Thank you for watching! I’d love to know-what was your favorite part of the video? I’ve noticed some recurring themes in your comments, so I wanted to address a few of your questions: The Southwest is full of spots like this one. Some lead to cliff dwellings and ancient structures, while others might have served as escape routes, or as places for prayer or ceremonies. Although I explored the other side of the cliffs, I didn’t find any ruins or rock art there. I’ll return to explore further, but for now, I can tell you it’s just a ramp leading down the other side. I didn’t show that side because revealing too much detail could give away the location. If you recognize it, that’s great! I try to be discreet because in the past, people have tracked down the exact spots from my videos. Some even sent me pictures from the locations, saying, “I found it!” I want to protect these places from vandalism. Being careful about what I share is one way I can help prevent anyone from getting hurt trying to follow in my footsteps. I didn’t climb to the top for a few reasons: mainly for my own safety, and because it was getting dark. Choosing music for these videos can be challenging. I know the opinions are mixed, with some liking the music and others not so much. I’ll keep working to find the right balance, though I prefer a minimalistic approach. For those concerned about safety, rest assured I always carry a satellite locator with me. I have a family I want to get home to, so if my gut says “don’t do it,” I won’t. Safety is always my top priority. Thanks for reading! I hope this answers some of your questions. Keep on trekkin’!
@TheTrekPlanner favorite parts...your sweet self while exploring. I believe you are as you appear, authentic, genuine in your reverence for the places and artifacts you discover and truely kind to your audience. I agree minimal or less on the music. The desert is a quiet place. Peaceful. The excitement in your voice is the music to me. TY
Time for you to think of guided tours as a business. It may not fit for ethical reasons you stated but you have discovered many places people would like to see. Guided tours are a way to preserve them and allow others to explore and not get hurt or vandalize.
Thought I'd throw in a safety tip about these steps. I lived at Lake Powell for several years and you can see these steps on many cliffs around the lake. One day I decided to climb a steep wall. I found out that these steps do not go deep into the sandstone. Going up was easy, the sandstone gave you great traction. I ended up climbing about 50 feet up the vertical wall when I saw that the upper steps were more in the open, and had weathered more than the lower ones. Coming down created a problem. Your momentum of going downward would cause your feet to slip out of the shallow holes. After a few tense moments of trying to get down I decided the safest way down was to push off of the cliff wall and land in the water. I would have been in real trouble if I'd had rocks below me.
What used to take a host, a camera person, producer, maybe an assistant, now can be done by one dude & his drone. Keep entertaining us, it's great work..
I think about that every time I watch youtube outdoor channels. My wife's uncle Warren was the cameraman who traveled the world with Marlin Perkins, filming Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. We have lots of photos of their camps and the blinds they made to get wildlife footage, and it's just mind-blowing to see the enormous camera equipment he carried into remote places! I'd love to see what kind of footage he would have produced with modern equipment.
@@tedpreston4155 That was one of my favorite shows growing up. Amazing footage (and educational too) but, at that age, I didn't really think about the support crews!! I certainly do these days and the solo nature of these videos into dangerous terrain / country concerns me a bit.
@@tedpreston4155 That's awesome! I loved that show.. it and Wild America... I can still hear the host of Wild America saying "I'm Marty Stouffer & this is Wild America"
It would be logistically troublesome, but with a modern VR drone, RV, a decent connection and maybe an able bodied spotter/helper it's feasible. Expensive and tedious, but not impossible. Don't give up hope
I'm only 63, but in the same boat, I'm partly crippled, I used to go on adventures like this, and even did a lot of rock climbing, back in the day, but cannot anymore. I agree! ... it's great to see these remote places that are on US soil.
Me three, (73) I do not climb anymore, lol. Modern climbers would be appalled at the lack of respect by the ancients for their 'ethics' of the rock'; carving hand and footholds everywhere, lol. They will wear you out with environmental ideology. That is incredible, they were everywhere. Maybe it was as simple as wanting to get up to the plateau without going farther to find a natural climbing spot.
@@TruFrag Doubtful. We may be leaving earth in about 10 days to skip the 7 year tribulation, but with all the humans returning to earth after that, I'd say this could be a popular spot. The ones to made those steps will probably return as well! A good book you might read; Gateway to Atlantis by David Rohl. Also know the petroglyphs of s.e. Utah are known to be made by Hopi in 700ad the same exact time aliens landed in Borobudur, Indonesia to repair their ship. The Temple there is a stone copy of that ship. We know they came to Moab to mine radium used to coat parts of the new bell shaped drive unit. The failing one they left behind became known as the Nazi bell. It was falling apart inside due to mercury contamination according to a guy I know who's father examined it before they tested it on the mountain top base in Austria known as DeGlocke.
