.
Yes Chris! It was an absolutely perfect time of year to hike it, and since we were the first ones out on trail that day we saw absolutely no one until we met people later in the day who were coming around the other way. But basically, it was just us and all those beautiful rocks almost the whole time! ❤️
So much natural beauty. I absolutely loved all the arches, slot canyons and sandstone formations. What a great time of year to explore. I imagine it's roasting in the summer. The view of you Adam standing where the tunnel opens up with the amazing view was spectacular. Thank you both for taking me along.
So happy to take you! You definitely need to go if you haven't gone yet. The drive over here from CO wasn't bad at all, and it's a perfect location to head to once the Rockies get blasted with snowstorms! ❤️
This was my favorite spot in my USA trip back in 2001. Arches second. Had only one day and it left a deep impression. I must revisit the Needles and explore it in depth. It's stunning.
Yes Hermann! We absolutely love Arches, but this trip to Canyonlands really opened our eyes to the beauty of that area. We have two more coming up in the next couple of weeks, so hopefully they will give you some ideas for when you go back! ❤️
Good evening Elise... Wow this Hike is a wonder of this World.. Absolutely stunning.. Theses slots are outstanding out of this World and colors of the rock formation is amazing.. I know I will never be able to get there but thanks so much Elise for bringing to see this.. So incredible... Here so cold now as winter is close but still all is green.. Have a great evening.. Hope you still are in your hotel room safe and warm... Nite.. 😘😉💤💤🥂
Thanks so much, Serge! We've actually been doing a lot of crazy travel and this is the first time we've logged on to the internet in a few days. But yes we stayed in that hotel the whole time we were in Utah and it was super comfortable. Hope you're having a great week! ❤️
As a former geologist, the "mushroom" shaped formations specifically are the residual erosional features where the harder sandstone on top erodes more slowly than the softer layer underneath, which can erode quickly. It would also explain, for example, why the Grand Canyon has steep cliffs with broad plateaus, especially the flat area just above the inner gorge, which is underlain by a softer shale, as compared to the hard sandstones and limestones of the steep walls. The vertical spires and needles are from erosion along vertical cracks in the rock itself. Slot canyon formation is similar - Tectonic forces fracture the rock, and though the rock itself is relatively hard, water seeps into the cracks and erodes the rock along the vertical crack, giving you the slot canyon. And OMG, what does it say about me that I instantly caught the "bend and snap" reference too?! Great Adventure as always, you two!
Haha Jeff we just need to bring you along on these adventures with us -- we always have geology questions, and Adam def needs a companion to riff with who knows as many movies as he does! ❤️
We heard the Needles district in Canyonlands was amazing and you showcased a reason for us to go back! We just marveled at the breakdown in the Visitors Center 🤣
Oh heck yes -- you absolutely must go back and do this hike! We found a few other great ones in the area too which we'll post in the next couple of weeks. But this one def needs to be on your bucket list. ❤️
wow what a amazing hike, one of my favourite videos. the colours the slot canyons. utah would have to be my favourite state for hiking. good thing you went on that diet.
So glad you liked it, Geoffrey! Yes Adam is very partial to Utah as well because he loves deserts and climb-able rock formations. I appreciate their beauty, but prefer jagged peaks and lakes like the Sierra and Dolomites. But at this time of year, I'll take the desert any day! ❤️ --E
Haha yes Avery! You know the whole Moab excursion was inspired by your suggestion -- thank you! We had a fantastic time there for a couple of weeks, and def owe you at least a few more good movie references in recompense. ❤️
Wow !!!! That was fabulous !!! I am sure glad you took the wrong way, cause the views were spectacular. I really loved how the opening to the canyons glowed like gold as you approached the end. I Love Red Rock Country !!!
Yes Mark! That was absolutely one of our favorite parts of the whole adventure, and we've def come to learn that the wrong way can be the right way as long as it's epic. Oh no, I'm starting to sound like Adam! 🙈 --E
A surreal hike. Thanks so much for sharing, and on thanksgiving too! Been to that area, but never saw those slot canyons! Pure bliss. Best TH-cam channel and most fun couple on the planet🏜️ Happy holidays🎄☃️🎄❄️
Thanks so much, Mary -- happy thanksgiving to you too! And really happy to show you the slot canyons. They're a great reason for you to go back, because in person they will blow you away!! ❤️
Haha ya that was one of the best mistakes we've ever made! Fantastic about Montana -- such a wonderful state. Good for you! I spent a lot of time over there when growing up in eastern Washington, and it was always great. Looking forward to going back and hiking in Glacier NP ourselves! ❤
Happy Thanksgiving! Yes the slot canyon really did live up to the hype, and by the end we both agreed it was not unreasonable for this to be some people's all time favorite hike even though we def doubted in the beginning. ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard I hope you both had a wonderful holiday and had the opportunity to eat more than pop tarts and jelly beans (even though they are both delicious haha). It's not often something meets or exceeds expectations but this hike certainly did. And if you give your endorsement, you know it is legit!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Awesome! The next question is did you eat that in a restaurant or on top of a mountain? Ours was great as well! Ate way too much. But that is what the run is for the next morning haha
I had to look it up. At about 16 miles, Buckskin Gulch is the longest and deepest slot canyon in the Southwest and possibly the world. It's hard to imagine. Not that I've hiked it or even been there. Thanks for the great episode. It was like we were on the adventure with you.
Karin that makes us so happy to hear-- thank you! Yes this one needs to be on everyone's bucket list. It is just so beautiful and unique, and not like anywhere else we've ever been. Highly recommend! ❤️
This is my favorite desert hike that isn't a canyon (as I think the joint isn't a slot canyon formed by water flowing through a wash, but a split in the rock somehow from erosion or something). I loved Needles so much I went back two years in a row. Awesome video. Interesting to see that first split on the way from Elephant Canyon up to Chesler Park keps going until you can overlook another canyon. I'll have to try that the next time I go back.
Yes Alison! The off-trail slots were really spectacular, and well worth going into on your next trip. Totally see why this is your favorite -- we were honestly blown away by the beauty and variety of all the different formations, and def plan to go back as well. ❤️
Canyonlands Needles District is nothing short of spectacular! Phyllis and I have been lucky enough to visit that area a couple of dozen times over the years. We've taken our Jeep over Elephant Hill and driven that loop, but have never hiked this route. And you two are like a couple of kids, listening to your echo. I'm 72 and would do the exact same thing. Love that area and love your videos! 😁
Wow Dallas that is so freaking awesome you took the Jeep over Elephant Hill! I literally just the other day helped my daughter get a Jeep for her graduation and Army commissioning present, and that would be an amazing place to break it in. Glad you guys have spent so much time in this beautiful area -- we will be similar I think, because we're planning to come back often. --A
That is a good choice, Catherine. If you did Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, and Zion it would be the trip of a lifetime before even leaving Utah. And then, of course, you have to head to the Sierra! ❤️
I always find places this fascinating, rock formations etc really remind me/ us how small we are on this planet and how beautiful it really is, how beautiful is that? Amazing! That part around 9 minutes in reminds me of somewhere here in UK called Thors cave, awesome! The rock shapes also remind me of a small scale place here in comparison called brimham rocks!
Totally agree, Carl. Not just the size and scale of the rock formations, but also the awareness of how many millions of years it took for erosion to form all this beauty. And we exist here for just a moment to appreciate it, but what an amazing moment! ❤️
Oh my gosh you're the second people to tell us you did that off-road trail, and I just a couple days ago helped my daughter get a Jeep! I'm thinking we gotta go break that thing in in Canyonlands!! ❤️
My God. Never knew Canyonlands was like this. It’s always been just one of 50 stickers on the back wall of a camper in a Taco Bell pkg lot in Pomona. Your cinematic skills.and eqpt have me walking in wonder with you while clutching my iPad like portal in spacetime. Gotta get me some Canyonlands, too !
Haha Charles the image of the Taco Bell camper is hilarious and perfect! And yes, you do have to at least get to Canyonlands for this hike. You will never, ever forget the slot canyons -- and the echo at Druid Arch will blow you away in person as well! ❤️
This is the counterpoint to the east side of the sierras in terms of scenery, really beautiful. The reference to 127 hours gave me chills. David Roberts authored some fascinating books about the Southwest and Mountaineering. I really enjoyed this post.
