How to build a sleeping platform for a compact SUV on a budget Backpacker Diaries 2026-09-23 | How to build a sleeping platform for a compact SUV on a budget
The Eight Wonders Trail: An Introduction - With Gary Housholder Backpacker Diaries 2023-08-24 | Earlier this summer I got to sit down with Gary Housholder and discuss the origin story and concept of the Eight Wonders Trail (8WT). The GWT overlaps with portions of the Great Western Trail (GWT) through many parts of Utah. When I learned that my GWT experiences (see playlist linked below) might inform 8WT routing decisions, I reached out to Mr. Housholder through the 8WT group on Facebook (see link below). I first met Gary and others involved with the GWT through the Great Western Trail Association(GWTA) of which we are both board members. The GWTA, US Forest Service, and other stakeholders were vital to the establishment and maintenance of the GWT and "bridge" between points of interest along the 8WT in both Utah and Idaho. For additional Eight Wonders Trail resources and info, visit the 8WT Facebook page:facebook.com/groups/272302134548343To explore where I've been along the Great Western Trail/Eight Wonders Trail corridor, check out this playlist:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCvQZOULsFZ5moEQnk11HjUi8-8fL599uAdditional media sourced from the following locations:http://www.jacksonholetraveler.com/article/summer-in-teton-villagejacksonhole.com/wafflesdishingjh.com/3-ways-to-earn-your-waffle-at-the-jackson-hole-mountain-resortnps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/back.htmSoundtrack by:Lojo Russo"Willow's Walk"
Scenic Drive: Utahs Red Canyon via Highway 12 Backpacker Diaries 2023-07-02 | This stretch along Highway 12 between Bryce Canyon and Panguich passes through Red Canyon within Dixie National Forest in Utah. Music by:Bob Moses"Love Brand New"
S9 E19 GWT: Beaver Mountain to Idahos Highline/Gibson Basin Backpacker Diaries 2023-05-28 | In this season 9 finale Amos explores Great Western Trail mileage north of Beaver Mountain on the Idaho side of the state border for the first time as it joins up with the Highline Trail near Gibson Basin. A larger capacity bike packing setup is put to the test. Music by:Underworld "Ballet Lane"Machine Love"Defrag"
Walks with Mom: Mothers Day Special Backpacker Diaries 2023-05-14 | Hope all the mothers out there are having a happy Mother's Day! This one compiles three short walks from the last few months with my mom. The first two walks were recorded in Louisville, KY where she's from. The third walk was recorded in Seattle, WA near Madison Park Bakery. Music by:Toto "Chinatown" *Editor's Note*Contrary to what the music choice might imply, none of these walks were performed in or near the International Districts of either city.
S9 E18 Commute To Work Loop Backpacker Diaries 2023-04-30 | This Covid-era-inspired adventure began in Utah's Wasatch County where I live and progressed into Summit County where I work in Park City. After a night among the coyotes, route finding along the eastern perimeter of Jordanelle Reservoir, and a stop by my workplace to drop off luggage, I took a free bus shuttle up to the Montage Hotel to make for a shorter quicker climb up to Empire Pass. From there it was mostly a downhill coast back to where I started via Wasatch Mountain State Park and Midway to where I started in Heber City. Epilogue: As luck would have it High Valley Transit began offering free bus service between Heber City and Park City less than 2 months after I made this journey; From now on it will be possible to commute without my car with much less effort - and cost. Big thanks to the Wasatch County Government and High Valley Transit for making this new service possible! Special thanks to Park City Transit for providing the shuttle service with my bike all the way up to the Montage Hotel area.To view the latest free transit options provided by Park City Transit and High Valley Transit visit:parkcity.org/departments/transit-bus/routes-schedulesMusic by:Cannons"Shadows"Royksopp"Just Wanted To Know(feat. Astrid S)Roosevelt"Intro""Night Moves"
Scenic Drive: Biggest Snow Totals Ever at Utahs Deer Valley April 2023 Backpacker Diaries 2023-04-18 | This video aims to document just how extraordinary the snow totals have been at Deer Valley and other Utah resorts this past winter with a scenic drive to and from Silver Lake Lodge on April 8, 2023. By March 15th, Deer Valley had already surpassed its previous season total high snow mark of 484" - over 40 feet! At the time this video was published, Deer Valley's season total had climbed to 598". Hopefully, it'll melt out nice and slow and not cause too much water damage. Music by:Royksopp"Feel It (featuring Maurissa Rose)"