I learned years ago that the best sites, the best views, the best hideaways, the best adventures, are not just places you can drive to and stop at a scenic overlook. The best destinations need to be earned. That was some real earning!
I live in Peru . I get the same feeling. Being where people have walked, lived, loved and died for 1000 of years. Thank you so much for your videos ❤ from Grandma in Peru
Hi Jeff. It's just amazing to be where ancient peoples walked. I recently visited Montezuma's Well & experienced a similar feeling. It's mind blowing to imagine the amount of work it took to build these places. Thank you for the love & respect you show to the land. ~Mish~
Hi Mish! Thank you for your very generous Super Thanks!! I'm glad you got to visit Montezuma's Well. I was hoping to stop there when I visited Montezuma's Castle, but didn't have time to do so. Have you been to the Castle before? I'm with you! What strikes me the most is that the people who built these places and carved steps up the mountains had names and lives we'll never know. Yet, by respecting and observing their handiwork, we gain valuable insight into who these ancient people were. Even if it's just a hint. Thank you for being here, Mish! :-) -Jeff
@@TheTrekPlanner Jeff you're welcome!!!! I'm happy to help a little to support your adventures. Yes I've been to Montezuma's Castle & it still takes my breath away when I go. The first time I rounded the bend & viewed the ruins I was awe struck. The majestic nature of these ancient places cannot be understated. I look forward to your next adventure. Peace ✌️
I have to say that from memories as a pre-teen that trying to climb the cliff behind my Great-grandparents ranch house it’s “easier” to go up than go down a spot like this.
I used to spend summers in Yosemite rock climbing. Every two weeks you tried to find someone to register your tent under a different name. We had different colored tents to make that all easier. After a while, the rangers got to know you and that you knew your stuff (climbing) and the hikes and would let you just camp at the rescue camp by camp four. You could hang there but, if needed, you were on rescue. Most of the injuries/deaths were from people trying to reverse the position they put themselves in. It is so much harder to reverse vertical moves than going up. The way people get themselves into this situation is...they see, or think they see, a small path branching off the main path and going towards what they want to see or reach. Every time someone tries this "NEW" path, they realized it doesn't go, and they turn around. Each subsequent person would think this is a path and push it further only to backtrack. These phantom paths are being traversed twice, in a short time, and start to look like a well beaten path that must go somewhere. Evey person thereafter pushed it even farther and made it look like a valid path. Amazing how well air filled traction trousers work in helping someone be littered out.
Phenomenal. What makes it better is the amazement and awe on your face each time you make a discovery. The reverent way you treat each site and the gratitude you speak make you a Top Choice content creator. Much gratitude for sharing and bringing us along. Sending prayers and good vibrational energy for continued success and safety. 🧡💛👏🏼🙌🏻
Let’s assume that there are many reasons this spot was chosen. They are semi nomadic, hunters/gatherers. They knew where to do both. Trade existed between areas and regions. This is a road. I love this!
Thank you for your videos. When I watch them, I forget everything else that might be filling my mind. I feel excitement, adventure, wonderment . . . Good stuff for energizing and healing the soul.
I am a fan of history, geology and archeology, and your site plays to all three. The more I learn the more I am inclined to believe that the "ancient people" as you call them were far more abundant and capable than we tend to understand
Hiked and spent time exploring from st george s to toroweap and the n rim then winding up and down across the border over to page, the lake, antelope. Love the area, my favorite place on earth. Escalante up to capitol reef, Hoodoos, Zion- lord. A friend bought land that included a 150ft mesa and it had a small white sand 'waterfall' cave on top' from an old volcanic tube, hand petros, dinosaur tracks and a field of petrified wood with crystals inside. He bought it to protect it. Enjoy your youth and all the magic you can discover- there is a lot of it. Thanks for sharing it with us!
@@dannywayne311 No. That was part of keeping it protected. He has passed and his heirs are following suit, last I know. He was/is indigenous. They drummed and smoked me before I could go up there.