So glad you enjoyed it! Yes we're for sure going to be doing a lot more exploring in this area, but that 127 hours is always in the back of our minds especially when we go off route into slots and caves! ❤️
Thanks, Adam and Elise, for taking me along for the ride! I've never seen anything quite like that ever! Never seen desert the high mountain wish i those influences when i was younger! A healthier lifestyle foresure! Thnxs! Dean( Soul)
That is so awesome that you haven't seen a place like this before! Of course, one of our favorite parts about making these vids :) We've both never encountered slot canyons quite like these ones. A truly special adventure!
Oh heck yes, Michael! We passed a couple of backpackers looping the opposite way that we went, and they looked like they were having the time of their lives. Good for you! ❤️
Now you are in one my families favorite sections of the world. You probably already explored Arches which is only a few miles down the road. Wait, I forgot that you made an amazing video exploring all the iconic arches a couple of years ago.
Yes Dan! We love Arches, but have made it to all of them so really wanted to explore Canyonlands and it did not disappoint. So happy you guys have gotten to enjoy this area -- it's truly amazing. ❤️
Incredible hike and views! I think so many travelers focus on going to Arches but ignore Canyonlands basically across the street. Even Dead Horse Point State Park in the area is fantastic. Even if you don’t hike it but just drive Canyonlands, you can see so many incredible views.
You're totally right, Monte -- Canyonlands is absolutely epic! We love Arches as well, of course, but now you're gonna get us to go back and do Dead Horse Point! ❤️
Incredible vlog Adam & Elise from the Cathedral of Rock ! Definitely "other Worldly" 🛸 That narrow passage ? Getting visions of that movie where that guy got his arm trapped & had to breakout the penknife ! :( Thanks for sharing Have a Awesome day, both of you. Echo.................. ☀️ 🍓🐿🐿❤
Us too, John! That was def the movie we were talking about with the 127 Hours comment -- those slots are so fun but a little claustrophobic for sure! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Yes to all! Same thing when we did it. Not a single soul in site. Although NOT easy by any means, well worth the effort to get there and see it.
Hi - I have done part of this amazing trail last May, now I want to go back to discover the rest after viewing your video ❤ - I love seeing Adam’s cut (not sure I would love experimenting them on my own though 😅)
Haha yes Blandine -- it is a lot easier to be brave with exploring off trail when you go in a pair, because if something happens then there's always someone else to go and get help. But honestly, the Adam-cut on this one is really pretty safe, and SO cool. I recommend you try it next time you go. ❤️ --A
I have to say, I think I could practice all day at the Druid Arch--nature's reverb! When you find out about slot canyons, I'd be interested in knowing how many years of geological movement they represent or if they are formed that way originally. Great hike--love you guys.
Bob I think we're gonna try to take you on this, or at least on parts of it, when we all do a trip to Moab. You will love it -- and I'll carry the sax if you play it at Druid Arch!! ❤️--A
What a very special place, I could spend days hiking around there, so beautiful, thanks for sharing Larry Owens also Happy Thanksgiving I hope it's your best ever !
Happy Thanksgiving Larry! We totally agree about being able to spend a ton of time here - would love to come back to Moab and spend a few months hiking, trail running, biking and climbing. So many possibilities. Have a lovely day!
Very cool! Love that you showed your “off shoots”. If you have been to the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada, it has some colourful rock formations. I really enjoyed exploring the “Fire Wave”, Gibraltar Rock, West White Dome, White Dome, and The Orphan. The combination gave both our cameras a good workout… I took 500 photos during our scrambling and hiking. The Valley of Fire Peak is also a fun challenge to navigate to without getting lost ;D
You guys have been hiking so much that Elise's butt is getting caught in the slot canyons haha And Adam catching a legally blonde reference, that was funny. Utah never fails to impress. Such a unique and beautiful place. As always, I love watching your travels
Totally agree about Utah, Colby -- and Legally Blonde! We're in the middle of some crazy travel days right now, but will hopefully get the next Utah one edited by Thursday. We had some really great adventures there on this trip! ❤️
I love the Red Rocks it looks absolutely amazing. Canyon walls, wow. Since you're in the area, you have to check out the Reflection Canyon in southern Utah
We already left -- but did some great adventures you'll see in the next couple weeks -- but are for sure writing down Reflection Canyon for next time! ❤️
This one was Needles, Rick -- but I think we're gonna post one from Islands this Thursday! Both are spectacular, though if you were only going to do one hike in the area I think I'd say to pick this loop. It was amazing. ❤️
Elise Adam, what a "cathedral" my kinda church! I'd be hugging the rock and introducing myself listening to my echo answering me back! ( lol) Dean( Soul) Toronto
If your in Moab still it's easy to snowshoe up to Gold Basin. If AWD car generally you can get up to big parking lot through Aspen Grove. Walk right up road to top. I go to the basin up the creek. Steep. Or right up rockfall. Be Avalanche aware if on sides of those peaks.
The drive in here to the end. Out. Back to Moab is a haul. Great for kids family area. Unless 100 degrees. Take it with you. Leaving going to Zion if here might as well go south then west to Capital/Zion/Grand Canyon. Fish Lake 🐟 🐠 🎣 is 700 feet deep if you go I70. I do every stop pull off westbound. Including pulling off onto shoulder at Eagle Canyon walking under bridge. Eastbound same. I70 is awesome.
You are right, Patrick. We were doubters at first, but as we went on there was no denying it. The hike is truly spectacular, and it also has several different kinds of spectacular. Should be on everyone's bucket list -- very glad you got a chance to do it! ❤️
What?! My wife and I are in Moab on vacation. We did Arches on Wed, Canyonlands Islands in The Sky Thu, Canyonlands Needles today (Fri). Ran out of time & energy for the longer hikes in Canyonlands Needles. Ended today at Delicate Arch, but just missed sunset.
Ken that is awesome -- great choice for a Thanksgiving trip!! And in a way it's good you didn't have time for this hike, because it means you have a reason to come back (along with lots of other great hikes in the area which we discovered over a couple of weeks there!). ❤️
It's Huge. Ginormous. Absurdly Monstrous. I like the Alcove Spring hike. Gemini Bridge isn't in the park, but it is a banger. Endless place. The reef slot on I70 out of Green River is cool. You can go up either side from the rest stop. Walk under interstate. It's 600 feet over the road. Big. Very top of south side looks down on road. Reef runs way south. A million features in it. Not sure but if backdrop mountains are Henry's that terrain below the pass is insane. Back route over to Capital Reef. I70 past Gobblin to Hankville to C Reef up over pass.