S9 E17 GWT: Provo Canyon to Wallsburg @ Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest Backpacker Diaries 2023-04-02 | This Great Western Trail(GWT) segment was done with a two-stage shuttle to enable a faster and lighter 17-mile solo day hike. After dropping off overnight gear near Big Springs Hollow to enable a lighter load for the bike shuttle, I staged my car on Little Valley Road in Wallsburg, Utah. A 19-mile bike shuttle got me back to Big Springs Hollow where I had previously dropped off gear and scouted out an adequate campsite. I was glad to get through much of the climb before the heat of the day prior to spotting some nice-looking boletes and even a great horned owl on my way back to the car on Little Valley Road. The following day I retrieved both my bike and overnight gear from the Big Springs Hollow area. Trip reports had indicated a state of disrepair along the most remote portions of this GWT segment so I was relieved to find it doable on foot in a day and glad that I left my bike at home. These close-to-home miles were extra satisfying to cover as they connected all the previously hiked/biked off-pavement sections between Eden, Utah and Fifth Water Trail to complete a ~180-mile chunk toward my ongoing section hiking/biking project of Great Western Trail through Utah. *Editor's Note: At around the 0:55 mark I refer to "Big Hollow Springs" when I meant to say "Big Springs Hollow".Music by:Roosevelt"Belong""Heart""Daytona"
Back to Back Powder Days @ Brian Head, Utah Backpacker Diaries 2023-03-19 | We definitely got lucky with snow conditions on our visit to Brian Head in early February 2023. As Utah's southernmost and highest-elevation ski area, Brian Head is closer to Las Vegas than Salt Lake City and boasts the following stats: Base elevation: 9,600 ft (2926 m)Summit elevation: 11,307 ft (3446 m)Vertical rise: 1,707 ft (520 m)Total mountain peaks: 2.Total skiable area: 660 acres (2.2 km²)Music by:Cannons"Shadows"
S9 E16 GWT: Wallsburg to Fifth Water Trail @ Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest Backpacker Diaries 2023-03-12 | Of the 33 miles covered on this hike, 29 overlapped with the Great Western Trail (GWT) through Utah's Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest. Most of this GWT hike shared tread with motorized traffic but was rewarded with a soak in Fifth Water Hot Springs in the end. A scenic but time-consuming 72+ mile shuttle facilitated this hike; Special thanks to Kristiana for making that possible. This particular section of trail was more personal to me as it travels through Wasatch County, Utah where I live. Music by:Machine Love"If And When"Royksopp"Speed King"Roosevelt"Strangers (Midnight Version)"
Scenic Drive, Deep Snow and alpine ski @ Deer Valley Resort Backpacker Diaries 2023-02-26 | This video serves to document what an above-average snow year looks like at Utah's Deer Valley Resort. Data shows that snowpack was well above 200% of average at the time this video was made on January 30, 2023. Old-timers claim that this is the deepest snow to come to Northern Utah since the mid-1990s...Music by: Royksopp"Shores of Easy (Lost Tapes)"
S9 E15 Pleasant Creek to Sheets Gulch near Capitol Reef, UT Backpacker Diaries 2023-02-12 | This route by @WasatchWill involved first staging a shuttle car on the east side of Sheets Gulch with help from Devin@BackcountryExposure before driving through Capitol Reef National Park to start from the Pleasant Creek Trailhead. Along the way we dipped in and out of Pleasant Creek - as well as Capitol Reef National Park - while passing through Tantalus Flats. Special thanks to Will and Devin for including me on their adventure! Be sure to check out their channels linked below:youtube.com/@UC082hft0wIv4mMvc40Q2qZQ youtube.com/@UCVyZtccA-oMchXHai-CJyPA Music by:Roosevelt"Hold On""Colours"
Scenic Drive and XC Ski @ Sundance Resort with Deep Snow(!) Backpacker Diaries 2023-01-29 | This video serves to document what an above-average snow year looks like at Utah's Sundance Resort. With a lower elevation relative to larger resorts in the Wasatch Range, Sundance often has a lower snowpack as well. The winter of 2022-2023 however has provided plenty of snow for all so far. Old-timers claim that this is the deepest snow to come to Northern Utah since the mid-1990s...Music by:Royksopp"Me&Youphoria"