@@TeasLouise that’s awesome and so encouraging to hear they are protecting the sites they’ve accrued, how was the ritual and the experience? I’m sure more than just me would appreciate your account and perspective
You pushed my fear of heights to the limit with this one! I was relieved you didn't climb all the way up lol Fascinating to wonder about the people who carved the steps and the lives they lived.
I explored a canyon in Az for about 14 yrs. There were places you could get in but not out and certain places you could not get out at all for what seamed like miles. Once you entered you were committed to the hike through it. That appears to me to be an exit/entrance hunting up top living inside where the water is. Stay safe my friend BTW the canyon is between woodruff and snowflake approximately 23 miles long 160’ deep at max average about 100’ full of petroglyphs and 3 spots of hieroglyphs. Several ruins if you can find them. Dozens of cracks and wedges and bouldering for fun exploring. Water year round. There are mountain lions, bobcats, badgers, deer, rattlesnakes etc very seldom saw other people in it. But saw their trash. Easy to get trapped inside and have to backtrack miles to get out river crossing can be tricky and dangerous. To anyone who finds it please leave it better than you found it! ENJOY!!
Sometimes I'm not sure what you're doing but this is definitely worthy and useful. Keep at it. Your efforts are, I think, evolving to something bigger.
Mr Jeff, thank you for taking me on the path less worn. Imagine being the one who carved those steps, with nothing but a good rock and lots of time. They were very talented and tough hombres.
WOW! Just WOW! As you discovered the steps,then climbed to them, I could feel your anticipation. Then you were there...My heart beat out of my body, afraid for you on those steep worn steps! I thought of your family, if you should fall, and was thankful you stopped! My soul goes to the ancient ones who carved them, and I want to see more of your videos! At almost 75 years old, these videos are the only way I can experience the past! Thank you SO much, and thank you for always being safe!! ❤
Wow! It is just amazing that you found those. I am thinking you are the only one who has, in modern times! I LOVE your joy and enthusiasm in these treks and about the history of these places. Thank you for taking us with you.
The work involved to stand on each step and chip away at the next for hours gives me even more awe at the hardiness of our collective ancestors. Talk about when men were men. And when women were men and older children too. 👏
I was watching the drone footage of the steps going up and the cliff above thinking, "I can see climbing up those stairs but the going down would be tough", and about that time, you showed a few steps of you going down...lol... I stand on my thought...hehehe Truly enjoy your videos. May the Lord be with you and guide your steps on your journeys...
I can still recall the moment I discovered that it is very easy to be overconfident going up a rock face not thinking about coming back down that same rock face. It was a bit of a terrifying circumstance that I got myself into. Lesson learned!
I deployed to Jordan before and went to Petra. These steps were all over the place. Theres a straight up path on a big cliff. Most likely a prayer spot. Pretty small feet size.
Great adventure! My favorite part was your excitement for standing and climbing in the footsteps of the ancient ones! In a place like that you can often feel their presence, like a whisper, in your soul. Amazing!!
Very unique. I found myself holding onto my seat so as not to slip. I'm very happy it's you crawling up those cliffs and not me. I live vicariously through you. Thank you!
78 year old here. I wish I were younger and had the technology (Gopro cameras et all) providing more documentation like you have done. It sounds like you are with someone else (unless your drone is ambidextrous). Good find. Thanks for the video.
I can feel your excitement. My husband and I visited Mesa Verde in 2009. As we were climbing a ladder between two stone walls to get out of the settlement I saw moki steps and hand holds. I didn’t know their name at the time. I put my hand in one of the handholds. The bottom of the handhold had grooves that fit my fingers. It gave me a shiver to think how many hands before me had passed this way to wear those finger grooves into the stone. So I totally get your excitement.
Exactly, we did the same at Mesa Verde. Know exactly what you mean. A real awe-inspiring place to visit is the dinosaur park in the upper northeast part of Utah. You run into several of these types of climbs that the ancients did even back in nearly BC. Absolutely breath taking.
Amazingly awesome! Awesomely amazing! I can't imagine how it must have felt to put your hands and feet in those moki steps. What a humbling experience.