That's a great idea -- we didn't do Goblin Valley but definitely plan to at some point. Supposedly there's also some nice dispersed camping around there, so it will make a good place to boondock for a few days as well! ❤️
@LiveHardxLoveHard Yeah, so if you ever go to Goblin Valley (and take some cool selfies up on the mushroom shaped boulders) there are some towns south on State Route 24. Hanksville, Gainesville and Torrey. And this place Torrey is well known for the Luna Mesa Cafe (well is just a campgrounds and RV Park now I guess the Cafe is no longer open). But it's really cool there and you can go tubing on the River. And it's all within close proximity to Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Glen Canyon. Happy Travels!!!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Oh, and one more cool thing about that area. Totally serious too. This area of Utah is located near the San Rafael Swell, a geologic anomaly. And this area is also situated between three geographic points...Las Vegas to the southwest, Alamagordo to the southeast and the Idaho National Laboratories to the north. So, all three of these locations are former nuclear test sites but they are also very hot spots of UAP (UFO) activity. The locals call this grid the "San Rafael Triangle" and the guy who used to own the Luna Mesa Cafe in Torrey told us that when we camped we might see strange things in the night sky. He guaranteed it as a matter of fact. So, I got up in the middle of the night to have a pee and Dennis' dog named Punk came over to me and sat watching the night sky (and you can see like a billion stars out there because the air is so clear and no city lights are near). So I looked up at what this Labrador was watching and sure enough...I saw lights flying to and fro at incredible speeds and making turns at 45 degree angles ( stuff that would be awrodynamically impossible) and then I saw a huge black triangle with no.lights flying dead silent over us. It really freaked me out and I went back in the teepee and told the two women I was traveling with and they went out and saw it too. So at breakfast the next morning,I asked this guy Dennis what it was that we saw. And he said the black triangle was definitely Aurora and the little white flying ones real fast were hypersonic drones. And I naturally said "so how come you know all this dennis?" And ge said he used to be an Air Force engineer at one of the bases in Nevada (like Groom Lake or Area 51). So I kept paying him for more info and I smelled a real Bob Lazar type story here. Then he said he had moved out there in 1986 after he left the Air Force and bought this land and set up his Cafe (which has a UFO on the building). Then he said "see one night in 1987 shortly after I had moved here in was awakened by a green light outside and I went out and these three really tall men in silver mylar suits with slits for eyes and really long fingers spoke to me telepathically. And all of us were like "what did they say dennis?" And he said, "oh, they just wanted to make sure I was gonna be cool because they travel through here all the time" And we all laughed and said "that was it" and he was like "yeah, what you think they were gonna tell me they were from zeta reticuli and were here to plunder our resources and read our minfs?" And we all gut laughed again. Then he said "hey how bout I take you guys tubing down the River? I won't even charge you this time" so we got a free day of tubing just for listening to his crazy story. I don't think one word he said was true but my story i just told you is true. Maybe you and Adam can go find Dennis and get free tubing rides down the river and listen to his crazy story about mylar suited guys from zeta reticuli. LMAO
So happy you're interested in doing it! You will not regret it -- truly amazing. Just look on AllTrails under Druid Arch and Chesler Park loop and you can download the map! ❤️
Great scenery guys you are doing great ,,Elise you have a very nice bushy tail and it’s always slapping on your face when you hike ,isn’t that blocking the view when you walk😂
Haha! I love that you referred to my hair as my bushy tail. I like to call it my Scair. I only get irked with it on super windy days when it has a mind of its own... then I have to put it in its place 😜
ELISE and ADAM a hello from France. It is a wonder of nature, a few steps carved into the rock by unknown gods, and here you are at the foot of gigantic ramparts that rise to protect castles and stone cathedrals. These labyrinths do not lead to the Minotaur of Knossos but rather to the stargate, it is a mythical journey in the maze of time always accompanied by the music and voice of ELISE, what a pleasure. At my house it's November 28th again, happy Thanksgiving to you both. Kisses. DAN ELISE et ADAM un bonjour de France. C’est une merveille de la nature, quelques marches taillées dans le roc par des dieux inconnus, et vous voilà au pied de gigantesques remparts qui se dressent pour protéger des châteaux et des cathédrales de pierres. Ces labyrinthes ne mènent pas au Minotaure de Knossos mais plutôt vers la porte des étoiles, c’est un voyage mythique dans les dédales du temps toujours accompagné par la musique et la voix d’ELISE, quel plaisir. Chez moi nous sommes encore le 28 novembre, joyeux Thanksgiving à vous deux. Bises. DAN
Thanks so much Dan -- happy Thanksgiving to you as well! We've been traveling for the last few days, but are now settled down in another amazing place that we're very excited to show you (after a couple more Canyonlands videos!). ❤️--E
This is really intriguing. Here's what ChatGPT says: The long slot canyons of the Arizona canyonlands, such as Antelope Canyon or Buckskin Gulch, are created by a combination of geological processes over millions of years. Here's a breakdown of the key factors: 1. Erosion by Flash Flooding Rainfall runoff: The desert environment of Arizona sees infrequent but intense rainfall. When it rains, water flows rapidly over the land, carrying debris and sediment. Flash floods: These sudden, powerful flows carve through soft sandstone, cutting deep and narrow channels into the rock. 2. Soft Sandstone Composition Navajo sandstone: The rock in many slot canyons is primarily made of sandstone, which is relatively soft and susceptible to erosion. Weaknesses in rock layers: Cracks or faults in the sandstone provide paths of least resistance for water flow, concentrating erosion in specific areas. 3. Abrasion The flowing water carries sand and larger sediment, which act like sandpaper, grinding and polishing the walls of the canyon. Over time, this abrasion carves the smooth, undulating walls that are characteristic of slot canyons. 4. Vertical Entrenchment As water erodes downward, the slot canyon deepens. Because desert regions often have limited vegetation, there's little to slow the runoff, allowing erosion to continue unabated. 5. Time and Repeated Cycles These processes are repeated over thousands to millions of years. Each storm contributes incrementally to the canyon's growth.
I would rather trust human intelligence: About 20 million years ago, long after these layers were deposited, movements in the Earth's crust caused the entire Canyonlands region to rise. This changed the local environment from one where sediment is deposited, to one in which it's eroded away.Water eats away at sandstone by attacking the cement holding the sand grains together. It acts even faster on areas of weakness such as fractures and cracks. Two events combined to cause extensive surface fractures in The Needles. The Monument Uplift The Monument Uplift is a "local" uplift that begins around the Needles and trends slightly southwest all the way to Monument Valley. This uplift caused the Cedar Mesa Sandstone around the Needles to crack as it bent upward, forming a series of fractures (called "joints" by geologists) trending from east to west. The Paradox Formation A thick layer of salt called the Paradox Formation is the second cause of fracturing in the Needles. Buried thousands of feet below the Cedar Mesa Sandstone, the salt is flowing slowly toward the Colorado River and dragging the overlying layers with it. As the surface layers stretch in a direction opposite the Monument Uplift, another series of fractures formed trending north to south. At The Needles, these two opposing series of joints formed square blocks of rock. As water erodes the joints, these squares have been slowly sculpted into the magnificent pillars and spires that form The Needles district of Canyonlands. oh, and that was what nps.gov says 😉
That is awesome stuff, Ellen! ChatGPT is freaking amazing. So basically even those really deep narrow slot canyons are caused by water erosion. Wild. Hope you get a chance to see the Joint at some point if you haven't before -- it was a very unique slot canyon. ❤️
Sorry, missed this one when it came out! Amazing slot slicing... but, where was your drone! Esp when you needed some route finding? And couldn't it be rather hazardous to wander off trail a long ways, due to rockfall etc? And what's with the "Cairns, schmairns" outlook? ;-) I hope you'll forgive me for worrying about my favorite mtn goats... someone has to! ❤ Cheers! -Liam
It would have been so useful to have the drone, Liam! But unfortunately they are illegal in all US national parks, so we often don't get to bring it. ❤
No worries Serge, we were just traveling and didn't have internet for a few days. But we just got settled in a place with a good internet connection and will be here for a whole month, so we will be more on top of it as usual for the rest of December. Hope you're doing great! ❤️ --E
@LiveHardxLoveHard yeah I am doing ok just saw my doctor for annual check up and it's fine except my hnees that are worn out a little... Have a great week 🤗👍
The rim along Dead Horse is killer viewpoint do two miles just keep walking. Area is great hiking. All over. Blazing in the summer though. Take 5 gallons with you, gallon on hikes. Quart per mile. 90s. Stick to short hikes in heat. Dawn to noon for 4-6 miles. If from out east there is no heat exhaustion transition you don't sweat. You immediately go from hot to in trouble. And of course freezing 🥶 in winter. 😅
We love everywhere we go! So far, that definitely means we aren't ready to choose one spot to settle down. Maybe we'll never be ready and retirement will just mean forever living in a new locale, although we do both suspect that at some point we will want a home base. For now, we are loving not being tied to one place! Happy Thanksgiving!
Exactly right on all counts. It was of course a bit chilly in the morning (around 32F), but once it warmed up it was lovely. And we barely even saw another human until we passed some people later in the day coming the opposite way on the Chesler Park loop. ❤️
Good morning, Been on many adventures lately such as spending 8 hours driving through remote Death Valley looking for Saline Hot Springs in total darkness. Purchased bug out house in Brookings, OR on coast with wood shed, green house and future guest house for people like Ellise and Adam. Purchased Bronco Raptor with Bitcoin earnings. You’ll have to drive it someday! Twin turbos kick booty. Hope all is well in land of positivity!!! If you like Salmon and Steelhead fishing I now live by three of the cleanest rivers for swimming, kayaking, and fishing
Oh heck yes, we are all about test-driving the Bronco Raptor -- such a cool-looking ride! And will be coming up through Oregon and Washington this summer -- the coast house sounds amazing. Congratulations!! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard going up to Oregon and Washington sounds great this summer I’ll be moved in in about three weeks so you’re welcome to stay at my place. If you need a place to stay you could either camp in the driveway. I’m on 1.7 acres overlooking the ocean and I have a long driveway, you could camp in the driveway in your vehicle or you don’t have an RV though or a stay stay in my house or the guest house I should have it done by then I just need to put in a woodburning stove and some insulation. it’s the structures already there for a 9 x 12 guest room outback and then you have privacy and I’m putting in a sauna as well overlooking the ocean of four person cedar sauna so it’s gonna be like a little Resort and we can go swimming and hiking and whatever you wanna do or you guys do your own thing and you’re welcome to stay with me.