S9 E14 1st Taste of the Hot Springs Trail: Marys River Basin, NV Backpacker Diaries 2023-01-15 | This portion of the Hot Springs Trail entered into the Jarbidge Wilderness through Humboldt National Forest northwest of Wells, NV. Kristiana, Jada, and I were all relieved to find a perennial flow of water shortly after our hike began. Trailhead access required the type of rough and remote jeep road that may become impassable for less robust vehicles or due to weather or road conditions. Know the limits of both your vehicle and your ability before taking a risk so far off the grid. The Hot Springs Trail is described by guidebook author Aria Zoner as a 2,421-mile multi-sport adventure route to 100 hot spring areas in 3 western states. For more info on this route visit:ariazoner.com/hot-springs-trailAfter our hike, we visited a nearby hot spring that is described in more detail at this link:girlonahike.com/hiking-to-12-mile-bishop-creek-hot.htmlMusic by:Roosevelt"Moving On"
First Visit to Bonanza Flat Winter Trail System near Park City, Utah Backpacker Diaries 2022-12-30 | First Visit to Bonanza Flat Winter Trail System near Park City, UtahIn this Relive summary, I join up with Jason from Haggard Wilderness to enjoy the newest winter trail system in the Park City Utah area up at Bonanza Flat between Empire Pass and Guardsman Pass. As local HOA rules prohibit road access to Bonanza Flat via Twisted Branch Road during winter months, we were able to get on a shuttle during the last day it was offered in 2022. Hopefully, this free shuttle program will return for the spring season if conditions permit. We learned that each of us uses the same type and size of Rossignol Evo Tour XC ski only with a different mechanical grip on the bottom. My Rossignols have fish scales where as his are skin skis. We both noticed that the skin skis are more likely to slide backward (if the hill is steep enough). This factor may have had something to do with the (adjustable) placement of the bindings on Jason's skis. Check out Hag's channel here:youtube.com/@UCaPp4Ie0HaUX9Obm1y7SdpA Special thanks to the following organizations for making this trip possible:Utah Open Lands utahopenlands.orgUtah Mountain Shuttle utahmountainshuttle.comMountain Trails Foundation mountaintrails.orgFor more info on the Transit to Trails program visit: parkcity.org/departments/trails-open-space/transit-to-trails#:~:text=This%20is%20a%20FREE%20shuttle,on%20Thanksgiving%2C%20November%2024%20th.Music By:Roosevelt"Wait Up"
S9 E13 Saint Mary to Two Medicine, Glacier NP Montana Backpacker Diaries 2022-12-14 | S9 E13 Saint Mary to Two Medicine, Glacier NP MontanaGene and Amos observe a variety of wildlife and have a change of plans after crossing six passes in four days in Glacier National Park.Music by:Roosevelt"Easy Way Out""Intro""Closer To My Heart"Roy Rogers"Happy Trails"
Earth Pak 20 L Bike Panniers Review With My Latest Bikepacking Setup Backpacker Diaries 2022-11-27 | Earth Pak 20 L Bike Panniers Review With My Latest Bikepacking SetupThe way I outfit a bike for bikepacking has evolved quite a bit over the last couple of years. The biggest single improvement so far has been these 20 Liter Bike Pannier bags by Earth Pak. When combined with four large and loaded bottle cages all mounted near the back wheel or inside the triangle, it's safe to say this setup might be a bit too back-heavy. At least I'm not likely to go head over heels with such a substantial backside. For my next outing, I'll be storing more water or luggage on or near the front fork for a more balanced load. Find links below to some of the bike accessories shown in this video:Earth Pak 20 L Bike Panniers - Set of 2sierra.com/item~p~81wxw-01/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA37KbBhDgARIsAIzce17_Dp0534Ij8lVGQezBE4KI21CeL9kEX0vzjAERWkCljje00cf4vhsaAmK_EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.dsSchwinn Deluxe Bike Rack, Alloy, Rear seat post mount for bike, rear rackwalmart.com/ip/Schwinn-Deluxe-Bike-Rack-Alloy-Rear-seat-post-mount-for-bike-rear-rack/308209114?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-51320962143&wl5=9029694&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=308209114&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQiA37KbBhDgARIsAIzce16BmVam3N4os1Gvxtgj95EbScQArKYno4kEyGZxpi0psehh8ciO_LgaAtqIEALw_wcBMZYRH Bicycle Bottle Cage Adaptoramazon.com/gp/product/B078P1M2YKM-Wave Ventura Select Alloy Tall Water Bottle Cage for Oversized and 500 ml Nalgene Bottles, Black/ Silveramazon.com/gp/product/B007Y5EIYSTrack: Feel — Land of Fire [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: youtu.be/qAos_41O0lcFree Download / Stream: alplus.io/feel