I so appreciate you taking us along on this ancient pathway. I can feel what you feel...walking these places where the old ones lived, hunted and had lives very different from ours today. Your treks capture my imagination. I can hardly wait till the next one! ❤
glad you chose safety. This was about safety, this 200 foot distance is safer than the 300 foot cliffs beside it all around, and that is why they made this path just here. It allowed them access to the top of the ridge. Without going up there, you didn't see what might be on the ridge's other side. It could have been the pathway to a settlement, or to a reservoir, or to granaries, or a good hunting spot, or part of a longer path going to another part of the desert that ws important to them in some way. Thank you for celebrating the excitement of knowing ancient people had used that pathway. I used to feel the unsettled undeveloped hill near my home on the St Joseph River was inhabited, although no one lived there at the time that we knew of, it was the home of peoples who lived there for past 10,000 years, and it felt inhabited to me, possibly just the energy of their presence in a place they loved and cherished for its beauty, the supply of fresh water and fish along the Red Bud Trail all the tribes used when heading south for the winter or coming back at the beginning of spring.
For an idea of what a fresh petroglyph would look like, see 12:46, a view of the results of a recent rock fall. The exposed sandstone is almost white. When the artist scratched or pecked away the surface oxidation or stain, this is the color (s)he would have seen.
I am watching and thinking "Please! Please! Please! it is no longer safe to climb that!" I am really glad you didn't clip those steps. You always set a wonderful example for your audience. Thanks for your restraint!
I love how clearly inquisitive and enthusiastic you are about these! I'd be geeking out hard for sure! Thank you so much for your dedication to sharing these amazing places!!
I know you take risks to bring these amazing places to us as no camera can capture that feeling of height but wow.....what a wonderland of color and beauty. I can only imagine the different terrain those moki steps led to 1000 + years ago. Beautiful capture!
Excellent find and excellent video! Do you think those ancients ever imagined, that 1,000 years in the future, a man with drones, an electric bike, a cool wristwatch, and a nice car would be fascinated by their technology and carved steps? 🤓 May God bless you! 🙏✝️
The problem is Devil runs the world. He is lier and murderer. This is the reason why Hitler got the power, but Christ was executed as "blasphemer" and "rioter" by denunciation of clergy. That's why we've got the Gospel about the God's kingdom. Jehovah would put everything in order. The dead will be resurected and we'll meet our loved ones again! :-)
I’m always amazed at your ability to notice things from far off! You find the most amazing things that seem so well blended into the surrounding spaces.
I've already seen a few recordings of Mokisteps and I'm wondering why they are so irregular, you would expect right, left, right, left. Is it because of the nature of the stone that it doesn't work everywhere? It's good that you didn't go all the way up, you have to come back down again. It's all the more impressive that they did it with the simplest means back then
It is fantastic. It is mysterious. I visited the greater Moab area for the first time spring 2023. I was emotionally drawn in to the overwhelming geology, the mystery, the unexpected artistry of peoples who traversed these areas from long ago. It was a deeply emotional experience for me. I wish that I could spend more time there...an inexplicable resonating vibration of life was felt...I couldn't explain how deeply affected I was. Trek Planner, thank you for taking us on your journeys.
Thank you for the adventure ! The best part was the view on the other side ; it was like a painting ! And the other great part is you as you LOVE what your'e adventuring . Thanks and see you soon . andrzej
Your excitement and enthusiasm are what make your videos so enjoyable to watch. Thank you and I look forward to seeing the earlier ones I missed while I anticipate your next one. At 79 I experience adventures vicariously thanks to you!
Many, if not all Native American tribes have a 'Vision Quest' that their boys go through at about 13 or puberty. This may involve a period of solitary contemplation in nature, where an individual seeks spiritual guidance and insight into their future. This process is challenging and transformative, and it usually takes several days to complete. Perhaps this mountain/mesa was a sacred ritual site for this contemplation and solitude in nature. Regardless, you were welcomed by its beauty and mystery so as to share it with us. How privileged we are. 😊 THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORT and cautious trek.
WELL DONE!!, intrepid adventurer! How you saw those steps with the drone is amazing (I was straining and straining to see...). Not only must you have the heart of an adventurer, but the eyes of an eagle as well to see the things you see!!
Bummer you weren’t able climb up the rest of the way without a buddy. Maybe next time you can bring someone with you so you could try climbing up there! Heck, I would even volunteer to climb up there with you! :D
@@TheTrekPlanner I feel ya there! Well hey, if you ever need a climbing buddy I'd be more than happy to join ya to ensure you'd be able to climb up and down safely
OH man! I was about to watch the video, and suddenly discovered this is just a TEASER! You're gonna make me wait until morning!? I'm rooting for you, Jeff! This looks like an adventurous trek! I'm sure enjoying your channel, and it's been enjoyable to watch your subscribers grow! I thought your videos would inspire me to get back to Cedar Mesa soon. Sadly, I haven't managed a trip since I discovered your channel, but at least I get my sandstone fix through your treks! Thanks!
