John, I know you probably won’t see this. Just wanted to say that your channel inspired me so much, and I somehow managed to find a few videos that were unlisted and I still watch them super often. I’m glad you are doing what you need to do, but really hope the channel comes back at some point. I know it made a big difference in my life. Keep doing you man, hope to see you again soon :)
That area in between Owens and Death Valley (Saline, Panamint, and Eureka Valleys) is a true hidden gem of California. Rugged, truly remote with many places where very very few people have ever gone before. My friends and I used to just drive out there, pick out a ridge and follow it up for a 9~10k feet elevation gain dayhike to the top and back; all off trail and usually no water source at all.
The valleys east of the Inyos are lower in elevation than Owens Valley, which is ~4000' above sea level. Saline is ~1000' above sea level for example. A hike from Saline Valley floor to the summits of Inyo peaks requires 3k' more elevation gain (so 10k for Keynot Peak or inyo Mt.). Moreover, the Inyo Mountains rise more steeply on the east side than the Owens Valley side. They are much more impressive and rugged from the east side. Few people go to the east side because of lack of good roads.
muddeer sounds about right ... been to Eureka Dunes once on a geology field trip, but never south to the Saline or the hot springs. Lack of reliable off-road transport kept me outta there but I do enjoy the western edge of Nev around hwy 6 to the north ... amazing country
Not sure if you read these anymore, and I'm surprised I found this vid in my history. Hope all's well man. Miss your videos, kept me stoked on hiking when all I could do is sit at my 9-5. You're one of the reasons I love the outdoors as much as I do. Take care 🤙🏼
Man you ned to hit up Netflix and get an epic trip funded. You're filming anyway. I have always said your videos are in another world quality wise and this one is no exception. Thanks for being an inspiration man. Hiking the PCT in 19' in part thanks to these vids! Cheers brother.
Hey John, I want you to know this video played a big part in preparing/inspiring me to hike the LMT. I did it in Oct 2018. My grandfather actually established this trail - you may've seen the plaque(s) commemorating him in the cabins. I think this does such beautiful justice to the rugged majesty of the place, which my grandfather loved so much, so I thank you for that. Also, despite you feeling slow on this route... 3 days is a blistering pace! I also found it one of slowest, most trying 40-ish miles I've experienced. I'm going back this year to take my time, summit Keynot and explore more of the mine sites. Also, my family owns property in Saline - did you see that big green splotch due north which intersected the road, as you were coming down the ridge over hunter canyon? That's it! Feel free to camp on the screen porch and get water from the well, if you ever hike through again :)
I like the new narrative style you tried out here. Also, thanks for the Pancakes and the frisbee golf drinking games at casa de Luna. See you on the trail.
John, thank you for always being clear with your feelings on these adventures, and showing the perspectives of other people. It's crazy, these two powerful hikers with different styles and how John Z is like a legend at this point but he still has trouble out of his style. Anyway might be a bunch of nonsense I type. Thanks for a video it made me thoughtful and happy and I don't care if I waited do you're thing man. - 007 - A.T. thru hiker class of 2017
Great video! my dream to get to the racetrack someday. Just amazing landscapes! Pepperflake is doing some groundbreaking ultra distance trekking. That guy is incredible! Can't wait for your next podcast episode either!
Awesome man. I love the type and the colour grade. Also good to put a face to Pepperflake after listening to The Routes the other day. Give us some more, keep hikin’!
Just a heads up if you don't already know, the Routes Podcast has fallen off the edge of the internet. All audio files are unreachable from SoundCloud, Google play, etc.
This trail looks legitimately terrifying. lol the amount of vastness is just nuts. It makes me feel like a massive puss for even thinking that my 300 mile Shelltowee Trace thru hike would be hard.
lonesome miner trail has some resources on it. but then we didn't do the whole loop we were planning on doing at all. after the race track we were going to head up a ridgeline on the SE corner of the flat then do another bit through the inyos before dropping back down into owens valley. this area is real cool because the world's your oyster! tons of open land and canyons to explore
If you have particular interests in the canyons of this area, check out Scott Swaney on Facebook and Ropewiki. He has done, I'm guessing, 90+ % of the "first descents" in the Death Valley and surrounding mountains.
![death valley loop [2022]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wIhr06OJIy0/mqdefault.jpg)
![death valley loop [2022]](/img/tr.png)
![death valley [2017]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/lidtJ_ya84I/mqdefault.jpg)
John, I know you probably won’t see this. Just wanted to say that your channel inspired me so much, and I somehow managed to find a few videos that were unlisted and I still watch them super often. I’m glad you are doing what you need to do, but really hope the channel comes back at some point. I know it made a big difference in my life. Keep doing you man, hope to see you again soon :)
You were one of the people who inspired me to live my life my way. Thank you. Don't ever stop.