S9 E12 GWT: Right Hand Fork to Stump Hollow Cache National Forest Backpacker Diaries 2022-11-13 | S9 E12 GWT: Right Hand Fork to Stump Hollow Cache National ForestJuly of 2021 provided Kristiana and me with the right conditions and vehicles to enjoy a point-to-point segment of the Great Western Trail near Logan Utah. The cold water flowing out of Worm Fence Springs certainly made logistics easier for us on our way north. Music by:Beck"Waking Light"
S9 E11 GWT: Behunin Creek to Deer Creek Lake, Utahs Dixie National Forest Backpacker Diaries 2022-10-30 | GWT: Behunin Creek to Deer Creek Lake, Utah's Dixie National ForestBack on the Great Western Trail in Utah's Dixie National Forest, Amos finds a convenient bike shuttle to facilitate this hike from Behunin Creek Trail to Deer Creek Lake. Along the way, he enjoys views of Capitol Reef National Park, The Henry Mountains, Oak Creek Reservoir, and a pair of bull elk. This part of the Great Western Trail overlaps with the Eight Wonders Trail and connects to previously hiked sections north of Behunin Creek Trail (youtu.be/4_H8pZn2J1k) and south of Deer Creek Lake (youtu.be/jJTY-Ts7fsk).Music by:Boards of Canada"Moment of Clarity""Constants Are Changing"Zero 7"Look Up""Your Place"
Logan Canyon Scenic Drive October 2022 Backpacker Diaries 2022-10-30 | Logan Canyon Scenic Drive October 2022This scenic drive down Logan Canyon in October 2022 showcases fall colors and mountain scenery.Music by:Bill Frisell"Gimme a Holler"
Backlog Explained Backpacker Diaries 2022-10-16 | Occasionally comments come in that question the backlog @BackpackerDiaries. This outtake from a discussion with Devin @BackcountryExposure aims to address this. Along the way, I mention Josh's channel @DestinationEarth.
S9 E3 GWT: Eden to Pineview Reservoir Utah July 2020 Backpacker Diaries 2022-10-02 | Editor's note: The original post of this video (on March 6th 2022) was later blocked worldwide by the copyright holder of one of the songs I used: Thievery Corporation's "The Hong Kong Triad". Here is a remixed version of this trip report that uses different music. S9 E3 GWT: Eden to Pineview Reservoir Utah July 2020This section covered about 22 miles of Great Western Trail tread most of it up on the ridge with dramatic views in all directions. Note the ~16-mile waterless portion between Pineview Reservoir and a spring just below the ridge where the Ben Lomond trail meets up with the Skyline Trail. Special thanks to Mike B for donating Great Western Trail maps and facilitating the shuttle.Music by: Sirius Beat"Remember"Washed Out"Wreckless Desires"
S9 E10 GWT: Hiking miles near Chriss Lake in Utahs Dixie National Forest Backpacker Diaries 2022-09-25 | This episode showcases a lesser traveled portion of the Great Western Trail southeast of Deer Creek Lake within the boundaries of Utah's Dixie National Forest on the south side of Boulder Mountain. Music by:General Fuzz"Smiling Perspective"Royksopp"Caramel Afternoon"
Blooper Reel Backpacker Diaries 2022-09-10 | To celebrate Backpacker Diaries’s 300th video, here are some bloopers. No one sustained permanent injuries in the video clips included here. Special thanks to my friends in this video - you know who you are - all of whom granted permission to be shown in this blooper reel.
Louisvilles Other Bats Backpacker Diaries 2022-08-29 | For about 30 minutes sometime after sunset occurs a congregation of bats in flight. They swirl around overhead before entering into the chimney of an older nondescript brick building on Louisville's West Ormsby Street during August 2022.
S9 E9 San Rafael Swell with Backcountry Exposure Backpacker Diaries 2022-08-14 | On this overnight trip in to Utah’s San Rafael Swell I’m joined by Devin from Backcountry Exposure whose support certainly made all the difference. He even donated a liter of water to my supply on the second day when the 5 liters I brought were dwindling. Given the lack of water (outside of rain puddles) on this route, the guidebook author mentioned in this video recommends this loop as a long day hike. Check out Devin’s video from this trip at the link below:youtu.be/epN8Y8qvgd8youtube.com/c/BackcountryExposureMusic by:Zero 7“Spinning Dub”Thompson Twins“Doctor! Doctor! (12” Extended Mix)”Zero 7“Give It Away”
Great Horned Owl on GWT July 2022 Backpacker Diaries 2022-07-24 | This owl was spotted during the home stretch of a long day hike on the Great Western Trail outside of Wallsburg, Utah.