We downloaded it from AllTrails -- Chesler Park Loop with Druid Arch. But be aware that it says 14 miles, but our hike was more like 17. We took a couple wrong turns but the mileage is def sandbagged a bit on the AllTrails beta. ❤️
Yes Joseph -- it looks like it's all done with erosion though it's still hard to understand how they can be so slender and vertical rather than widening out like most canyons! ❤️
Wait Gerard what is this AI voice? Are you listening in another language? We got a message from youtube that they were going to automatically start dubbing audio for our vids... wondering if that's it?
Hi Gerard! You are the second person who has mentioned something about the video not having our voices… can you explain what you mean? TH-cam had sent a mass email about using a new autodubbing for other languages… are you watching in a different language? We really want to fix it because an AI voice sounds like a terrible idea! ❤️
I was getting clostrophobic for you guys in the tight spaces. Yes it is exhausting getting lost because its like you have to start thinking harder and about a lot more things and maybe get a little panicky and constantly reasoning with how much further you should go or where the trail picks up, your brain becomes a furnace that burns energy for all the extra computing, lol. God specifically made those areas so you could walk through them!!
Totally agree with you on both points, Steve! Getting lost does take a lot of time and energy, but it lets you discover an aspect of creation that is utterly amazing then the energy expenditure is more than worth it! ❤️
Another standout episode. Thanks for passing on the blessings that you receive 1st hand!
Thank you! That's a lovely way to put it, and how we see it too -- blessings are always to be shared. ❤️
Utah rock formations are other-worldly. Beautiful videography, thank you.
Thank you, and totally agree about Utah -- it has the best rock formations in the whole world, and it's not even close! ❤️
Have hiked there many times in the 80-90's, but you two revealed places I've never been. Thank you.
So happy to hear you've gotten to see this beautiful place, Michael, and glad we could show you some new parts of it too! The whole Moab area is one we keep coming back to as well -- it's just full of surprises! ❤️
We hiked parts of this trail and it was the most underrated hike I have ever done, and I cannot wait to go back and do the full hike from this video. So cool that you guys also found it awesome. I feel like every section of the hike has different horizons / sceneries and is a fun mix of terrain. Need to go back- ty for sharing!!! ❤
Totally agree with you! It was just non-stop beauty and entertainment. When you go back, highly recommend also taking that "wrong turn" into the off-route slot canyon that we took, because it was truly amazing. What a place! ❤️
Easy drive 🚗 in out too!
I’ve been to Canyonlands National Park twice and had no idea this hike even existed. Thanks for sharing this incredible video-it’s packed with towering slot canyons and uniquely shaped rock formations. Looks like my wife and I need to get in shape for this long hike! Love you guys!
Yes Robert! You guys will absolutely not regret this one. It is incredible. We did several excellent hikes in Canyonlands that we'll show you in the next couple weeks, but looking back I think this one is my favorite. It was just non-stop gorgeous visuals and fascinating geology. You must put it on the list! ❤️
This is why I subscribed long ago. People that haven’t don’t know what they are missing unless they stumbled upon this upload. This is one of your very best. Words can’t describe how grand Gods handwriting is on this old earth. Bringing us these pictures says it all guys. What you bring for all of us is priceless! I love you guys! Stay safe and Happy Thankgiving! ❤️
LB we are honored by your words! And also love that you consider this to be in the top all time vids considering how utterly ridiculous we were being with the echoes, haha! That's how we know you are our people. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We are grateful for you! 💘
That was out of this world 🌎 amazing canyons and views, wow 🤩 🤩 got to do this one 🙌 thanks for sharing the epic experience, it’s on the bucket list now.
So glad to hear that! Yes you really must do this hike. It's one you will never forget -- and make sure to let us know after how you like it!! ❤️
Superb! Man, got to love this area! And love your boths enthusiasm and excitement over this adventure.
Thanks Michael! Yes we love experiencing new and amazing things on our adventures, and this hike was loaded with them. And the off-trail "mistake" slot canyon might have been the best of all! ❤️
That place is incredible. I went to all the Nat'l parks in Utah but that one. Now I want to go back. So beautiful!!
We're right there with you! Every time we go back to this area we find more amazing stuff, and it never gets old. You gotta go back for sure! ❤️
Thanks!
Thank you so much! We've been traveling and off the internet for a few days and this was the first thing we saw when we logged on -- really appreciate it! ❤️
That area of Canyonlands was a game changer for us when we discovered it. Totally amazing. Well done.
Thanks Bruce! Yes we can totally see why you loved it. We really got into some different areas of Canyonlands on this trip, and still have lots more to go back and do in the future. What a place! ❤️
Glad to see that you guys got out of Colorado and into some "warmer" country. Moab is amazing this time of year (no people, but decent weather). I Know the Needles area well , have never actually done that hike (it is now on the "to do" list). But have done a lot of Geoscience work in the area.
A lot of it is Cedar Mesa Sandstone (mostly soft ancient wind blown eolian sand dunes). The area is broken up by cross-hatched fracture joints. These allow wind and water to erode these zones of weakness.
That cave exit at 9:20 is amazing. You can see the cross bedding in the rock formation behind Adam (Imagine a Sahara Desert dune). Btw- The Abajos and La Sal Mountains are both stratovolcanos.
I'm pretty sure that one of your next hikes will be Upheaval Dome (the two theorys are Meteor Impact Crater and the less romantic one is Salt Diapir). I'll give my opinion when you post the vid. If you have not driven the Shaefer Trail from Canyonlands to Moab.....it is a "to do" (do not miss the left at the bottom if heading east, or you will be on the White Rim Trail for 50 miles....not too good on the car).
If I caught you early enough and you plan to head south towards Arizona, may I suggest Muley Point as a camp spot above the Moki Dugway.
Thanks again.......love Moab.
P.S. The "flying saucers" are formed by wind and rain eroding zones of softer sedimentary rock (beneath harder rock).
That is fantastic information -- thank you! Love that we can always count on you for great geological insight. And you really do know us too well. Upheaval Dome is coming up for sure! We already left the area, but are writing down your ideas for the next time because we will be back often during late fall or winter months in coming years. ❤️
Stunning desert rock formations. The bit as you're coming out of the slot canyon at 8:30 is astounding.
It really was amazing, Billy. In person even more so, because part of the beauty was just the whole expanse of the place which is hard to capture on camera. Highly recommend this one! ❤️
Now that is the biggest playground I have ever seen! Absolutely sensational rock formations and each one different. Loved all the narrow gaps you just about got through wondering where they were leading to. We call narrow gaps in mountains 'Fat Mans Agony' over here in England and so true it tight spots. Why was there no wild life and other people around soooooo eeriely quiet! Adam could have sung til is heart content and listened to it all back with the echos. Maybe a good idea he didnt listen to himself though 😂 Brilliant video, beautifully done! you guys are awesome 😀
Hahaha Tony don't give him any ideas. 😂 If he'd thought of singing up there at Druid Arch I think he def would have gone for the reverb effect! Yes the desert in Utah is so, so quiet when you're alone there. It's sort of mystical, and a very cool experience. So glad you enjoyed! ❤️ --E
You brought back some good memories; my wife and I visited that area for about a week when we first were a "relationship", but about a year before we go married. Back in the ancient era of 1986, when I still had hair, and what's left wasn't grey.... ;-)
Haha that's awesome Lewis -- so glad you guys got a chance to see this amazing place. I feel you on the hair loss -- I think my front hairline is receding a little bit more each year, so by 2030 or so there might not be much left up there. But at least it will make me more aerodynamic! ❤️ --A
Wow, that looks like such an amazing place to visit. I can't believe there was not one other person there. I would think it would be a great time of year for a hike.
Yes Chris! It was an absolutely perfect time of year to hike it, and since we were the first ones out on trail that day we saw absolutely no one until we met people later in the day who were coming around the other way. But basically, it was just us and all those beautiful rocks almost the whole time! ❤️
This is a fantastic hike! Thanks for sharing.
