What I Found in the Grand Canyon is Baffling 

Hey everyone, thank you for watching! A couple quick comments. - My friend Josh helped me with filming this vid. He's a professional photographer/videographer and does great work. You can find his site and contact info here joshthomson.website/work - If you want to learn more about the Native perspective in Grand Canyon, you may want to check out this book amzn.to/4dhNWUy

I'm a 99 year old brain in a jar and I just want to thank you for making these videos since I can't exactly go around hiking and camping myself. god bless ❤❤💯

I'm in my 60's & I'm completely blown-away by the high-quality of videos being shown on youtube, so-much-better than the standard programs that you'd find on television today, this one here is Top-Notch Material, keep up the great work !!!

The story telling in this was top notch. Who would’ve thought RU-vid and hiking would be such a good combination

Love this thank you. Ive lived in Alaska for 51 years now. My father was a big game Biologist and retired as the Executive Director of Fish and Game. So i grew up in the 70's and our summer camp was way up in the dull sheep vountry counting sheep with dad. What a life! What an adventure EVERY year. I love this stuff as did he. Matter of fact when we first moved to Alaska in June of 72 we lived just below Moose Bluff outside of Fairbanks. Dad would always say...there has got yo be something here....well sure enough...about 25 or so years ago there were scrapers and other artifacts discovered just off the trail we would ski in the winter! Something esoe huh!!! I so miss my dad and am so very greatful of all he dhowed and taught us. Love you Dad...you ARE the best!

*I'M 70 YEARS OLD AND DISABLED, HAVE PRETTY MUCH ACCEPTED MY NEW PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS* 😻😻😻 *THANK YOU FER TAKING ME ALONG VIA TECHNOLOGY. WITH YOU ON ADVENTURES I'M NO LONGER ABLE TO HAVE* 😻😻😻

I’m not sure what you’ve changed but the cinematography in your videos has improved dramatically. Those shots of you with the river as a backdrop are just incredible. Keep them coming! Great job

Hi! Southwestern archaeologist here. The Medieval Warm Period, which began ca. 1150 CE and continued until the Little Ice Age, beginning about approx 1450 CE, caused populations to shift and move around in the Southwestern Area. Many of these people would eventually settle at Hopi, Zuni, Acoma, and other Pueblos that exist to this day. They didn't disappear... the desert requires that we live lightly on the land, in spite of cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix that pretend we don't have to. Time will tell, and only archaeologists of the future will know what really happened to the vanishing civilizations of the 21st century.

Hello everyone, l am watching from Australasia and suffer from agoraphobia and anxiety and have not had a holiday or been on an outing for 20 years no joke. My chronic back pain due to falling out of a tree when l was very young has incapacitated me and degenerated mu lower spine, am now in my 50's and cannot get out without a walking aid.without assistance. l just want to thank you for taking me along on your fabulous journey witnessing form my loungeroom couch with me cat Motzy, short for Mozart. This is just so very exciting and wonderful. Thank you and much appreciation from the other side of the globe. l love youtube for these kinds of experiences. l was watching a lot of cave discoveries documentaries on youtube yesterday and this came up on my algorithm, so l just had to click and watch. Take care and so well done.

Um, the Smithsonian will not be pleased if you find the Egyptian tunnels . . .

My oldest brother did a grad school internship in the Canyon and village 1972-1973. When he was done he retrieved my 13 year old butt to come there and help him pack up to return to school. I was there for a week and helped him minimally! What a wonderful week it was. One day I decided I was going to hike to the bottom and back; when I told him he said no you won't, so of course that made me more determined. I filled his old fashion canteen with water and made a beeline for the Bright Angel Trail. What an adventure! I made it to the two mile marker and decided to rest a bit. Next thing I remember is a middle aged couple patting my knee and asking me if I was OK. I'd fallen asleep! I had a big decision to make: continue my journey or head back to my brother's apartment. Suffice it to say I returned to my brother's apartment. He knew I couldn't do it, which is why he said no you won't instead of can't (he also knew it would be easy to locate me if I was stupid enough to try it). Andrew is spot on...a Grand Canyon Mile is different!