S9 E8 GWT: Bikepacking Skyline Drive from Ephraim Canyon to Highway 6 Backpacker Diaries 2022-07-10 | S9 E8 GWT: Bikepacking Skyline Drive from Ephraim Canyon to Highway 6My long-term project of hiking and biking Utah's portion of the Great Western Trail in sections continues on this 66-mile southbound chunk located between Ephraim Canyon Road and Highway 6 in Utah's Manti La Sal National Forest.Special Thanks to Tyrell Winters for logistical help.Music by:Royksopp"Rescue(Lost Tapes)"Steps Ahead "Safari"
Scenic Drive: Utahs Indian Creek Road - June 2022 Backpacker Diaries 2022-07-03 | Scenic Drive: Utah's Indian Creek Road - June 2022This drive between Sheep Creek/Rays Valley Road and Strawberry Reservoir on Unicorn Ridge/Indian Creek Road in Utah provided us with the shuttle we needed for a Great Western Trail section we hiked in June 2022. Music by:Royksopp"How The Flowers Grow (featuring Pixx)"
S9 E7 GWT: Brighton to Summit Trailhead/Alpine Loop Road Backpacker Diaries 2022-06-05 | S9 E7 GWT: Brighton to Summit Trailhead/Alpine Loop RoadThis section of the Great Western Trail began with another two-legged shuttle. I first rode my mountain bike from the top of Alpine Loop Road at Summit Trailhead all the way down American Fork Canyon to the Cedar Hills/Lehi area. From there, an Uber rideshare brought me to the Brighton base area where I began my 18+ mile hike back to where I staged my car. Soundtrack by:Royksopp"The Ladder"Beck"Everlasting Nothing"Underworld"Sola Sistim"RoyksoppThe Mourning Sun (featuring Susanne Sundfor)
Uinta aMoosement Backpacker Diaries 2022-05-23 | Here are a couple of moose clips captured in and around Utah's High Uintas Wilderness. Can you name the two lakes shown in this video?
S9 E6 Uinta Highline Trail (3/3) Tungsten Lake onward Backpacker Diaries 2022-05-09 | S9 E6 Uinta Highline Trail (3/3) Tungsten Lake onward August 2020Amid mounting adversity, conditions on day 6 prompt the A-Team to make a change of plans.Logistical help by:Ingvar WrennessLee with the USA flag bandanaMountain Home LodgeAlexis BaigueAdditional Media by:Anthony Gagnonabc4.com/weather/wildfire/fire-crews-work-to-slow-spread-of-east-fork-fire-in-uintasinciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/UTASF/2020-08-21-2153-East-Fork-Fire/picts/2020_09_30-11.31.15.312-CDT.jpegAstrophotography provided by:Christian Paul PhotographyFind high-resolution photos of his work at: christianpaulphotography.comVoiceover help by:Nate PrudhonPart 1 of this 3 part series (when I hung up the resupply cache) can be found here: youtu.be/WW8AHYMNhn4Part 2 of this 3 part series (Leidy Peak to Tungsten Lake) can be found here:youtu.be/uL5AOUDQSsoMusic by:Beck "Dark Places"Beck "Dark Places(Soundscape)"Lyle Mays"August"Lyle Mays "Street Dreams 4"The Motet"Yogi's Day Out"
S9 E5 Uinta Highline Trail (2/3) Leidy Peak to Tungsten Lake Backpacker Diaries 2022-05-08 | S9 E5 Uinta Highline Trail (2/3) Leidy Peak to Tungsten Lake August 2020Having planted a resupply cache in a previous episode, the A-Team reunites to take on the Uinta Highline Trail westbound from the Leidy Peak area after a night of car camping at Hacking Lake. Astrophotography provided by:Christian Paul PhotographyFind high-resolution photos of his work at: christianpaulphotography.comPart 1 of this 3 part series (when I hung up the resupply cache) can be found here: youtu.be/WW8AHYMNhn4Logistical help by:Ingvar WrennessAdditional Media by:Anthony GagnonMusic by:The Motet"Mighty"Boards of Canada"Olson"The Motet"Nemesis"Boards of Canada "Corsair"Beck "Dark Places"
Trail Tip for Ultralight Sunglasses Backpacker Diaries 2022-04-17 | Trail Tip for Ultralight SunglassesThese roll-up post-dilation shades only weigh 2 grams according to my scale. That weight doesn't count the plastic carrying case I use for these - one that came included with memory foam earplugs.