Our pleasure, Rhett! This one truly was spectacular for anyone who likes desert hiking -- highly recommend! ❤️
So much natural beauty. I absolutely loved all the arches, slot canyons and sandstone formations. What a great time of year to explore. I imagine it's roasting in the summer. The view of you Adam standing where the tunnel opens up with the amazing view was spectacular. Thank you both for taking me along.
So happy to take you! You definitely need to go if you haven't gone yet. The drive over here from CO wasn't bad at all, and it's a perfect location to head to once the Rockies get blasted with snowstorms! ❤️
This was my favorite spot in my USA trip back in 2001. Arches second. Had only one day and it left a deep impression. I must revisit the Needles and explore it in depth. It's stunning.
Yes Hermann! We absolutely love Arches, but this trip to Canyonlands really opened our eyes to the beauty of that area. We have two more coming up in the next couple of weeks, so hopefully they will give you some ideas for when you go back! ❤️
Good evening Elise... Wow this Hike is a wonder of this World.. Absolutely stunning.. Theses slots are outstanding out of this World and colors of the rock formation is amazing.. I know I will never be able to get there but thanks so much Elise for bringing to see this.. So incredible... Here so cold now as winter is close but still all is green.. Have a great evening.. Hope you still are in your hotel room safe and warm... Nite.. 😘😉💤💤🥂
Thanks so much, Serge! We've actually been doing a lot of crazy travel and this is the first time we've logged on to the internet in a few days. But yes we stayed in that hotel the whole time we were in Utah and it was super comfortable. Hope you're having a great week! ❤️
I watch your videos all the time and enjoy them very much. I hope you keep taking us on these great adventures. Take care and be safe.. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you, that is great to hear and we will for sure keep taking you guys on these adventures all around the world!! ❤️
As a former geologist, the "mushroom" shaped formations specifically are the residual erosional features where the harder sandstone on top erodes more slowly than the softer layer underneath, which can erode quickly. It would also explain, for example, why the Grand Canyon has steep cliffs with broad plateaus, especially the flat area just above the inner gorge, which is underlain by a softer shale, as compared to the hard sandstones and limestones of the steep walls. The vertical spires and needles are from erosion along vertical cracks in the rock itself. Slot canyon formation is similar - Tectonic forces fracture the rock, and though the rock itself is relatively hard, water seeps into the cracks and erodes the rock along the vertical crack, giving you the slot canyon. And OMG, what does it say about me that I instantly caught the "bend and snap" reference too?! Great Adventure as always, you two!
Haha Jeff we just need to bring you along on these adventures with us -- we always have geology questions, and Adam def needs a companion to riff with who knows as many movies as he does! ❤️
We have Z man here. Ellensburg WA. Zetner.
We heard the Needles district in Canyonlands was amazing and you showcased a reason for us to go back! We just marveled at the breakdown in the Visitors Center 🤣
Oh heck yes -- you absolutely must go back and do this hike! We found a few other great ones in the area too which we'll post in the next couple of weeks. But this one def needs to be on your bucket list. ❤️
wow what a amazing hike, one of my favourite videos. the colours the slot canyons. utah would have to be my favourite state for hiking. good thing you went on that diet.
So glad you liked it, Geoffrey! Yes Adam is very partial to Utah as well because he loves deserts and climb-able rock formations. I appreciate their beauty, but prefer jagged peaks and lakes like the Sierra and Dolomites. But at this time of year, I'll take the desert any day! ❤️ --E
Oh man, you guys captured it and then some. The colors and the light! Wife and I loved the Legally Blonde reference.
Haha yes Avery! You know the whole Moab excursion was inspired by your suggestion -- thank you! We had a fantastic time there for a couple of weeks, and def owe you at least a few more good movie references in recompense. ❤️
can't wait to see the rest of the Moab adventures
The bend and snap…. So funny… good one
Haha thanks Veronica! I was actually a little surprised that Adam got that reference, but the man knows his movies!! ❤️ --E
This video is a work of art
Thanks very much -- that is really nice to hear because this thing took a lot of editing time! ❤️ --E
@LiveHardxLoveHard You and Adam are a work of art too! You fitted in there perfectly.
Wow !!!! That was fabulous !!! I am sure glad you took the wrong way, cause the views were spectacular. I really loved how the opening to the canyons glowed like gold as you approached the end. I Love Red Rock Country !!!
Yes Mark! That was absolutely one of our favorite parts of the whole adventure, and we've def come to learn that the wrong way can be the right way as long as it's epic. Oh no, I'm starting to sound like Adam! 🙈 --E
This was definitely one if not the best hikes of scenic areas you all have done...
Beutiful sculptered sandstone and colors.
Thx
So glad you liked it! Yes the sculpted rock is just astonishing, and the slot canyons are world class too. Definitely a place we will return to! ❤️
That tunnel of sunlight, at the end of that first off trail canyon, was heavenly!!
So glad to share that with you! It absolutely stunned us in person, and we were very happy that it came out as well as it did on camera. ❤️
A surreal hike. Thanks so much for sharing, and on thanksgiving too! Been to that area, but never saw those slot canyons! Pure bliss. Best TH-cam channel and most fun couple on the planet🏜️ Happy holidays🎄☃️🎄❄️
Thanks so much, Mary -- happy thanksgiving to you too! And really happy to show you the slot canyons. They're a great reason for you to go back, because in person they will blow you away!! ❤️
Wow what a incredible hike! We must do this when we’re there. Thanks!
Yes Dave! This should be on everyone's bucket list, and you gotta do it when you're there and then let us know how it went!! ❤️
The wrong trail still led to a badass tunnel! We are moving to Montana in March and will add this to the list!
Haha ya that was one of the best mistakes we've ever made! Fantastic about Montana -- such a wonderful state. Good for you! I spent a lot of time over there when growing up in eastern Washington, and it was always great. Looking forward to going back and hiking in Glacier NP ourselves! ❤
“The bend and snap! Works every time”😂😂Wonder how many folks caught that! Awesome movie!🏜️
Haha yes!! We love movies, and def need to start bringing in more movie references! ❤️
What an amazing, almost other-worldly landscape! And quite the reverb you get there!
Oh my gosh, Thomas. You really wouldn't even believe the echos in person. Never heard anything quite like it! ❤️
Stunning views and what a hike. That slot canyon was awesome. It definitely lived up to the hype. Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving! Yes the slot canyon really did live up to the hype, and by the end we both agreed it was not unreasonable for this to be some people's all time favorite hike even though we def doubted in the beginning. ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard I hope you both had a wonderful holiday and had the opportunity to eat more than pop tarts and jelly beans (even though they are both delicious haha). It's not often something meets or exceeds expectations but this hike certainly did. And if you give your endorsement, you know it is legit!
@@prowrestlingisart6742 Haha we crushed the traditional turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and pumpkin pie. Hope you did too!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Awesome! The next question is did you eat that in a restaurant or on top of a mountain? Ours was great as well! Ate way too much. But that is what the run is for the next morning haha
@@prowrestlingisart6742 In a Mammoth Airbnb with my parents during a massive snowstorm. Perfect!
I had to look it up. At about 16 miles, Buckskin Gulch is the longest and deepest slot canyon in the Southwest and possibly the world. It's hard to imagine. Not that I've hiked it or even been there. Thanks for the great episode. It was like we were on the adventure with you.
That's good info, and you'll be glad to know that Buckskin Gulch is absolutely on our list of future adventures! ❤️
@LiveHardxLoveHard Can't wait. ❤️
OMG a must hike FOR SURE! So jealous you guys get to do this. Love watching your videos and I'm always waiting for the next one
Karin that makes us so happy to hear-- thank you! Yes this one needs to be on everyone's bucket list. It is just so beautiful and unique, and not like anywhere else we've ever been. Highly recommend! ❤️
We did that trail a few years back and its amazing!!
Yes! Super glad you got a chance to do it -- this one should be on everyone's bucket list! ❤️
This is my favorite desert hike that isn't a canyon (as I think the joint isn't a slot canyon formed by water flowing through a wash, but a split in the rock somehow from erosion or something). I loved Needles so much I went back two years in a row. Awesome video. Interesting to see that first split on the way from Elephant Canyon up to Chesler Park keps going until you can overlook another canyon. I'll have to try that the next time I go back.