@@derkhatch6698 True! Last time I was there it was still sturdy, but that was five years ago! Getting into the canyon would be tough without it! The ladder is fastened to the top of the rock ledge by a cable, so the spring floods won't carry it away! Have you been there?
It was amazing, but,as always the part I enjoyed the most was your excitement & respect. I'm 61 now,in my teens my parents lived in Oman,we were on The Strait of Hormuz, no drone,but,unlimited access to army helicopters, I'd regularly hitch a ride up 2/3,000ft & they hike sleep out & explore - incredibly there were petroglyph & rock art, some in caves. There were also carved hand/feet holds & I too had that vibe you so clearly experienced,this was in late 70s/early 80s. Sending very best wishes to you&yours from London
Wow! I loved this. Thanks for showing us. I'm 78 now, but when I was younger, I spent lots of time climbing where ancient people had been. No drones, though. ;) Thanks again.
Amazing! Thank you for taking us along on your climb! I felt anxious about the heights just WATCHING you climb, so it is an experience I could never have myself. I also feel great respect for the effort (and fearlessness) of the people who made those steps. Wow!
Thank you for watching! I’d love to know-what was your favorite part of the video?
I’ve noticed some recurring themes in your comments, so I wanted to address a few of your questions:
The Southwest is full of spots like this one. Some lead to cliff dwellings and ancient structures, while others might have served as escape routes, or as places for prayer or ceremonies. Although I explored the other side of the cliffs, I didn’t find any ruins or rock art there. I’ll return to explore further, but for now, I can tell you it’s just a ramp leading down the other side.
I didn’t show that side because revealing too much detail could give away the location. If you recognize it, that’s great! I try to be discreet because in the past, people have tracked down the exact spots from my videos. Some even sent me pictures from the locations, saying, “I found it!” I want to protect these places from vandalism. Being careful about what I share is one way I can help prevent anyone from getting hurt trying to follow in my footsteps.
I didn’t climb to the top for a few reasons: mainly for my own safety, and because it was getting dark.
Choosing music for these videos can be challenging. I know the opinions are mixed, with some liking the music and others not so much. I’ll keep working to find the right balance, though I prefer a minimalistic approach.
For those concerned about safety, rest assured I always carry a satellite locator with me. I have a family I want to get home to, so if my gut says “don’t do it,” I won’t. Safety is always my top priority.
Thanks for reading! I hope this answers some of your questions. Keep on trekkin’!
Seeing so many steps, meaning so much work without metal tools. Also your intrepid climb to demonstrate them.
@TheTrekPlanner favorite parts...your sweet self while exploring. I believe you are as you appear, authentic, genuine in your reverence for the places and artifacts you discover and truely kind to your audience.
I agree minimal or less on the music. The desert is a quiet place. Peaceful. The excitement in your voice is the music to me. TY
Time for you to think of guided tours as a business. It may not fit for ethical reasons you stated but you have discovered many places people would like to see. Guided tours are a way to preserve them and allow others to explore and not get hurt or vandalize.
The drone footage of you hiking was awesome- really put it in perspective
time after time you are finding these spots that no one has ever seen?
Thought I'd throw in a safety tip about these steps. I lived at Lake Powell for several years and you can see these steps on many cliffs around the lake. One day I decided to climb a steep wall. I found out that these steps do not go deep into the sandstone. Going up was easy, the sandstone gave you great traction. I ended up climbing about 50 feet up the vertical wall when I saw that the upper steps were more in the open, and had weathered more than the lower ones. Coming down created a problem. Your momentum of going downward would cause your feet to slip out of the shallow holes. After a few tense moments of trying to get down I decided the safest way down was to push off of the cliff wall and land in the water. I would have been in real trouble if I'd had rocks below me.
It was scary enough to watch you go up but I can’t imagine climbing down. I so appreciate you sharing your adventure !
What used to take a host, a camera person, producer, maybe an assistant, now can be done by one dude & his drone. Keep entertaining us, it's great work..
I think about that every time I watch youtube outdoor channels. My wife's uncle Warren was the cameraman who traveled the world with Marlin Perkins, filming Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. We have lots of photos of their camps and the blinds they made to get wildlife footage, and it's just mind-blowing to see the enormous camera equipment he carried into remote places! I'd love to see what kind of footage he would have produced with modern equipment.