S9 E4 Uinta Highline Trail (1/3) caching a resupply Backpacker Diaries 2022-04-10 | S9 E4 Uinta Highline Trail (1/3) caching a resupply August 2020Not many Uinta Highline Trail (UHT) hikers would bother to hang a resupply cache given the logistical difficulty of doing so near a mid-point on the trail. With a weekend in advance of our trip to spare though, I set out to do just that near Five Point Lake a few miles south of Tungsten Lake. Tungsten Lake is about 45 trail miles west of where we planned to start in at Hacking Lake and roughly 35 trail miles east from our expected endpoint at Highline Trailhead. With this in mind, the trail leading to Tungsten Lake from Center Park Trailhead was the most practical and easily reached mid-point spur trail of the ~80-mile UHT itinerary we had planned.Soundtrack by:General Fuzz"Smiling Perspective"General Fuzz"The Grenabler"
Bighorn Sheep @ Bears Ears National Monument March 2022 Backpacker Diaries 2022-03-30 | A recent visit to Dark Canyon led to my closest encounter with Bighorn Sheep yet.
Canal Trail @ Lava Hot Springs February 2022 Backpacker Diaries 2022-02-20 | Canal Trail @ Lava Hot Springs February 2022This short Relive video summarizes a day hike we took last week before enjoying a dip in the local hot springs. Music by:Lojo RussoWinter/Summer
S9 E2 Great Western Trail: Kaysville to Bountiful Peak Backpacker Diaries 2022-02-06 | S9 E2 Great Western Trail: Kaysville to Bountiful Peak June 2020Editor's note: A July date is mentioned on day 3 when I meant to say June.After my car was staged near Bountiful Peak (the end point of a previous section hike that started from Big Mountain Pass), this GWT segment was facilitated by a two-stage shuttle to start. I first coasted down Skyline Drive and Farmington Canyon Road on a mountain bike before locking up my equipment for later retrieval and ordering an Uber to get to the Fernwood Trailhead. From there I covered 18.7 GWT miles over 2 nights to get back to my car while visiting the part of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Francis Peak and other landmarks.Maps sourced from:AvenzaTrailforksReliveMusic By:Beck"Heart Is A Drum"Machine Love"When You Smile I See The Sun"
Busy morning at Deer Valley January 2022 Backpacker Diaries 2022-01-27 | Busy morning at Deer Valley January 2022My route through Deer Valley Resort started from Empire Lodge with free shuttle help from Park City Transit. I followed this sequence of lifts to end at Snow Park Lodge:Lady Morgan ExpressEmpire Express Ruby ExpressNorthside ExpressSilver Strike ExpressRed CloudVikingQuincy ExpressJudgeSterling ExpressHomestakeIncluded at the end of this video is a closer look at the venue from the recent Freestyle Mogul and Freestyle Aerial 2022 World Cup events. This same venue was used during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.Special thanks to Deer Valley Resort and all of its employees for keeping the lifts spinning. Music by:Royksopp"Happy Up Here"
S9 E1 Swell Night Out (Modified) Bikepacking Loop Emery County Utah May 2020 Backpacker Diaries 2022-01-10 | S9 E1 Swell Night Out (Modified) Bikepacking Loop Emery County Utah May 2020Editors note/correction: References to tires in this video are meant to refer to tubes.On my first trip back to the Swell after quarantine, I tested out an improved bikepacking system for the first time in the desert. Inspired by a trip published the bikepacker.com entitled "A (San Rafael) Swell Night Out" linked below, I started from Tan Seep before pedaling around Temple Mountain to meet up with Behind The Reef Road. From there I camped in Chute Canyon on the first night and Hidden Splendor on the second night. My return to Tan Seep on Day 3 bypassed the Tomsich Butte/Hondu Country area to make for a 57-mile loop.Special thanks to bikepacking.com contributors for sharing details of this route at the following link from which additional media was sourced for this video:bikepacking.com/routes/swell-night-outWild horses and burros have occupied the San Rafael Swell area since the beginnings of the Old Spanish Trail in the early 1800's. Unlucky travelers would lose animals or have them run off by Indians or rustlers. Many of these animals were headed for sale in California and were of good breeding. The herds were also augmented through the release or escape of domestic horses from local ranches. During the late 1800's and early 1900's, a man named Joe Swasey was the owner and operator of the Temple Mountain uranium mine. The mine was on the northeastern boundary of what is now the Sinbad Herd