That area in between Owens and Death Valley (Saline, Panamint, and Eureka Valleys) is a true hidden gem of California. Rugged, truly remote with many places where very very few people have ever gone before. My friends and I used to just drive out there, pick out a ridge and follow it up for a 9~10k feet elevation gain dayhike to the top and back; all off trail and usually no water source at all.
muddeer wow ... hardcore ... did some climbing in Whitney Portal, but never anything in the Inyos
The valleys east of the Inyos are lower in elevation than Owens Valley, which is ~4000' above sea level. Saline is ~1000' above sea level for example. A hike from Saline Valley floor to the summits of Inyo peaks requires 3k' more elevation gain (so 10k for Keynot Peak or inyo Mt.). Moreover, the Inyo Mountains rise more steeply on the east side than the Owens Valley side. They are much more impressive and rugged from the east side. Few people go to the east side because of lack of good roads.
muddeer sounds about right ... been to Eureka Dunes once on a geology field trip, but never south to the Saline or the hot springs. Lack of reliable off-road transport kept me outta there but I do enjoy the western edge of Nev around hwy 6 to the north ... amazing country
Thanks for this reply, gives me something to add to my list next time in in SoCal!
Such a beautiful, gentle vignette of this trip. Thank you for taking the time.
Not sure if you read these anymore, and I'm surprised I found this vid in my history. Hope all's well man. Miss your videos, kept me stoked on hiking when all I could do is sit at my 9-5. You're one of the reasons I love the outdoors as much as I do.
Take care 🤙🏼
dig the editing and storytelling on this one. great stuff as always, john
Man you ned to hit up Netflix and get an epic trip funded. You're filming anyway. I have always said your videos are in another world quality wise and this one is no exception. Thanks for being an inspiration man. Hiking the PCT in 19' in part thanks to these vids! Cheers brother.
amazing catch on the Bighorns .. awesome trip, that was some rough country // thanks for taking us with you
That bit about climbing & pushing yourself out of your comfort zone...I dig that. Words to live by. Cheers from New Orleans
Please make sure to make more videos. Your videos are awesome
Seeing this video reminds me why I want to be a miner in the inyo's, thanks for the inspiration.
I just found this channel and I'm addicted I love the way you edit your videos and you've already inspired me to go to so many places.
Hey John, I want you to know this video played a big part in preparing/inspiring me to hike the LMT. I did it in Oct 2018. My grandfather actually established this trail - you may've seen the plaque(s) commemorating him in the cabins. I think this does such beautiful justice to the rugged majesty of the place, which my grandfather loved so much, so I thank you for that.
Also, despite you feeling slow on this route... 3 days is a blistering pace! I also found it one of slowest, most trying 40-ish miles I've experienced. I'm going back this year to take my time, summit Keynot and explore more of the mine sites. Also, my family owns property in Saline - did you see that big green splotch due north which intersected the road, as you were coming down the ridge over hunter canyon? That's it! Feel free to camp on the screen porch and get water from the well, if you ever hike through again :)
"so of course I said yes." Those are the words that get you places.
Christine Whack great comment! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
One of your best videos yet! So much emotion behind it, and what an epic route. And the hiking shirt is on point.
The Racetrack is such a cool place. I drove there though, not sure I could have done that hike, it looks brutal! Thanks for sharing and happy trails!
I like the new narrative style you tried out here. Also, thanks for the Pancakes and the frisbee golf drinking games at casa de Luna. See you on the trail.
John, thank you for always being clear with your feelings on these adventures, and showing the perspectives of other people. It's crazy, these two powerful hikers with different styles and how John Z is like a legend at this point but he still has trouble out of his style. Anyway might be a bunch of nonsense I type. Thanks for a video it made me thoughtful and happy and I don't care if I waited do you're thing man. - 007 - A.T. thru hiker class of 2017
Another great video! Those backdrops with the mountains looked amazing
Editing and music is phenomenal. Awe-inspiring as usual. Making me want to quit my job and take my wife and kids out into the wilderness forever.
Thank you John for what you're doing and for the inspiration. Great Vid
There was some really AMAZING shoots. Beautiful video in general.
Man, some really unique spots on this route - thx John. As always, love the honesty in your videos.
Another great video John! It has been awhile...keep them comin. Once again, music choice spot on.
Loved the movie John. You are so articulate; dont ever stop.
So . . . did you have your water helicoptered in?