No TV for 16yrs, and no commercials!!! Great pictures, very interesting!

This is one of the most beautiful videos I've ever seen on the grand canyon. I backpacked the Grand Canyon back in 1978❤

As a seventy year old woman with a lifelong fear of heights your films fill me with both awe and terror. Thank you for taking us to places most of us will never be able to see. Some wonderful film making 👍🏼👍🏼

As a 67 yo woman with arthritis, I love watching your videos! Thank you for the tours!

You are so lucky to be able to go and experience this magical place. And thank you for sharing your experience. I'm old now with a deteriorating spine and have zero chance of seeing this for myself. In my younger days, I loved hiking the woods, digging in old trash piles for treasures. This brings back those memories. The isolation and solitude of the woods I was in, is something I will always miss. In another life, I would have been the old herbal lady that lived out, away from the village.

Smooth, soothing voice, spectacular views and entertaining narrative. Thanks a lot.

I`m 70 and hill walk in Scotland. I would`nt dare walk where you do, but I admire you for your stamina and determination in your explorations of ancient sites and structures. The scenery and views of the Grand Canyon are awesome. Thank you for sharing your adventures, and may you continue to do so.

The finger marks and prints give a very real human touch to these ruins. The desire to know more about these people is never-ending. Looking forward to the longer video, thank you.

I am so fortunate to have hiked to the river, changed my life❤thank you

Keep walking so we keep watching. Thank you for your love for exploring and your youth!!!

I Absolutely LOVE the GC! My best friend and I hiked the Rim2Rim, South to North back in 1999. We took it easy, more so, to take the time to explore side canyons and such. We started planning the trip two years before, learning all we could concerning needs, foods, water consumption, dangers, wildlife, etc. We would practice hikes going up and down mountain terrain along the Wasatch Front, as we lived in the SLC area. I've always felt a connection to the GC but our hike into the bowels blew our mind. My friend had a degree in Geology and I am a Registered Nurse with experience in both emergency and surgery. I can't stress enough how being prepared and knowledge going into the GC is tantamount. It is not a hike for the unprepared. Yet, every year, people need to be rescued or their body recovered. The GC is unforgiving. But it is also the most amazing place. I am 71yrs old now, and due to health reasons, I am restricted in my movements. I've told both my children to cremate my remains and have them spread in the GC.

Thank you for including us in your adventures. This is new life for many with illness and infirmities that cannot travel to these places. Magical

We did a 7 day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. It was life changing. The night sky and the moonlight against the canyon walls across from our camp sites along the trip were absolutely breathtaking. After seeing that canyon from the river level up, it totally changes the perspective of what you see from the upper rims. That type of adventure is an absolute must do for literally everyone. 👍🏻😎👍🏻

Coming from Ukraine years ago, I found myself at the Northern rim of the canyon one day. When I stood there, my jaw dropped, I couldn’t move. I’ve seen plenty of other beautiful corners of this planet, yet nothing came close to leaving an imprint as big, as Grand Canyon. Camped at a small campground housing only few camp spots at the rim. One day I tried using a trail there (don’t remember the name anymore) to get down to the river. Made it nearly to the bottom, yet had to turn around helping two young hikers in distress to get back up. Perhaps next lifetime I will be able to repeat the trail?

First, you do a good job of narrating your excellent video without resorting to sensationalism. Thank you. Secondly, you clearly respect the canyon, culture and the journey of humankind. Thank you again. I visited The Canyon once. In about 1980. I knew I could devote a lifetime of study to it, but that was not to be. Now I am 75 with time on my hands but not the where-with-all to do what you are doing. Thank you for following your passion and for sharing it.

I love videos like this. It takes me back to the time when I use backpack in the Gila Wilderness in southern New Mexico about 60 miles north of Silver City. The cliff dwellings in the Gila Wilderness were built by the Mogollon People and seemed to have been occupied and abandoned around 1275 - early 1400s. It's not known why these dwellings were abandoned. But, the topography of the area is really beautiful and there is a lot of wildlife here to enjoy. I wish I could go back and visit the area once again and hike up the east fork of the Gila river towards snow lake. But, now I am in my 80s and no longer able to do that sort of thing. When I cash in my chips, my ashes will be spread in the Gila or up north outside of Santa Fe at Glorieta; two places I felt close to nature and my Maker.