@@tedpreston4155 That was one of my favorite shows growing up. Amazing footage (and educational too) but, at that age, I didn't really think about the support crews!! I certainly do these days and the solo nature of these videos into dangerous terrain / country concerns me a bit.
@@tedpreston4155😊 I was a big fan of that show as a child! Loved your uncle-in-law's work!!
Thank you, Michael. The minimalist approach makes it enjoyable for me too!
@@tedpreston4155 That's awesome! I loved that show.. it and Wild America... I can still hear the host of Wild America saying "I'm Marty Stouffer & this is Wild America"
How exciting!!! 73 year old here, could never see these on my own. Thank you so much for taking us along. I am so grateful.
Thanks for another great adventure!
It would be logistically troublesome, but with a modern VR drone, RV, a decent connection and maybe an able bodied spotter/helper it's feasible. Expensive and tedious, but not impossible. Don't give up hope
I'm only 63, but in the same boat, I'm partly crippled, I used to go on adventures like this, and even did a lot of rock climbing, back in the day, but cannot anymore. I agree! ... it's great to see these remote places that are on US soil.
Me too. 70. Can't go there anymore without you.
Me three, (73) I do not climb anymore, lol. Modern climbers would be appalled at the lack of respect by the ancients for their 'ethics' of the rock'; carving hand and footholds everywhere, lol.
They will wear you out with environmental ideology. That is incredible, they were everywhere. Maybe it was as simple as wanting to get up to the plateau without going farther to find a natural climbing spot.
You may be the first person in hundreds of years to follow those steps. Nice job.
or someone did it last week but did not film it to put on youtube.
That is quite the thought!
The proverbial 'short cut' has been around a lot longer that we can imagine.
He may be the last person to follow those steps for more hundreds of years, as well...
@@TruFrag Doubtful. We may be leaving earth in about 10 days to skip the 7 year tribulation, but with all the humans returning to earth after that, I'd say this could be a popular spot. The ones to made those steps will probably return as well! A good book you might read; Gateway to Atlantis by David Rohl. Also know the petroglyphs of s.e. Utah are known to be made by Hopi in 700ad the same exact time aliens landed in Borobudur, Indonesia to repair their ship. The Temple there is a stone copy of that ship. We know they came to Moab to mine radium used to coat parts of the new bell shaped drive unit. The failing one they left behind became known as the Nazi bell. It was falling apart inside due to mercury contamination according to a guy I know who's father examined it before they tested it on the mountain top base in Austria known as DeGlocke.
Ancient paths are just as interesting as structures. Thanks for sharing.
the structure is a melted building.... #meltology
I learned years ago that the best sites, the best views, the best hideaways, the best adventures, are not just places you can drive to and stop at a scenic overlook. The best destinations need to be earned. That was some real earning!
I fully agree with you!
I live in Peru . I get the same feeling. Being where people have walked, lived, loved and died for 1000 of years. Thank you so much for your videos ❤ from Grandma in Peru
I got the same feelings when I visited Mesa Verde in Colorado.
Hi Jeff. It's just amazing to be where ancient peoples walked. I recently visited Montezuma's Well & experienced a similar feeling. It's mind blowing to imagine the amount of work it took to build these places.
Thank you for the love & respect you show to the land. ~Mish~
Hi Mish! Thank you for your very generous Super Thanks!! I'm glad you got to visit Montezuma's Well. I was hoping to stop there when I visited Montezuma's Castle, but didn't have time to do so. Have you been to the Castle before?
I'm with you! What strikes me the most is that the people who built these places and carved steps up the mountains had names and lives we'll never know. Yet, by respecting and observing their handiwork, we gain valuable insight into who these ancient people were. Even if it's just a hint.
Thank you for being here, Mish! :-)
-Jeff
@@TheTrekPlanner Jeff you're welcome!!!! I'm happy to help a little to support your adventures.
Yes I've been to Montezuma's Castle & it still takes my breath away when I go. The first time I rounded the bend & viewed the ruins I was awe struck. The majestic nature of these ancient places cannot be understated.
I look forward to your next adventure.
Peace ✌️
I have to say that from memories as a pre-teen that trying to climb the cliff behind my Great-grandparents ranch house it’s “easier” to go up than go down a spot like this.
Wow. Can’t imagine going down something like this!
@@TheTrekPlanner are you planning on going back with a buddy and go to the top?