Was in Death Valley for the first time a month ago! You two are amazing!👍🏼
Great video! my dream to get to the racetrack someday. Just amazing landscapes! Pepperflake is doing some groundbreaking ultra distance trekking. That guy is incredible! Can't wait for your next podcast episode either!
Awesome man. I love the type and the colour grade. Also good to put a face to Pepperflake after listening to The Routes the other day. Give us some more, keep hikin’!
Loving the narration style you added to this video.
Always enjoy your hiking vids, thanks for sharing
This video rocked my socks. Honestly you are inspiring.
Jezzz man!..... always super inspiring!!! 👍🏼 Podcast?....dude!.... record some of these "on trail" conversations. 😁
Love all your work man!
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome trip!
That was amazing! Your best camera work yet!!
Amazing and awesome. Thank you
your vidoes make me so emotional
Superb. Thanks so much. Also, more podcasts please. Be well.
Loved it! Nice job. Great music choices too :)
As always great video, well done 👍🏽👣👣👣👣👣👣🏔
Great film making. Thanks!
Very cool, John, as usual
Beautiful video!
Enjoyed that, the racetrack looked so vast.
wonderful journey and footage, thank you (found you via Jaxx Drinkwater) ~~jamie
It's about god damn time. You da man.
Hey John, could you please do a video on the foods you choose to eat while on trail. I and many other would look forward to it.
When is your next video?😬
Whoa the “Lowest to Highish” music appears in this one also.... I guess you’d say it’s in this one first.... Sweet Trip
Beautiful!
Hell yes! More John Z!!!!
Now that was an adventure! Great stuff John Z!
Amazing work!
Enjoyed this very much
Just a heads up if you don't already know, the Routes Podcast has fallen off the edge of the internet. All audio files are unreachable from SoundCloud, Google play, etc.
Great video!
Nice hiking! How come your podcast is not on Spotify?
Wow this was really good.
EICK on a HIKE art
Quality video!
Sick vid jawnzee. Thanks for the inspiration
Hey Z, could you share your on trail filming tips 'n tricks? I think a lot of people would be interested!
Excellent presentation... What was the temperatures like at night there being December ?
Oh man, it's looking beautiful, but dry! How did you manage to find water up there?
there was water in a few of the canyons but then once we were off the lonesome miner trail water was definitely more of a concern
How did you manage your water supply in a place like that? Was there any water to filter or did you have place caches?
Incredible!!
That had a Wes Anderson, Life Aquatic vibe. Amazing video Z.
While hiking in Israel I found myself saying " What would John Z do " !! aaha :D~ nice vid
Awesome. What camera are you using?
this was just with my old rx100
That looked fun
hey what wonderful song were you using at 1:25? I know it's been a while, but would love to know
Great videos, thank you. Reminder again to be cautious when estimating distance in mountainous area.
Nice! What camera did you use this trip? Sony rx?
This trail looks legitimately terrifying. lol the amount of vastness is just nuts. It makes me feel like a massive puss for even thinking that my 300 mile Shelltowee Trace thru hike would be hard.
John can you send the link to your usual intro music, don't wait into the water I like it alot. Please and thanks
SUPER gnarly views
Awesome!!
Really cool!
Really want to do this "trail"
Amazing
beautiful
Hey John, What software do you edit on? Also what kind of lens do you use? Thanks dude
looking like Tom Hanks from cast away in the Thumbnail!!!
Excellent!
I never thought I'd want to go to death valley
Hello John, Is there a way to find or get a copy of Pepperflakes Route .... or more details You may add on Your route ???
Also that's some wild stuff .. whew
😲🤘hike on
alex reminds me of chris mccandless
Eli Smith he died on my birthday and I came out the next year. Weird finding myself doing the same things he did via places he went to...
What camera was used to film this? :)
mostly rx100iii
Dang what is he likes 6'5? Pace must match yours pretty good
i think he's slightly shorter than i am? he's faster than me on rough stuff and slower on the well groomed bits
Could you share your camera gear setup?
this video was just rx100iii except for the clips at the beginning
Is this a human skeleton at 2:34 ?
is there any way of getting a copy of the route/map u used?
lonesome miner trail has some resources on it. but then we didn't do the whole loop we were planning on doing at all. after the race track we were going to head up a ridgeline on the SE corner of the flat then do another bit through the inyos before dropping back down into owens valley. this area is real cool because the world's your oyster! tons of open land and canyons to explore
thanks!
If you have particular interests in the canyons of this area, check out Scott Swaney on Facebook and Ropewiki. He has done, I'm guessing, 90+ % of the "first descents" in the Death Valley and surrounding mountains.
Did you find Kenny Veach and the chuffing M-cave? 😂
Nice. Been missing your face (no homo) :)
Alex is a babe.
truth
:)