The White Mountains - Pacheta Falls & Thompson Trail
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
- The White Mountains - Pacheta Falls & Thompson Trail
Ever have one of those trips where everything went wrong? Well, I just did. I could have let it ruin my time, but I decided instead to take it as a challenge. So I didn’t have my camera gear. Could I make a video I liked with the equipment I had? So permits weren’t straightforward. Is doing the right thing worth the effort?
To answer the first question…..I absolutely love this video. It was fun to shoot, edit and I enjoy watching it. I actually enjoyed the challenge of stepping out of my comfort zone to try new techniques with equipment I wasn’t comfortable with. I love the result.
And the White Mountain Apache Rangers were so nice. They were helpful with information on what we needed for permits, and even helped us find a better route out to the main road. So I was more than happy to exert the extra effort to follow the rules. After all, they have opened up these beautiful lands to us all to enjoy.
The Thompson Trail was gorgeous. We didn’t have enough time to go as far as we wanted, but we will be back.
And Pacheta Falls exceeded our expectations as well. The pictures do not do Pacheta Falls justice. I’d seen a lot of them and the falls just look….small and unimpressive. Standing on the edge of the canyon at the top of a 130’ waterfall in person is a different story. And we had the place to ourselves. The only other people we saw were an Apache family going to the falls for their first time. They thanked us for coming to the reservation, but really the thanks goes to them for welcoming us to their lands.
We saw areas of the White Mountains we never knew existed. The colors of the blue spruce, aspen and ferns were incredible. We saw turkeys, elk and deer. We camped beside Pacheta Lake with two other groups…but mostly we were able to find solitude during a holiday weekend.
So I suppose the lesson is that things can go wrong, but it really depends on how you react that matters. I easily could have gotten angry and let my mistakes and the frustration of red tape ruin the trip….but really, it just made it more of an adventure.
As always, the White Mountains exceeded all expectations…..and I can’t wait to go back.
Next time though, I WILL do a final sweep of the house to make sure I get all of my gear…..
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I love this! As a Native American from N. AZ I really and I mean I REALLY appreciate how respectful you two are of native lands and their regulations. You two inspire me so much to explore and hike so many trails around this beautiful state. From experience I know things can be a little confusing as far as permit wise mainly because there’s lack of organization, so on behalf of the tribes I apologize lol but you y’all handled it beautifully. I’m so glad you guys see the beauty of the Reservations in this state so thank you whole heartedly! Keep doing what y’all do :)
No need to apologize. I always want to be respectful. What many people don't understand is that the right to allow people to visit these places lies solely on those who own them. So I'm more than happy to follow the rules. We met a family on our way out from the falls on this trip. The guy said 'thank you for visiting our lands.' I think I said something like 'Yeah, the falls were awesome.' but what I really should have said is 'thank you for letting us visit.'
I love your videos. Thanks for being real. Sometimes things don't go as planned. Some channels make everything look perfect. Most of us know sometimes things get sideways. Beautiful video none the less.
Thanks! When things don't go as planned, it tests how resilient and resourceful you are. Which is a good thing in the wilderness. Still, I hopefully don't forget my camera gear again.
just recently found your channel- thanks for the inspiration and great information!
'my shoelace even broke!'... love how you show the wtf moments of backpacking... thank you for your vids!
Everything went wrong on this trip. I was so aggravated when I realized I left my camera gear at home. Decided to change my attitude and make it a challenge to film with my phone and enjoy myself, which I did. It's all a state of mind.
Shii kayááhéh, my homeland. Dził Łigaii Sían Ndee nshlíí, I am White Mountain Apache. This is the video that made me subscribe 😁. Ahey yé eh, thank you, for doing what you do and in a beautiful way. Gózhooníí t'é', beautiful all around.
FYI, yeah, the tribe is not up to standard!!! Gawd, I'm ashamed to say that they do not keep up with ANYTHING!!! You have to go Hon-Dah Skii and Outdoor Sport 787 AZ-260, Pinetop, AZ 85935. For anyone that needs this info.
I'm jealous. The White Mountains are beautiful. We had a local thank us for visiting on our way to the truck on this trip. All I could think was "Thank you for LETTING us visit!" Such an amazing area. And in retrospect, I think the permit debacle was on me as much as the website. We'll be back up there this summer. It's been too long.