Management Area. His family was known for their sheep herds and horse operations. In the early 1900's they ran as many as 800 head on the San Rafael Swell. Near the Muddy Creek Herd Management Area they ran Thoroughbreds from Kentucky and sold them to the Army. A few of these Thoroughbreds ran on open range near the Sinbad Herd Management Area, but Swasey also bred Welsh ponies. The pony herd was started sometime between 1925-1930 with 30 head from Kentucky. There was only one stud in the band, named Moony. The ponies were used briefly in the mining operations, but were soon retired and put out on the desert just in case they were ever needed again. By the early 1900's wild horse and burro numbers had soared and they were being captured and sold by "mustangers." This practice continued until the passage of the Wild Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act in 1971. Since then, the herds have been managed by the BLM. The dominant colors of the burros in the Herd Management Area are black and gray. The most common colors of horses are black, buckskin, grulla, and bay in that order. The horses range from 700 to 1000 pounds and stand 13 to 14 hands. The Sinbad Herd Management Area has enough forage to support 50 horses and 75 burros. To prevent overgrazing and habitat damage, the BLM gathers excess animals every 2 to 5 years. For more information on wild horses and burros in Utah, go to: www.ut.blm.gov Or call the Price, UT BLM office at (435) 636-3600.A portion of these notes were sourced from the following link:blm.gov/adoptahorse/herdareas.php?herd_areas_seq=86&herd_states_seq=6For more info on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail visit:nps.gov/olsp/index.htmCheck out Joey's Channel over at MyOwnFrontier linked below:youtube.com/channel/UC2u9cXRD29jeYdJr6Ha0aqgCheck out Jarl's Channel over at Norwegian Xplorer linked below:youtube.com/c/NorwegianXplorerSoundtrack by:Washed Out"Too Late"Death Cab For Cutie"Gold Rush"
Season 9 Channel Trailer Backpacker Diaries 2021-12-31 | Amos and friends explore parts of the San Rafael Swell, the Great Western Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, the Eight Wonders Trail and more during season 9 of Backpacker Diaries. Voiceover provided by:Nate PrudhonAdditional Media provided by:Backcountry Exposureyoutube.com/c/BackcountryExposureSoundtrack by:Paul McCartney"Blue Sway"
S8 E14 San Rafael Swell Adventure March 2020 Backpacker Diaries 2021-12-19 | This season 8 finale shares an overnight exploration of a lesser visited corner of Utah's San Rafael Swell. This was my last overnight trip before COVID-related travel restrictions were tightened throughout Utah and other places. My route followed a track generously shared by Road Trip Ryan. Here is his summary of the hike also found at the link below:"From Hidden Splendor, it is a somewhat hefty 7-8 miles one way to the confluence of the North and South Forks of Chimney Canyon. This is more than most will want to tackle for a day hike, though it makes a very pleasant overnight trip. There are some old mining ruins at the confluence, and a good spring, making it a great place to set up base camp and explore the upper forks unencumbered by heavy packs."Be prepared to cross Muddy Creek a couple of times along the way. Note that there is a 20' downclimb scramble on the return to Muddy Creek from Chimney Canyon that will be too steep for some; a rope to lower my pack was especially helpful for this section. roadtripryan.com/go/t/utah/san-rafael-swell/chimney-canyon-from-hidden-splendorMusic by:Boards of Canada"Dayvan Coyboy"Boards of Canada"Tears From The Compound Eye"
S8 E13 BRORA Yurt Adventure in Wyoming: The Shakening Backpacker Diaries 2021-12-05 | S8 E13: BRORA Yurt Adventure in Wyoming: "The Shakening"So glad we were able to get in this winter trip only a couple weeks before the COVID really started to hit the fan. Special Thanks to Mr. Banks @ Haggard Wilderness for inspiring this trip to the North Fork Yurt. Check out his report from this same trip (and rare footage of me shooting a gun for target practice) here:youtube.com/watch?v=PbxStDj07foFor more info on the Bear River Outdoor Recreation Alliance and their yurt system visit:brorayurts.org/yurtsAdditional media sourced from here:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear_River_(Great_Salt_Lake)Flyover GPS by Relive. For more info on the Relive app visit:relive.cc/?hl=enMusic by: Beck & Terrell Hines"Hyperspace 2020"Beck"Hyperlife"