Do not attempt what I see in this video? No worries brother, I'm in my 60s and I appreciate you bringing this to me in the safety and comfort of my recliner. Thanks for the amazing video! Stay safe!

I've been to the Grand Canyon twice from Australia. The first time, as you say, I'd only ever seen it in pictures and in documentaries so I wasn't prepared for the scale and grandeur and beauty of the place, nothing can prepare the visitor for what unfolds. Sadly, I could only experience it from the South Rim, though on my second trip I wanted to take the mule ride down to the Colorado but it was booked for two years, so I ended up taking a helicopter down to the Havasupai reservation. There, along with three Japanese tourists and our "Indian" guide took a three hour horse ride down to Moonee Falls along trails that followed the canyon walls not much wider that a meter and a half. On one side was the canyon wall, on the other was a long deep drop. If I was a much younger man I would love to walk Bright Angel Trail and walk some of these trails you guys walk on the North Rim, though I wouldn't be brave enough to "mountain goat" those very high ledge trails. I love the Grand Canyon and if I had a choice, when i pass away I would have my body left on a high sunny ledge somewhere. Thank you guys, so much for showing us sights that most people will never see or experience in person.

Hello, I'm from Germany and recently discovered your channel on RU-vid. I quickly watched all of your videos. What you do is first class. Better than Discovery Channel or National Geographic. Videos of a very high standard, very good camera work and first class editing - in my opinion not always at a high scientific level but that's what makes it good because I can really identify with your style. That's how we should deal with what our earth offers us - always very respectful of the previous inhabitants and their landscape. And you do it all alone! It's amazing! Above all, your manner and way of speaking puts the viewer at ease without becoming boring or losing the suspense. I really appreciate your work. Thank you very much! Best wishes from Germany! Please keep going!

I’m 33 and recently disabled, I can’t get out anymore due to a neurological condition. Watching these makes me feel like I’m there. Thank you Edit to the comments. it’s a rare condition called Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy

I’ve never been but would love to explore the Grand Canyon some day.

“Commanding view” couldn’t have explained it anymore simple and more perfect.

When you showed the night skies it reminded me of the beautiful clear night skies, I saw back in the mid to late 80's in the high desert area of 29 Palms in the high desert of the Mohave desert, only they were so much more spectacular back then. I was in the middle of a huge Marine Corp training area with zero light pollution and when I would get off of radio watch in the middle of the night when it was clear I would sit out there instead of getting the sleep I needed to get and just look up at the bands of stars that was nothing like I had ever seen before, beauty in its purest form. Seeing it with your own eyes is the only way to properly enjoy it, I can't put it into words, I don't think anyone can. Maybe earlier peoples saw seeing something like what I saw as a religious sign that made them do what they did back then, it's likely been talked about many times before.

I lived in Arizona for 3 years up in Flagstaff. I worked with Indigenous tribes up near the Navajo Reservation and in the Grand Canyon. They told me that many of these places were abandoned around that time (1100-1200 AD) due to the volcanic unrest just north of Flagstaff around that time. Whole villages were abandoned because of it including at Walnut Canyon. Perhaps this eruption disrupted the climate for a time as far north as the canyon. Additionally some ancestral tribes left Arizona and founded tribes in New Mexico due to spiritual reasons. Not all left and some returned but it let to the splitting apart and creation of many new tribes including the Zuni. Very interesting area! Miss it!

My sister-in-law invited some friends to go hiking. The 60 year old said he didn't feel like going. They finally talked him into it. Halfway through the hike he had a heart attack & died. Maybe he should have watched your videos instead. Great views & pictures guys.

As a Swede......keep e',m coming!.......I love history and I love Geografy! Your Channel are The Goat!! Greetings from Sweden 💛💙💛💙

Don't change a thing about how you do these vids...the photography, the narration, the chill. I click the button and am lulled...

