Hiking 30 Miles Across Utah's Strangest Desert

My Gear in this video:

My Clothing Layers for this Trip:

Want to travel with me to Patagonia to hike in Glaciers National Park? I'm hosting a trip for a group of like-minded travelers November 7-14, 2024. See more info here:

Devin Ashby and I head into the Escalante area of Utah to explore a series of canyons, sand dunes, slick rock, and the legendary Cosmic Ashtray, truly one of the oddest scenes in Utah. It's late winter and it's still mighty cold. Devin and I enjoy a classic buddy buddy beatdown adventure.

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#backpacking #relaxing #calm

[EricSpriggs]

I backpacked this area in the mid '90s as a teen. I remember my friend's dad telling me that my machete wouldn't be needed in the desert and was just extra weight. Guess who got to lead the way because they had a machete! 😂

[graciegardener]

Oh! The cello music thru this part of the canyon is just perfect. Thank u

[truthntrails]

One of the things I appreciate about your adventures (and there are many) is your experience and ability to vocalize the nuances of each trip and terrain. For example, highlighting not all miles are equal. Every video holds nuggets of truth way more valuable than just gear reviews. You have a very balanced approach.

Keep up the great work!

[keithbond]

As an fyi, desert varnish (5:52) is not formed by tannins. It is formed from clay and mineral deposits of primarily manganese oxides and iron oxides. As water trickles or runs down the rock walls, these mineral and clay deposits are left behind. There are often also microorganisms like fungi present as well. Lighter colored streaks (kind of milky looking) are silica glaze. Not sure if you saw any of those, but they are common in the Utah desert.

Great video of a beautiful and amazing place. I hadn't ever heard of the cosmic ashtray until very recently. It's on my list.

[douglasfoster]

Thank you Eric for taking us along. Great video.

[KuldaevaWatercolor]

The light, especially at sunset, is just incredible there! Wow!

[ervinslens]

This was simply outstanding work my friend! Shots are amazing! 👏👏

[martinhudon]

Winter outdoor guy here. For small wet/damp stuff (mittain, gloves socks, etc) put them at the foot in your sleeping back overnight. They'll be a lot dryer (and warmer) than outside.

[JerryArizona]

Great video. I’ve had cosmic ashtray on my list for years. I may steal that cello music from you. Perfect song for the scenery.

[musingwithreba]

Whoa...lizard alien stuck in the sand! 😮😂

The shots of the moon going down were incredible Eric! Bravo 👏 👏 👏

[graciegardener]

Your photography is wonderful. Beautiful shots and video

[debbilermond]

What a magical place to backpack through! Thanks, Eric and Devin for bushwhacking and freezing your toes for us! We appreciate it greatly! 😂😉

[tonymartens]

The beauty of the area you hiked is breath taking. Thanks for taking us with you and sharing your adventures.

[KhurshidsChannel]

The beauty of the area is breathtaking. Thank you for sharing.

[frankpotter]

What a great movie! Throughly enjoyed it (as with all your vids). I’ll be hiking coyote gulch in June. This video has got me stoked. Thanks Eric.

[lynnnorthrup]

Thank you for taking me out to the Cosmic Ashtray. It’s one place in Escalante I haven’t visited. My wife says my 85 year old body shouldn’t try it. Enjoyed the trip down Red Breaks. We’ll be hiking in Escalante in about a month. Yes, this old guy is still out there adventuring and creating videos. Thanks for taking me along. 😀👍

[Everydaybackpacker]

Devin is the best! So glad to know him as a friend. What an amazing hike! Great video as always.

[Harry-Giles]

Spectacular. I’ve driven through the Escalante traversing from Capitol Reef over to Bryce and Zion and it’s beautiful. Never hiked the area. Really loved the adventure and the footage. So well done. Thanks Eric.

[toddkanhai]

I love your video style. Keep putting them out. Well done.

[patrickbedruz]

37:12 Looks absolutely unreal like it was photoshopped! Never thought a dessert could be so gorgeous coming from someone in the PNW.