S8 E12 Great Western Trail: Mt Ogden Summit Backpacker Diaries 2021-10-17 | S8 E12 Great Western Trail: Mt Ogden SummitMy long-term project of hiking and biking Utah's portion of the Great Western Trail in sections continues on this 16-mile section between the Wheeler Creek Trailhead and the Beus Canyon Trailhead during October 2019. This portion travels through Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Snowbasin Resort, and an area that was closed during the Art Nord Fire of July 2021. For more on the Art Nord Fire, check out the links below from which some media for this project was sourced: abc4.com/weather/wildfire/grass-fire-burning-near-snowbasin-resorttownlift.com/2021/07/significant-progress-made-on-art-nord-fireFor more on the Lucin Cutoff mentioned in this video check out the links below from which some media for this project was sourced: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucin_Cutoffamerican-rails.com/lucin.htmlThis video marks my first time using flyover GPS footage from the Relive App as a backbone for a more detailed trip report video. For more info on the Relive app visit:relive.cc/?hl=enMusic by: Beck "Chemical"Thomas Fehlmann "Alles, Immer"Washed Out "Within And Without"
Wildlife along the CDT @ Glacier National Park Backpacker Diaries 2021-09-22 | Wildlife along the CDT @ Montana's Glacier National ParkAlong our ~42 mile hike during September 2021 I saw:Mountain GoatsMooseBlack Bears Big Horn SheepMountain Grouse We also saw a couple of grizzlies from the NPS bus feasting on berries close to the road on our way to Saint Mary but did not capture any media of them; There were many motorists already stopped there attending to that task. We began our hike at Saint Mary Visitor Center and spent 5 days over 4 nights on the Continental Divide Trail to reach the trailhead at Two Medicine. Special thanks to uncle Gene for contributing additional media to this project.
Scenic Drive: Pine Canyon Drive Utah 222 Wasatch County Utah Backpacker Diaries 2021-08-29 | Scenic Drive: Pine Canyon Drive Wasatch County UtahThis video showcases Pine Canyon Drive (aka Utah 222) in Wasatch County between Bonanza Flat and Midway on a clear day in August 2021 winding through Wasatch State Park past a variety of trailheads and campgrounds.Music by:Beck "Stratosphere"
S8 E11 GWT: Bikepacking South Skyline Drive from Ephraim Canyon to I-70 Backpacker Diaries 2021-08-22 | S8 E11 GWT: Bikepacking South Skyline Drive from Ephraim Canyon to I-70My long-term project of hiking and biking Utah's portion of the Great Western Trail in sections continues on this 45-mile southbound chunk located north of I-70 in Utah's Manti La Sal National Forest. This was my first bike packing trip and bypassed the Dead Horse Ridge Trail part of the GWT by continuing along an alternate route: Skyline Drive all the way down to I-70. Special Thanks to Tyrell Winters for logistical help.Music by:Bill Frisell"Go Jake"Bill Frisell"Pipe Down"
Summer 2021 Channel Update - Scaling back for LNT reasons Backpacker Diaries 2021-08-15 | Summer 2021 Channel Update - Scaling back for LNT reasonsAt Backpacker Diaries I've shared many lesser-known locations over the years in the hope that promoting these areas would take pressure off of more heavily visited National Parks etc. In retrospect, this philosophy may cause more damage than benefit. As discussed in an earlier video about "Why I Do This" youtu.be/sv_IV2sDM5oI enjoy contributing to the brain trust of an online trail community that I've certainly benefitted from myself. In that respect, the trip report videos at Backpacker Diaries are not so much about "look at me" and more about "check out this cool place I went and here's what to consider if you want to go". This is all the more reason for me to scale back on the trip reports I publish here as not naming the location also removes some of the value I'd want to provide. For more info on Leave No Trace ethics and new social media guidance, visit: lnt.org/new-social-media-guidanceMusic by:Beck "Hyperlife"
Logan Canyon, Utah Scenic Drive Backpacker Diaries 2021-08-01 | Logan Canyon, Utah Scenic DriveThis video is from a drive up Utah's Logan Canyon on US 89 during July 2021. Music by:Death Cab For Cutie"When We Drive"
What type of ducks are these? @ Causey Reservoir Utah June 2021 Backpacker Diaries 2021-07-11 | What type of ducks are these? @ Causey Reservoir Utah June 2021
Bull Elk @ Dixie National Forest Utah June 2021 Backpacker Diaries 2021-06-20 | Bull Elk @ Dixie National Forest Utah June 2021These bull elk were spotted near the Great Western Trail in Utah's Dixie National Forest during June 2021.