When I was a child, I had an extremely vivid memory of taking a boat 🛶 tour in the Colorado river in the Grand Canyon. I asked my parents and they said it never happened. I still get confused when I think of that memory.

Well made, interesting video. I am Australian and I've been fascinated with the vastness, rugged beauty and wilderness of this place ever since I can remember. It looks so wild and inhospitable. I had no idea people actually lived there, farmed etc. These granaries are interesting. They would have been hard to build with so few and only primitive tools. I'd hazard a guess, from my European roots and what my ancient agricultural family told me, that they built the granaries on much higher ground to ensure that the corn and survival needs stashed there would remain well preserved, not ruined by mould, moisture and certain vermin etc found mainly at lower ground levels that attack such grains and also in case they were attacked by enemy tribes trying to plunder their crops, women, children. They could flee to these even harder to access places their enemies could not easily access, as strangers to this inhospitable area. And there would be a stash of basic survival needs to live off. In Europe, some partisans resisting the NAZIS trying to hunt them down did that dort of stashing food etc in remote, lofty, inaccessible mountain caves and then fled there and hid their families there, to hide from NAZI soldiers hunting them down. Maybe these early Canyon people were facing invasion threat. The other reason might be they were stashing food etc there to deal with natural disasters on lower level ground eg flooding, as it was obviously wet enough there to farm, so flooding or droughts could happen in such an inhospitable environment, like in similar parts of flat, barren, desert rural Australia. At least they had higher places to stash survival needs in, unlike here. It may not flood there now, but climate may have bern different when these early folk lived snd farmed there and natural disasters more common.

I confess I really enjoy longer videos. I can't get enough of these beautiful places!!!!!

Even on camera the magnitude is impressive. I can't even imagine what it looks like in real life.

What a beautiful and informational video!!!! I enjoyed it immensely!!! Well done!!!👍❤️🙏🤗💕

Nice documentary, guys! I get impatient with a lot of youtube vids that just ramble on and on, but yours I watched with interest all the way through. You move things along at a nice pace, while giving extra time to show important things. I'm from New Zealand but now I finally have some sense of what it's like to be in the Grand Canyon. Thanks, and great job!

ok, here's my analysis...you hired a hollywood producer...bought a $750,000 camera...hired an archeologist and forensic scientist...and i forgot a few more things. all kidding aside...this is your best video thus far...so well done...s and t up. well done. we appreciate the location, because we all knew this was not kentucky...cheers.

My dad and I hiked down the Canyon a few times together back in the 80's and he had been down there dozens of times. The glorious splendor of the space never ceased to amaze me, even as a youngster, and to think that people once called it home. Just awe-inspiring. Thank you for sharing your exploration.

For all of us who can't hike anymore and will probably never see these old ruins in real life thank you for sharing!

Stunning vid! Can't thank you and yours enough, including the cameraman and all concerned. Feels like I'm there.

Thanks for this trip full of wonder and magic. One of the places that you can never forget.

Six years ago, we rafted here with a company and climbed to the Grainery. On the way down a friend snaped a picture of the wife and I with the canyon and river below. One of my all-time favorite pictures.

I did this hike two years before I had my hip replacement. That was one of the toughest hikes I have ever done. Yet the Puebloans or whomever lived here probably did that hike a few times a year. They could hunt elk and deer on the No.Rim at 7,000 ft and farm at 2,000 ft. Even more crazy to contemplate is that they must have had to carry food stores, elk meat, pottery for water, and small children. I was really scared about some of the exposure. I will never forget that hike. Truly exceptional work with this video.

Breath of fresh air! Both of you included. Beautiful.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful trip. Grand Canyon is beautiful!

Archeology, native oral stories, evolving age technics. Theories put forward, tested, discussed,vetted, researched. No ends ever absolute. Resembles life’s mysteries. The joy is in what we can imagine. Observe the smile on his face as he does what we wish we could do. The world is full of wonderful things. I’m sure we should all be happy as kings! Thanks for letting us peek into this part of the world!

im not in usa im in australia and the only movies weve seen of grand canyon is related to old explorers boating the length. i ve never see such beautifull scenery ,ty Sir you are indeed incredible .