Yes Alison! The off-trail slots were really spectacular, and well worth going into on your next trip. Totally see why this is your favorite -- we were honestly blown away by the beauty and variety of all the different formations, and def plan to go back as well. ❤️
Canyonlands Needles District is nothing short of spectacular! Phyllis and I have been lucky enough to visit that area a couple of dozen times over the years. We've taken our Jeep over Elephant Hill and driven that loop, but have never hiked this route. And you two are like a couple of kids, listening to your echo. I'm 72 and would do the exact same thing. Love that area and love your videos! 😁
Wow Dallas that is so freaking awesome you took the Jeep over Elephant Hill! I literally just the other day helped my daughter get a Jeep for her graduation and Army commissioning present, and that would be an amazing place to break it in. Glad you guys have spent so much time in this beautiful area -- we will be similar I think, because we're planning to come back often. --A
Amazing hike, thanks!
Our pleasure! You know we love sharing cool stuff like this with you guys!! ❤️
When I think of some of the landscapes I would like to see in the US one day, these are definitely close to the top of the list - spectacular!
That is a good choice, Catherine. If you did Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, and Zion it would be the trip of a lifetime before even leaving Utah. And then, of course, you have to head to the Sierra! ❤️
Another great video with spectacular views!!!
Thanks Miguel! Ya you just can't go wrong with the Moab area!! ❤️
Hello thé voices of thé last vidéo was ok thanks you i wish you good Christmas and happy good year Gérard
So glad to hear that, Girard -- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well!! ❤️
quite stunning, the narrow spots look like the main part of the adventure for sure. the rock formations are also quite amazing too, thanks on sharing
This hike DEFINITELY would not have been as amazing without those slot canyon Adam-cuts! Highly recommend! :D
I always find places this fascinating, rock formations etc really remind me/ us how small we are on this planet and how beautiful it really is, how beautiful is that? Amazing!
That part around 9 minutes in reminds me of somewhere here in UK called Thors cave, awesome!
The rock shapes also remind me of a small scale place here in comparison called brimham rocks!
Totally agree, Carl. Not just the size and scale of the rock formations, but also the awareness of how many millions of years it took for erosion to form all this beauty. And we exist here for just a moment to appreciate it, but what an amazing moment! ❤️
Love Canyonlands. We were in that area last spring and did the off-road trail there. Super fun and technical.
Oh my gosh you're the second people to tell us you did that off-road trail, and I just a couple days ago helped my daughter get a Jeep! I'm thinking we gotta go break that thing in in Canyonlands!! ❤️
@LiveHardxLoveHard probably not break, lol. Getting a tow from rory would be pricey!
@@legendarytrails 😂🙏🙈
My God. Never knew Canyonlands was like this. It’s always been just one of 50 stickers on the back wall of a camper in a Taco Bell pkg lot in Pomona. Your cinematic skills.and eqpt have me walking in wonder with you while clutching my iPad like portal in spacetime. Gotta get me some Canyonlands, too !
Haha Charles the image of the Taco Bell camper is hilarious and perfect! And yes, you do have to at least get to Canyonlands for this hike. You will never, ever forget the slot canyons -- and the echo at Druid Arch will blow you away in person as well! ❤️
This is the counterpoint to the east side of the sierras in terms of scenery, really beautiful. The reference to 127 hours gave me chills. David Roberts authored some fascinating books about the Southwest and Mountaineering. I really enjoyed this post.
So glad you enjoyed it! Yes we're for sure going to be doing a lot more exploring in this area, but that 127 hours is always in the back of our minds especially when we go off route into slots and caves! ❤️
Thanks, Adam and Elise, for taking me along for the ride! I've never seen anything quite like that ever! Never seen desert the high mountain wish i those influences when i was younger! A healthier lifestyle foresure! Thnxs! Dean( Soul)
That is so awesome that you haven't seen a place like this before! Of course, one of our favorite parts about making these vids :) We've both never encountered slot canyons quite like these ones. A truly special adventure!
I've backpacked at Needles. Very beautiful. Did Chester Park and Big springs trails
Oh heck yes, Michael! We passed a couple of backpackers looping the opposite way that we went, and they looked like they were having the time of their lives. Good for you! ❤️
Now you are in one my families favorite sections of the world. You probably already explored Arches which is only a few miles down the road. Wait, I forgot that you made an amazing video exploring all the iconic arches a couple of years ago.
Yes Dan! We love Arches, but have made it to all of them so really wanted to explore Canyonlands and it did not disappoint. So happy you guys have gotten to enjoy this area -- it's truly amazing. ❤️
Incredible hike and views! I think so many travelers focus on going to Arches but ignore Canyonlands basically across the street. Even Dead Horse Point State Park in the area is fantastic. Even if you don’t hike it but just drive Canyonlands, you can see so many incredible views.
You're totally right, Monte -- Canyonlands is absolutely epic! We love Arches as well, of course, but now you're gonna get us to go back and do Dead Horse Point! ❤️
What a view after getting lost on that first slot though!! Kinda similar to the subway in Sedona. Happy Thanksgiving Adam and Elise!
Thanks Mary -- Happy Thanksgiving to you too! Agree about the Subway -- both are epic rock formations caused by erosion, so it makes sense. ❤️
Incredible vlog Adam & Elise
from the Cathedral of Rock !
Definitely "other Worldly" 🛸
That narrow passage ?
Getting visions of that movie where that guy got his arm trapped & had to breakout the penknife ! :(
Thanks for sharing
Have a Awesome day, both of you.
Echo..................
☀️
🍓🐿🐿❤
Us too, John! That was def the movie we were talking about with the 127 Hours comment -- those slots are so fun but a little claustrophobic for sure! ❤️
Glad you made it to the Druid Arch.
Thank you -- it was totally worth the effort. Beautiful, and literally the best echo in a natural setting that either of us has ever heard. ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Yes to all! Same thing when we did it. Not a single soul in site. Although NOT easy by any means, well worth the effort to get there and see it.
1:36 the visitor center at canyonlands (and arches for that matter) have amazing resources on how they formed
That's good to know. A couple of the subscribers described it pretty well, but would be fun to see the official version too. ❤️
Hi - I have done part of this amazing trail last May, now I want to go back to discover the rest after viewing your video ❤ - I love seeing Adam’s cut (not sure I would love experimenting them on my own though 😅)
Haha yes Blandine -- it is a lot easier to be brave with exploring off trail when you go in a pair, because if something happens then there's always someone else to go and get help. But honestly, the Adam-cut on this one is really pretty safe, and SO cool. I recommend you try it next time you go. ❤️ --A
I have to say, I think I could practice all day at the Druid Arch--nature's reverb! When you find out about slot canyons, I'd be interested in knowing how many years of geological movement they represent or if they are formed that way originally. Great hike--love you guys.
Bob I think we're gonna try to take you on this, or at least on parts of it, when we all do a trip to Moab. You will love it -- and I'll carry the sax if you play it at Druid Arch!! ❤️--A
What a very special place, I could spend days hiking around there, so beautiful, thanks for sharing Larry Owens also Happy Thanksgiving I hope it's your best ever !
Happy Thanksgiving Larry! We totally agree about being able to spend a ton of time here - would love to come back to Moab and spend a few months hiking, trail running, biking and climbing. So many possibilities. Have a lovely day!
Very cool! Love that you showed your “off shoots”. If you have been to the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada, it has some colourful rock formations. I really enjoyed exploring the “Fire Wave”, Gibraltar Rock, West White Dome, White Dome, and The Orphan. The combination gave both our cameras a good workout… I took 500 photos during our scrambling and hiking. The Valley of Fire Peak is also a fun challenge to navigate to without getting lost ;D
Thanks Doug, that's a great tip! We might try doing some Nevada adventures later this winter, and Valley of Fire sounds fabulous. ❤️
You activated my echo device. Started playing some weird music! Spectacular hike!
Hahaha that is awesome. Very glad you enjoyed the hike!! ❤️
You guys have been hiking so much that Elise's butt is getting caught in the slot canyons haha
And Adam catching a legally blonde reference, that was funny.
Utah never fails to impress. Such a unique and beautiful place. As always, I love watching your travels
Totally agree about Utah, Colby -- and Legally Blonde! We're in the middle of some crazy travel days right now, but will hopefully get the next Utah one edited by Thursday. We had some really great adventures there on this trip! ❤️
I love the Red Rocks it looks absolutely amazing. Canyon walls, wow. Since you're in the area, you have to check out the Reflection Canyon in southern Utah
We already left -- but did some great adventures you'll see in the next couple weeks -- but are for sure writing down Reflection Canyon for next time! ❤️
That off route slot canyon and cave were fabulous. I sure wouldn't want to be in any of those slot canyons when it's raining.