@@JerryArizona Gózhoo, good/wonderful. Yeah, I was definitely blessed to grow up as an Apache, literally surrounded by trails!!! I've actually been working on a letter to my tribal representatives, to create more trails on the Rez. Not only for "tourists" but for our people. It would be nice to have educational trail signs, written in both Ndee and English, explaining the land and whatnot. Dreaming big over here 💪🏽
This goes to show that you don't need any special equipment to produce quality content. Great job!
The White Mountains are a special place. I just backpacked the Pemi Loop - highly recommend.
Glad you made it through all the hiccups on your adventure! I'm from the White Mountains and hadn't heard of this before so I'm glad I watched your video! Your rant was great and I loved the music you transitioned into after that. Can't wait to watch more of your videos you do an excellent job!!!
Glad you're enjoying them. The White Mountains are absolutely beautiful. Tina actually introduced me to that area. It's definitely one of my favorites. Looking forward to going back up there soon.
thank you for the information about how to get those permits! safe travels always!
Beautiful thank you for taking us there :)
Good video and good improvisation with the drone and cell phone use. I really love the white mountains, there are a TON of hidden treasures in those woods which are not accessible by permit and only special invitation. However, I do understand why some of their lands do remain closed. Good things can be turned to shit fast with reckless recreators who ruin it for everyone else.
About their permits... I do wish the WMAT would have some consistency with it's permits. Additionally, I am not even sure some of the law enforcement are fully versed in what their permit actually covers. More than once have I been put into a "yes sir" and nodding situation even when I was 100% legal according to the language of the permit. Pachetta is one area I would love to see but I tend to avoid the area due to too many bad experiences.
Thanks for the upload.
I'm actually a big fan of permit systems - when properly implemented. Keeps places from becoming overcrowded. And although the permit system on Native American lands are often difficult to get, I don't mind at all. The rangers were extremely helpful and we even met a family on our way up from the falls who thanked us for visiting. They're opening up their lands for us and they don't have to. I completely understand the Cibecue and Marble Canyon closures this year; if you don't respect the rules, access can be taken away.
Must be nice to have a connection for special invitation though.
@@JerryArizona I dont mind permits either but the consistency of how its informed to recreators has been inconsistent in my experience. I can only dream about special permissions. We have friends who have family on the res and they'll occasionally get invited areas which off limits to most of us. I understand why some of these areas are closed, too many folks will ruin it. Glad you guys had a good experience, though.
Thompson is my favorite trail in all of the White Mountains! And I haven't been to Pacheta since they started requiring permits. I don't know if my vehicle is high enough to clear those rocks. The video turned out excellent despite the obstacles.
Thanks! Most of the roads were fine. It was just the very last bit that got a little rutted and rocky.
You do really nice videography work, btw.
This is a beautiful video, thank you for sharing your travels :’)
What a beautiful well put together video...🤗
Thanks! I was SO angry when we got there and I realized I left all my camera gear a home. But it was really fun to turn it into a challenge to use what I had and I'm happy with the result.
Man!! I feel your frustration, something similar happened to me at Havasupai and in my most recent trip to Hawaii 😭 your IPhone did a good job, and your editing is fun and engaging! Definitely taking some notes to apply to my videos lol thank k you for showing vulnerability! I loved your video... sharing on my page 👍🏼
Thanks, man! Looking forward to seeing the rest of your Hawaii adventure. So far, the north shore of Kauai is my favorite place on earth. Havasupai and Hawaii trips would probably be the worst places to have gear issues! One of these days we're going to end up running into you guys out there somewhere.
Was there a long time ago, when only Tribal members knew about it! Amazing place!
It was so much more impressive in person than what I was expecting. Absolutely love the White Mountains.
Wow that’s expensive I know other people that went there to Thompson Trail and they never mentioned a permit.
Born and raised in the white mountains- I’ve never heard of this place so I’m not surprised and cell service and internet is pretty spotty all the time 😂🤦🏻♀️
Great job capturing the good with the bad. And dang it, you had to go and get a drone! Now I’m even more jealous... I can’t wait to see what all you can do with that!
I've had the drone for a while now. Not much of a pilot and it's really restricted where you can fly it, unfortunately. I DID just order an Insta360 Go that I am psyched to get. Should be able to get pretty creative with that thing.