Hello 👋 from Vance Air Force Base in Enid , Oklahoma USA 🇺🇸 22years Active Duty Veteran 🇺🇸 😊🎉❤😊

This is a GREAT video! Great job explaining everything in the calmest voice i might have ever heard!

Seeing you hiking with a friend and not alone makes a video more soothing. Great storytelling too.

I grew up out there in the West. People who live there get it. Those who don't can only imagine. The desert Southwest is truly sacred terrain. The Native Americans were right. It is holy land. I would absolutely love to travel with a guide like you!

Thank you! What a great experience and no wonder you keep coming back. Magical!

This is epic beyond words, love you mann! Thank you so much for risking it to all for us couch po'ta'ta's❤

Oh yay! I’ve been waiting for another video! I’m 5 minutes in and am overwhelmed with the massiveness of the canyon. Beautiful photography. The colors are breathtaking. Also, the size of the space is deceiving. Even watching on my tiny screen gives me vertigo. I can only imagine being there. Your videos are my respite in my busy day. ❤ *Waiting patiently for the next one*

I am SO looking forward to the extended cut, Andrew!! And I'm glad you had a compadre with you, on this adventure. Blessings.

Thanks for this wonderful adventure! Listening to the sound of the canyon and imagining the people who lived there is a priceless experience! It's beautiful and very challenging.

Enjoying this so much Looking forward to more Thank you for what you do Be safe

Warm greetings from New Zealand, Andrew. This Kiwi was incredibly fortunate to visit The Grand Canyon and to do the overnight mule ride in July, 1996. A highly emotional experience for me, with tears on entering the Canyon, and tears and strong emotion when nearing the top of the trail out. I have never looked at geology in the same way. This stunning place woke me up somehow. Thank you so much for this excellent video. 😊

Andrew, only a little way into this video. Camping in the Grand Canyon -- priceless.

The best visual documentary I have seen of the GC that I can remember. Fantastic job bros!

This place is so breath taking ! The next family adventure for sure !

Excellent narration and videography. Wild America is still wild… even today.

Building the granary up high makes sense.The desert southwest has periods of a lot of rain followed by long droughts. Also the Colorado river in the past before all the dams were built was known for its unpredictable floods especially in the spring. So where would be the best place to store your food and materials? Up on the side of a cliff not only to keep it safe from floods but rain. If part of your village gets flooded or destroyed you can rebuild. If you also lose your tools and food reserves now you have a much larger problem.

Just found your channel and I love your style of content editing . Very informative and it’s great you include History/ pictures

So glad I stumbled across your channel. I so appreciate your narration and desert travels. Exploring ancient ruins is a dream of min but not possible at this time in my life. You videos are amazing as are you for your minimal foot print on the ancient site preserving them for future generations and explores.

Badass brother! I hiked the GC when I was 17. Camped 2 nights in the bottom. Still one of my favorite memories! Thanks for taking us with you. Memories came flooding back!

Being an Aussie, you guys are so privileged to have this in your country .brilliant tour mate loved it

Amazing. I love this stuff! Good job fellas

The photography is amazing! As is the narrative. Thank you for the ( literally ), wild adventure via Samsung tablet! Absolutely breathtaking!

Experience and taking NOTHING for granted is key to survival. I loved hiking, camping, boating, hunting, and living in Arizona desert and the Canyon.❤️❤️🇺🇸

Absolutely the best video I have ever seen, as a 76 year old I would have never been able to see these wonders had it no been for u and your channel- a heart felt Thanks!!

Mind Blown! Thank you and Josh for sharing your incredible experience with us! The scenery and your narrative are incredible!

You guys rock! This is utterly amazing!