Oh my gosh you're right about that -- especially that really long one. That thing would be a death trap! ❤️
Yes, fantastic !!! 🙂
Glad you loved it, Petr! The Utah desert is a miraculous place. ❤️
I have not been to The Islands but now looks like a trip is required to that part of the park
This one was Needles, Rick -- but I think we're gonna post one from Islands this Thursday! Both are spectacular, though if you were only going to do one hike in the area I think I'd say to pick this loop. It was amazing. ❤️
Elise Adam, what a "cathedral" my kinda church! I'd be hugging the rock and introducing myself listening to my echo answering me back! ( lol) Dean( Soul) Toronto
Absolutely, Dean! It even looks and feels like a church, and is definitely the kind of place where we feel our most spiritual. ❤️
@LiveEHardxLoveHard Adam and Ellise everywhere
.,. Pp...
If your in Moab still it's easy to snowshoe up to Gold Basin. If AWD car generally you can get up to big parking lot through Aspen Grove. Walk right up road to top. I go to the basin up the creek. Steep. Or right up rockfall. Be Avalanche aware if on sides of those peaks.
We left Moab, but will for sure be going back repeatedly because we absolutely love it there. Would love to try that snowshoe! ❤️
The drive in here to the end. Out. Back to Moab is a haul. Great for kids family area. Unless 100 degrees.
Take it with you. Leaving going to Zion if here might as well go south then west to Capital/Zion/Grand Canyon.
Fish Lake 🐟 🐠 🎣 is 700 feet deep if you go I70.
I do every stop pull off westbound. Including pulling off onto shoulder at Eagle Canyon walking under bridge. Eastbound same. I70 is awesome.
I'm one of those who have done this hike and is easily in the top 5 if not #1 and we've been on most of all the "famous" hikes in the west
You are right, Patrick. We were doubters at first, but as we went on there was no denying it. The hike is truly spectacular, and it also has several different kinds of spectacular. Should be on everyone's bucket list -- very glad you got a chance to do it! ❤️
What?! My wife and I are in Moab on vacation. We did Arches on Wed, Canyonlands Islands in The Sky Thu, Canyonlands Needles today (Fri). Ran out of time & energy for the longer hikes in Canyonlands Needles. Ended today at Delicate Arch, but just missed sunset.
Ken that is awesome -- great choice for a Thanksgiving trip!! And in a way it's good you didn't have time for this hike, because it means you have a reason to come back (along with lots of other great hikes in the area which we discovered over a couple of weeks there!). ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Very True!
It's Huge. Ginormous. Absurdly Monstrous. I like the Alcove Spring hike. Gemini Bridge isn't in the park, but it is a banger. Endless place.
The reef slot on I70 out of Green River is cool. You can go up either side from the rest stop. Walk under interstate. It's 600 feet over the road. Big. Very top of south side looks down on road. Reef runs way south. A million features in it.
Not sure but if backdrop mountains are Henry's that terrain below the pass is insane. Back route over to Capital Reef. I70 past Gobblin to Hankville to C Reef up over pass.
Great tip, Dan! We'll do it next time we're on the 70! ❤️
Edward Abbey country...love it. Did you guys get to Goblin Valley State Park near there?
That's a great idea -- we didn't do Goblin Valley but definitely plan to at some point. Supposedly there's also some nice dispersed camping around there, so it will make a good place to boondock for a few days as well! ❤️
@LiveHardxLoveHard Yeah, so if you ever go to Goblin Valley (and take some cool selfies up on the mushroom shaped boulders) there are some towns south on State Route 24. Hanksville, Gainesville and Torrey. And this place Torrey is well known for the Luna Mesa Cafe (well is just a campgrounds and RV Park now I guess the Cafe is no longer open). But it's really cool there and you can go tubing on the River. And it's all within close proximity to Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Glen Canyon. Happy Travels!!!
@@jimgreenhow4614 Excellent -- thank you!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Oh, and one more cool thing about that area. Totally serious too. This area of Utah is located near the San Rafael Swell, a geologic anomaly. And this area is also situated between three geographic points...Las Vegas to the southwest, Alamagordo to the southeast and the Idaho National Laboratories to the north. So, all three of these locations are former nuclear test sites but they are also very hot spots of UAP (UFO) activity. The locals call this grid the "San Rafael Triangle" and the guy who used to own the Luna Mesa Cafe in Torrey told us that when we camped we might see strange things in the night sky. He guaranteed it as a matter of fact. So, I got up in the middle of the night to have a pee and Dennis' dog named Punk came over to me and sat watching the night sky (and you can see like a billion stars out there because the air is so clear and no city lights are near). So I looked up at what this Labrador was watching and sure enough...I saw lights flying to and fro at incredible speeds and making turns at 45 degree angles ( stuff that would be awrodynamically impossible) and then I saw a huge black triangle with no.lights flying dead silent over us. It really freaked me out and I went back in the teepee and told the two women I was traveling with and they went out and saw it too. So at breakfast the next morning,I asked this guy Dennis what it was that we saw. And he said the black triangle was definitely Aurora and the little white flying ones real fast were hypersonic drones. And I naturally said "so how come you know all this dennis?" And ge said he used to be an Air Force engineer at one of the bases in Nevada (like Groom Lake or Area 51). So I kept paying him for more info and I smelled a real Bob Lazar type story here. Then he said he had moved out there in 1986 after he left the Air Force and bought this land and set up his Cafe (which has a UFO on the building). Then he said "see one night in 1987 shortly after I had moved here in was awakened by a green light outside and I went out and these three really tall men in silver mylar suits with slits for eyes and really long fingers spoke to me telepathically. And all of us were like "what did they say dennis?" And he said, "oh, they just wanted to make sure I was gonna be cool because they travel through here all the time" And we all laughed and said "that was it" and he was like "yeah, what you think they were gonna tell me they were from zeta reticuli and were here to plunder our resources and read our minfs?" And we all gut laughed again. Then he said "hey how bout I take you guys tubing down the River? I won't even charge you this time" so we got a free day of tubing just for listening to his crazy story. I don't think one word he said was true but my story i just told you is true. Maybe you and Adam can go find Dennis and get free tubing rides down the river and listen to his crazy story about mylar suited guys from zeta reticuli. LMAO
Wow! This was an extraordinary hike! Thanks for posting. How can we find the trail map? Thanks.
So happy you're interested in doing it! You will not regret it -- truly amazing. Just look on AllTrails under Druid Arch and Chesler Park loop and you can download the map! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard : Thank you so much!
Great scenery guys you are doing great ,,Elise you have a very nice bushy tail and it’s always slapping on your face when you hike ,isn’t that blocking the view when you walk😂
Haha! I love that you referred to my hair as my bushy tail. I like to call it my Scair. I only get irked with it on super windy days when it has a mind of its own... then I have to put it in its place 😜
ELISE and ADAM a hello from France. It is a wonder of nature, a few steps carved into the rock by unknown gods, and here you are at the foot of gigantic ramparts that rise to protect castles and stone cathedrals. These labyrinths do not lead to the Minotaur of Knossos but rather to the stargate, it is a mythical journey in the maze of time always accompanied by the music and voice of ELISE, what a pleasure. At my house it's November 28th again, happy Thanksgiving to you both. Kisses. DAN
ELISE et ADAM un bonjour de France. C’est une merveille de la nature, quelques marches taillées dans le roc par des dieux inconnus, et vous voilà au pied de gigantesques remparts qui se dressent pour protéger des châteaux et des cathédrales de pierres. Ces labyrinthes ne mènent pas au Minotaure de Knossos mais plutôt vers la porte des étoiles, c’est un voyage mythique dans les dédales du temps toujours accompagné par la musique et la voix d’ELISE, quel plaisir. Chez moi nous sommes encore le 28 novembre, joyeux Thanksgiving à vous deux. Bises. DAN
Thanks so much Dan -- happy Thanksgiving to you as well! We've been traveling for the last few days, but are now settled down in another amazing place that we're very excited to show you (after a couple more Canyonlands videos!). ❤️--E
This is really intriguing. Here's what ChatGPT says:
The long slot canyons of the Arizona canyonlands, such as Antelope Canyon or Buckskin Gulch, are created by a combination of geological processes over millions of years. Here's a breakdown of the key factors:
1. Erosion by Flash Flooding
Rainfall runoff: The desert environment of Arizona sees infrequent but intense rainfall. When it rains, water flows rapidly over the land, carrying debris and sediment.