Jerry Ackerman nice, that’s going to be sweet. Can’t wait to check that out
Show - Low Wal-Mart fo the win!
Your quiet contemplation was awesome.. You took it very well, man! 😅
Funny how I wasn't even upset about the sleeping bag....only the camera gear.
Lol i always forget my pillow.
I'm planning a trip here and Cibecue.
Not surprising, man. From your posts on AZ Hiking, looks like you're planning to go everywhere as quickly as possible!
@@JerryArizona sounds like me lol. I've had things mapped out for months now but making it happen can be difficult, especially without 4WD. I have over 30 waterfalls marked on GM across AZ.
Thank you for the sexy time at the end! 😁😅
Ha! I loved putting that part together.
@Jerry Arizona we love the humor.
I feel like I’ve seen your lady somewhere, I just can’t pin it out lol. I randomly started watching your vids (wanting to get outside more). Thank you for all the info 🤙
No problem. Tina is originally from AZ, so....well, no idea where you might have run into her, but it's definitely possible.
You know there's still a ton of stuff to do in the White Mountains if you go just a little further east onto the national forest part. A lot of the same experience as you'd get on the rez but without having to deal with the rez shakedowns.
I need to explore more up there. Hopefully this summer.
You mention that last little stretch of road that's tough... how many miles is it from where that stretch begins to the Falls? Would like to hike it if I don't feel comfortable in my vehicle.
It's really short. Maybe a mile, tops. And the waterfall is maybe a few hundred yards from there. So if you are uncomfortable, you can stop and hike the last little bit.
Just watched this video. Great work and sorry you forgot your gear. I've never done that!....NOT. As for the permit hassle, one reason I no longer go to res. Lands. Way too much bureaucracy and corruption. We were at an event a few years ago. Organizer did all the paperwork and secured the permits. Didn't matter to the tribal cop who insisted we pay HIM the fees at our group of 30. I went and got the organizer and that ended that scam. We never went back
I have a long history of forgetting things, but this trip was the worst so far. In retrospect, the permit was kind of my fault. A friend told me it was $30, so I should have questioned it. Personally, I don't mind the whole system and am just happy they let us visit, because it's absolutely beautiful up there.
Cool channel guy's. We are going to Pacheta lake in about a month or so and was wondering if there are quite a few camp sites there? We have camped at Reservation last year however didn't go exploring to the other lakes since it was first our time on the Reservation and was getting the feel of it.
Thank you and we enjoy going places with y'all.
Thanks! There were quite a few campsites around each of the lakes...and there are a ton of lakes. I still recommend you go early though because it does get busy.
I love the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and fish their land a few time every year. However, I NEVER use their web-site. Just never is up to date or works. Beautiful land and people though.
We need to get back soon. Love the White Mountains! Glad the tribe allows us to visit.
HA!HA!HA! WOW!
Bahhhhh Haaaaa Haaaaa Haaaaa! I HATE that shit! At least you have the MAVIC! You just saved the trip!
I am trying to plan a trip there, but I'm confused on what is the Y40. It doesn't show on Google Maps. Any help would be appreciated.
I honestly can't find any road markings on my GPS (Gaia) either. From Pacheta Lake (33.77385, -109.53452) there are a ton of roads. Take the one that comes up on this coordinate: 33.76416, -109.53127). Go SW at the intersection (33.75270, -109.53304) so you are on the road that comes up on this coordinate: 33.74153, -109.52499). Follow the road to the parking area (33.67001, -109.52472 although depends on if your car can make the last bit to get this far.) If you go to that last coordinate, you will hear the falls and it's straightforward from there.)
Does anyone know where to get permits for Pacheta falls?? Is it still the same one as cibicue falls??
Check this link. Not sure how accurate it is, but seems like it's fairly up to date: wmatoutdoor.org/wp_view.html?pageid=25
Gold can only imagine a Spreadsheet geek engineer losing his shit for forgetting his gear. Nothing wrong with being human bro. 👏
I was genuinely so mad. It almost ruined my trip. But then I decided to make it a challenge to film without my gear and it was actually fun, so lemons, lemonade, I guess.
@@JerryArizona Well you certainly have given Tina a WHOLE bucketload of I told you so material LMAO. Thank you for showing me your beautiful world. I have only done a short skip through this area a few years back and now my bucket list is almost overwhelming my google maps lol.