Such amazing country! When I was a boy and young teenager, back in the 1960's, some of my favourite books and stories were set in and around the Grand Canyon. I've never been in the canyon but I have flown over part of it. What an amazing sight from high above! Those people that lived, all those centuries ago, in the canyon must have had a very rugged and difficult existence. I lived, as a hunter/gatherer, for some years far north of the southwest, in high mountains and deep rich forests. My dwellings, thirty plus years ago, were tepees and old abandoned prospector cabins. I know how hard and sometimes very difficult that existence is, often in survival mode. Your videos are so well done. Thank you for sharing your adventures and knowledge. Safe travels and happy hiking! Cheers from an old timer that has climbed mountains and spent cold winters by myself in the bush.

Dude 90,000 views in 8 hours with 170,000 subs is insane. Needless to say, we've all been waiting for this vid

Thank you for this I enjoyed it! Always wanted a close up view of the beautiful canyon. Can't hike that way anymore.

1st time watching. Great video. Subscribed and liked.

Just awesome. Beautiful. Breath taking

I’ve kayaked the length of GC twice and rowed a raft down it twice and hiked many trails there so I really appreciate your warning folks not to underestimate the dangers of its immensity. The trail you guys were on looks pretty scary itself in places. GC sure taught me my own limitations when it comes to heights and exposure…

thoroughly enjoyable. thanks for hiking your cameras drones etc so the rest of us can enjoy your journey too

I love all your videos. I even rewatch tjem. Thank you so much for posting. I wish I could do this. You are doing a wonderful service for us all. ❤

Thank you once again for your exploring the grand canyon I haven't been there in years. Thank you for always being so respectful to my ancestors cultural sacred sites you have my deepest respect ! ! !

The twelfth century is about the same time as the demise of the Mayans too. Some have purposed a El Nino or La Nina climate event is responsible. Years ago I enjoyed a helicopter tour down below the rim of the Grand canyon. I shot many photos looking up the canyon walls from inside the Heli. I've also experienced a ten day hiking trip in Wyoming's Wind River Range wilderness area where ten miles in a day will kill your ass and the horse flies are so big they knock you down to tenderize you before they take a bite. Thank you man.

Outstanding video! Glad I stumbled across your channel.

Thanks for showing this. Watching from Australia. The whole idea is amazing. Love it.😊

Your videos have sparked a new appreciation and interest in the southwest indigenous peoples. Incredible.

Yes.... perfect way to enjoy a great Friday.

Thank you for sharing. Excellent video!

This is so amazing, thank you. I have a friend who was a river guide in the 70’s.

Mind blowingly fascinating. Those paths were pretty loose and rugged, my heart was in my mouth seeing you both teetering on the edge with hundreds of feet below you. Thank you again. Look forward to the next part. Take care, keep safe. ❤ Dorset, UK

You ask why they would build their grainaries so high up, and my personal take is: Food security. It looks like a southern wall, where it has a good overhang. That immediately controls the temperature inside to help preserve dried foods like grains, seeds, etc. It protects the contents from water of any kind. Great flood, or pouring rain, the supplies will remain dry. Because it is so well protected, they only need to build it once, and then never really need to maintain the structures themselves, unlike anything on the confluence, which will see exposure to all of the weather the valley will see. So it saves on labour. Instead of having to maintain the roof of their storage, they have more time to tend their crops, hunt, gather, train their children, play games, maintain their own dwellings, make tools and clothes, and other manufactured supplies, etc. I remember reading in a book, something that really makes a lot of sense, and I'll paraphrase here, _"Real wealth is knowing you won't go hungry before the next harvest season in ready."_ For people living in such an area, i think that would resonate with them strongly. For the highest one, with the wooden supports? It makes me think of a lookout tower. It is high, with a very commanding perch over the valley below. It might have held a ceremonial purpose even. Just randomly thought of what it would be like if you had a fire on a perch light that, and when it burned through a thin bottom, it would disperse glowing coals and ashes into the wind, which could be akin to fireworks at night. Thinking along those lines, it might have held a signal fire, for alerting other settlements down the river (though I do doubt this one due to lack of extreme range sight lines). These are just the musings of an average idiot in B.C. Canada, who has utterly no experience with the cultures and histories of those who lived in the southwest.

Such a beautiful video! thanks for this.