@@zemtek420 Or hiking and exploring the other side! 🙂
@@TheTrekPlanner or both?
I used to spend summers in Yosemite rock climbing. Every two weeks you tried to find someone to register your tent under a different name. We had different colored tents to make that all easier. After a while, the rangers got to know you and that you knew your stuff (climbing) and the hikes and would let you just camp at the rescue camp by camp four. You could hang there but, if needed, you were on rescue. Most of the injuries/deaths were from people trying to reverse the position they put themselves in. It is so much harder to reverse vertical moves than going up. The way people get themselves into this situation is...they see, or think they see, a small path branching off the main path and going towards what they want to see or reach. Every time someone tries this "NEW" path, they realized it doesn't go, and they turn around. Each subsequent person would think this is a path and push it further only to backtrack. These phantom paths are being traversed twice, in a short time, and start to look like a well beaten path that must go somewhere. Evey person thereafter pushed it even farther and made it look like a valid path. Amazing how well air filled traction trousers work in helping someone be littered out.
You are wise to have stopped when you did. I cannot imagine men, women and children climbing that. The drone is a wonderful tool - Thank you.
Think of the old women ir injured warriors too.😢 wauuuu
You never know. I have seen videos of people walking very steep paths in eastern Asia. They were probably used to it.
Looks like they were made so they don't slip and fall when the rocks were wet , it looks like water went through there at one time or seasonal
nope.. now we have to wait another 500 years to find out why they're there. I wish he explored further and found something mysterious
I can imagine old ladies climbing that easily. But my family is from high altitude, so stuff like that wouldn't surprise me.
😀 It's amazing how you can disappear like a little dot in this awesome landscape
Phenomenal. What makes it better is the amazement and awe on your face each time you make a discovery. The reverent way you treat each site and the gratitude you speak make you a Top Choice content creator.
Much gratitude for sharing and bringing us along. Sending prayers and good vibrational energy for continued success and safety.
🧡💛👏🏼🙌🏻
Let’s assume that there are many reasons this spot was chosen. They are semi nomadic, hunters/gatherers. They knew where to do both. Trade existed between areas and regions. This is a road. I love this!
It’s a waterfall, having carved a fairly deep depression in the cliff wall. That made it the shortest route to the top - the logical place to climb.
Thank you for your videos. When I watch them, I forget everything else that might be filling my mind. I feel excitement, adventure, wonderment . . . Good stuff for energizing and healing the soul.
this is the most beautiful cinematography you've done so far. Marvelous!
Hey Jeff thanks for taking us along! Your videos make me feel like I’m hiking right along with you to amazing places! So cool.
I am a fan of history, geology and archeology, and your site plays to all three. The more I learn the more I am inclined to believe that the "ancient people" as you call them were far more abundant and capable than we tend to understand
Again , I thank you for my opportunity to see these treasures of ancient history through your efforts. This was an amazing trek.
The first thing i do on Saturdays is check to see the new Trek Planner video. This one sounds like it's going to be so good! I can't wait!
Thanks so much, Jennifer! :-) I had a blast on this trek!!
Love your videos, ❤
Jeff, walking in the foot steps of the ancients is so amazing. You are so lucky!
I love the channel and your work/explorations. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
You are very kind, Bravo Tango Whisky! Thank you for supporting me and my channel! I appreciate you! ☺️
-Jeff
Hiked and spent time exploring from st george s to toroweap and the n rim then winding up and down across the border over to page, the lake, antelope. Love the area, my favorite place on earth. Escalante up to capitol reef, Hoodoos, Zion- lord. A friend bought land that included a 150ft mesa and it had a small white sand 'waterfall' cave on top' from an old volcanic tube, hand petros, dinosaur tracks and a field of petrified wood with crystals inside. He bought it to protect it. Enjoy your youth and all the magic you can discover- there is a lot of it. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Wow any footage of the petros or Dino tracks would be awesome to see, is it documented anywhere by chance?
@@dannywayne311 No. That was part of keeping it protected. He has passed and his heirs are following suit, last I know. He was/is indigenous. They drummed and smoked me before I could go up there.
@@TeasLouise that’s awesome and so encouraging to hear they are protecting the sites they’ve accrued, how was the ritual and the experience? I’m sure more than just me would appreciate your account and perspective
Thanks, jeff
A brilliant journey with you, as always
You pushed my fear of heights to the limit with this one! I was relieved you didn't climb all the way up lol Fascinating to wonder about the people who carved the steps and the lives they lived.