You two travel and interact on a very similar vibe to my partner so its a great watch.
My goal is to spend 3 to 4 months in your kneck of the woods one day so we can tick the list off a bit.
@@CameronCox_1969 I love it out here. Any questions, let me know.
Where did you guys camp in the White Mountains? Looks like you were near a lake?
We camped by Pacheta Lake that trip. But there are a bunch of lakes up there you can camp by.
@@JerryArizona Awesome thanks!
Thank you! I learned alot of info since I am planning to go there with my family in two weeks. May I ask what drone you use?
Mavic Pro. If you are planning to go up to the White Mountains, you might want to check with the White Mountain Apache Tribe to make sure they are issuing permits. I think they may, but they might not right now due to COVID. There are still places that aren't on the reservation you can go though. (Baldy Loop trail comes to mind.) Good luck. I love it up there.
Pacheta and Cibeque are completely different. Cibeque is in the Salt River area. I don’t you needed that $30 permit.
They're definitely different. A ranger actually stopped by our camp and asked where we were going. When we said Pacheta, he said a separate $30 permit was needed and that we could get it from the website. The website did not list Pacheta. We ended up going to the gas station in Hon-Dah and they told us the Cibecue permit works for Cibecue AND Pacheta. When we asked at the general store just outside the ski resort, they didn't even know what we were talking about when we said Pacheta Falls permit....So who knows? Confusing, but we wanted to make sure we were respecting the Tribe's rules.
where did you camp?
I believe we camped at Pacheta Lake. Not 100% sure anymore.
In my days you wouldn't need a permit to go to pachita falls. And if you did, they would make it very easy to get. They kept everything very simple in my days they wanted it that way and they kept it that way. Wake up
I think the website is much better now. I guess it's not a very well known place though, so even the people selling the tickets don't all know about it. Probably more my fault than theirs. I'm just happy they let us visit their land.
At least you didn’t forget the cold snacks...right?
Brought everything but the camera and sleeping gear!
wait, you have to have a permit to look at a waterfall?
Yes. The land belongs to the White Mountain Apache tribe and they require permits to use it. Personally, I am happy to pay since they are nice enough to let me enjoy their land.
@@JerryArizona oops, we went there last year from the buffalo crossing campground and it was great, but no trail head, signage, restroom or trash service. You would think for such a fee there would be something. But we also didn't see any rangers either so...
Note to self you need a cibecue Falls for the pochita pause!! Makes absolutely no sense but you better pay it! Or haircut time!
It's should be everyone's land.culture's come and go.
As long as corrupt tribal governments and the bureau of indian affairs is in charge these places will go unseen by most. The real people missing out are those living under those corrupt authoritarian governments. Do some research into why those people will never be given the chance to dig themselves out of poverty.
Ok i saw it on video dont need to pay permit fees or go waste my time or deal with bureaucratic nonsense or Indian run around getting permits that are unavailable.
You don't indicate that you are on Sovereign Tribal lands!!.. Or mention your specifically on the White Mountain Apache Nation. But glad you enjoyed your visit despite the inconveniences you had to go through.
I love it up there. Thought I mentioned it specifically, but I guess sometimes you overlook things assuming everyone knows. The inconveniences don't bother me at all. When we were walking back to the truck, we met a family from the tribe. He was on his first trip and actually thanked us for visiting tribal lands. I was just thinking "Thank YOU for letting us experience this place." Absolutely love the White Mountains.
Not worth the hassle of dealing with the natives - they can have it. Better places to go where they treat visitors like they are valued. Let them gamble in their own casinos all day.
So were the duties for being on native American land? Wow that is so excessive.
I want to say overnight permits are $5. $30 for the waterfalls, but that also includes an overnight. (I think those were the fees when we went. Not sure now.) Considering it can cost you $50~75 to go to a 1 1/2 hour movie with two people, I feel like spending $40 to have two nights and see a waterfall in this beautiful land is a great deal. It is property of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, after all, and I'm happy they'll let me visit.
But I understand wanting to see our beautiful country for free. There are plenty of public lands that don't charge at all if you think the cost is too steep. We just got back from the San Rafael Swell in Utah and it was amazing. And free.
I’ve seen better falls for free.