Flash floods: These sudden, powerful flows carve through soft sandstone, cutting deep and narrow channels into the rock.
2. Soft Sandstone Composition
Navajo sandstone: The rock in many slot canyons is primarily made of sandstone, which is relatively soft and susceptible to erosion.
Weaknesses in rock layers: Cracks or faults in the sandstone provide paths of least resistance for water flow, concentrating erosion in specific areas.
3. Abrasion
The flowing water carries sand and larger sediment, which act like sandpaper, grinding and polishing the walls of the canyon.
Over time, this abrasion carves the smooth, undulating walls that are characteristic of slot canyons.
4. Vertical Entrenchment
As water erodes downward, the slot canyon deepens. Because desert regions often have limited vegetation, there's little to slow the runoff, allowing erosion to continue unabated.
5. Time and Repeated Cycles
These processes are repeated over thousands to millions of years. Each storm contributes incrementally to the canyon's growth.
I would rather trust human intelligence:
About 20 million years ago, long after these layers were deposited, movements in the Earth's crust caused the entire Canyonlands region to rise. This changed the local environment from one where sediment is deposited, to one in which it's eroded away.Water eats away at sandstone by attacking the cement holding the sand grains together. It acts even faster on areas of weakness such as fractures and cracks. Two events combined to cause extensive surface fractures in The Needles.
The Monument Uplift
The Monument Uplift is a "local" uplift that begins around the Needles and trends slightly southwest all the way to Monument Valley. This uplift caused the Cedar Mesa Sandstone around the Needles to crack as it bent upward, forming a series of fractures (called "joints" by geologists) trending from east to west.
The Paradox Formation
A thick layer of salt called the Paradox Formation is the second cause of fracturing in the Needles. Buried thousands of feet below the Cedar Mesa Sandstone, the salt is flowing slowly toward the Colorado River and dragging the overlying layers with it. As the surface layers stretch in a direction opposite the Monument Uplift, another series of fractures formed trending north to south.
At The Needles, these two opposing series of joints formed square blocks of rock. As water erodes the joints, these squares have been slowly sculpted into the magnificent pillars and spires that form The Needles district of Canyonlands.
oh, and that was what nps.gov says 😉
That is awesome stuff, Ellen! ChatGPT is freaking amazing. So basically even those really deep narrow slot canyons are caused by water erosion. Wild. Hope you get a chance to see the Joint at some point if you haven't before -- it was a very unique slot canyon. ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard imagine lots of balls of sand paper being blasted with lots of fast flowing water over time.
Sorry, missed this one when it came out! Amazing slot slicing... but, where was your drone! Esp when you needed some route finding? And couldn't it be rather hazardous to wander off trail a long ways, due to rockfall etc? And what's with the "Cairns, schmairns" outlook? ;-) I hope you'll forgive me for worrying about my favorite mtn goats... someone has to! ❤ Cheers! -Liam
It would have been so useful to have the drone, Liam! But unfortunately they are illegal in all US national parks, so we often don't get to bring it. ❤
"mushroom in" haha Adam knows something
Hahaha this is the right place to do it for sure!! ❤️
Hope you are having a great thanksgiving weekend Elise... Strange that you did not reply to my last comments.. But guess you are very busy.. ✌️🥂
No worries Serge, we were just traveling and didn't have internet for a few days. But we just got settled in a place with a good internet connection and will be here for a whole month, so we will be more on top of it as usual for the rest of December. Hope you're doing great! ❤️ --E
@LiveHardxLoveHard yeah I am doing ok just saw my doctor for annual check up and it's fine except my hnees that are worn out a little... Have a great week 🤗👍
The rim along Dead Horse is killer viewpoint do two miles just keep walking.
Area is great hiking. All over. Blazing in the summer though. Take 5 gallons with you, gallon on hikes. Quart per mile. 90s. Stick to short hikes in heat. Dawn to noon for 4-6 miles. If from out east there is no heat exhaustion transition you don't sweat. You immediately go from hot to in trouble.
And of course freezing 🥶 in winter. 😅
Really looking forward to Dead Horse! ❤️
Have you decided where you are going to retire? Great colours
We love everywhere we go! So far, that definitely means we aren't ready to choose one spot to settle down. Maybe we'll never be ready and retirement will just mean forever living in a new locale, although we do both suspect that at some point we will want a home base. For now, we are loving not being tied to one place! Happy Thanksgiving!
So you did this hike in late November? No snow, didn’t seem too chilly, and clearly no crowds.
Exactly right on all counts. It was of course a bit chilly in the morning (around 32F), but once it warmed up it was lovely. And we barely even saw another human until we passed some people later in the day coming the opposite way on the Chesler Park loop. ❤️
Good morning, Been on many adventures lately such as spending 8 hours driving through remote Death Valley looking for Saline Hot Springs in total darkness. Purchased bug out house in Brookings, OR on coast with wood shed, green house and future guest house for people like Ellise and Adam. Purchased Bronco Raptor with Bitcoin earnings. You’ll have to drive it someday! Twin turbos kick booty. Hope all is well in land of positivity!!!
If you like Salmon and Steelhead fishing I now live by three of the cleanest rivers for swimming, kayaking, and fishing
Oh heck yes, we are all about test-driving the Bronco Raptor -- such a cool-looking ride! And will be coming up through Oregon and Washington this summer -- the coast house sounds amazing. Congratulations!! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard going up to Oregon and Washington sounds great this summer I’ll be moved in in about three weeks so you’re welcome to stay at my place. If you need a place to stay you could either camp in the driveway. I’m on 1.7 acres overlooking the ocean and I have a long driveway, you could camp in the driveway in your vehicle or you don’t have an RV though or a stay stay in my house or the guest house I should have it done by then I just need to put in a woodburning stove and some insulation. it’s the structures already there for a 9 x 12 guest room outback and then you have privacy and I’m putting in a sauna as well overlooking the ocean of four person cedar sauna so it’s gonna be like a little Resort and we can go swimming and hiking and whatever you wanna do or you guys do your own thing and you’re welcome to stay with me.
@@melodicaether6294 Thank you, that sounds amazing!!
The snackspot is on top of the Arch.
Haha I definitely reconned it just in case, but that thing would be tough to climb free solo! --A
Where can I find the beta on this trail? Idk why I cant find this one
We downloaded it from AllTrails -- Chesler Park Loop with Druid Arch. But be aware that it says 14 miles, but our hike was more like 17. We took a couple wrong turns but the mileage is def sandbagged a bit on the AllTrails beta. ❤️
Doesn't water form those long slot canyons?
Yes Joseph -- it looks like it's all done with erosion though it's still hard to understand how they can be so slender and vertical rather than widening out like most canyons! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard these are cracks formed by movement in lower layers. Water erosion is not as straight.
Waiting for someone to shout Charlie Bravo back to you...
OMG think how much we would have jumped if that had actually happened 😂
plot twist. another couple was standing nearby shouting echo, too. You got fooled.
Haha! That would be the best April Fool's joke!
That skinny canyon - was hoping you wouldn’t need to cut your arm off….
Haha us too! 🙈
Why this voice artificial generate by IA.we never Heard you ?? That a pity
Wait Gerard what is this AI voice? Are you listening in another language? We got a message from youtube that they were going to automatically start dubbing audio for our vids... wondering if that's it?
It was better when it was your voices thé charme is broken i will end to stop it is a pity Gérard
Hi Gerard! You are the second person who has mentioned something about the video not having our voices… can you explain what you mean? TH-cam had sent a mass email about using a new autodubbing for other languages… are you watching in a different language? We really want to fix it because an AI voice sounds like a terrible idea! ❤️
I was getting clostrophobic for you guys in the tight spaces. Yes it is exhausting getting lost because its like you have to start thinking harder and about a lot more things and maybe get a little panicky and constantly reasoning with how much further you should go or where the trail picks up, your brain becomes a furnace that burns energy for all the extra computing, lol. God specifically made those areas so you could walk through them!!
Totally agree with you on both points, Steve! Getting lost does take a lot of time and energy, but it lets you discover an aspect of creation that is utterly amazing then the energy expenditure is more than worth it! ❤️