If there wasn't a nice ledge to stand on, I probably wouldn't be going up there!
Thanks! Love your work and vision 🙏🏼
Thank you so much, Jilianne!! I'm so grateful for your support of me and my channel!
-Jeff
I explored a canyon in Az for about 14 yrs. There were places you could get in but not out and certain places you could not get out at all for what seamed like miles. Once you entered you were committed to the hike through it. That appears to me to be an exit/entrance hunting up top living inside where the water is. Stay safe my friend
BTW the canyon is between woodruff and snowflake approximately 23 miles long 160’ deep at max average about 100’ full of petroglyphs and 3 spots of hieroglyphs. Several ruins if you can find them. Dozens of cracks and wedges and bouldering for fun exploring. Water year round. There are mountain lions, bobcats, badgers, deer, rattlesnakes etc very seldom saw other people in it. But saw their trash. Easy to get trapped inside and have to backtrack miles to get out river crossing can be tricky and dangerous. To anyone who finds it please leave it better than you found it!
ENJOY!!
Sometimes I'm not sure what you're doing but this is definitely worthy and useful. Keep at it. Your efforts are, I think, evolving to something bigger.
I sure hope so :-)
Mr Jeff, thank you for taking me on the path less worn. Imagine being the one who carved those steps, with nothing but a good rock and lots of time. They were very talented and tough hombres.
WOW! Just WOW! As you discovered the steps,then climbed to them, I could feel your anticipation. Then you were there...My heart beat out of my body, afraid for you on those steep worn steps! I thought of your family, if you should fall, and was thankful you stopped! My soul goes to the ancient ones who carved them, and I want to see more of your videos! At almost 75 years old, these videos are the only way I can experience the past! Thank you SO much, and thank you for always being safe!! ❤
Great upload. Great vibe. Always a pleasure to tag along with you.
I’m glad you’re here! Thank you!
Wow! It is just amazing that you found those. I am thinking you are the only one who has, in modern times! I LOVE your joy and enthusiasm in these treks and about the history of these places. Thank you for taking us with you.
only one with a camera and youtube account.
The work involved to stand on each step and chip away at the next for hours gives me even more awe at the hardiness of our collective ancestors. Talk about when men were men. And when women were men and older children too. 👏
I was watching the drone footage of the steps going up and the cliff above thinking, "I can see climbing up those stairs but the going down would be tough", and about that time, you showed a few steps of you going down...lol... I stand on my thought...hehehe
Truly enjoy your videos. May the Lord be with you and guide your steps on your journeys...
I can still recall the moment I discovered that it is very easy to be overconfident going up a rock face not thinking about coming back down that same rock face. It was a bit of a terrifying circumstance that I got myself into. Lesson learned!
@@flickwtchr I was about 7 when I learned that lesson while climbing a tree...lol
I still love to climb, but I keep it reasonable..lol
I deployed to Jordan before and went to Petra. These steps were all over the place. Theres a straight up path on a big cliff. Most likely a prayer spot. Pretty small feet size.
Oh man, I would love to visit Petra and see that!
Erosion!
Smart. I worry about people out by themselves. Be safe
Thank you for your concern. Safety is top priority for me. I have a family to come home to. I need them
Yes please do be careful Jeff 🥰🥰🥰😊😊😊
You went a lot further up there than I would have!! Awesome. Love the places you "take" us!
Great adventure! My favorite part was your excitement for standing and climbing in the footsteps of the ancient ones! In a place like that you can often feel their presence, like a whisper, in your soul. Amazing!!
Even with Moki steps, I would never attempt to climb a sheer cliff. 😮.
Very unique. I found myself holding onto my seat so as not to slip. I'm very happy it's you crawling up those cliffs and not me. I live vicariously through you. Thank you!
78 year old here. I wish I were younger and had the technology (Gopro cameras et all) providing more documentation like you have done. It sounds like you are with someone else (unless your drone is ambidextrous). Good find. Thanks for the video.
I can feel your excitement. My husband and I visited Mesa Verde in 2009. As we were climbing a ladder between two stone walls to get out of the settlement I saw moki steps and hand holds. I didn’t know their name at the time. I put my hand in one of the handholds. The bottom of the handhold had grooves that fit my fingers. It gave me a shiver to think how many hands before me had passed this way to wear those finger grooves into the stone. So I totally get your excitement.
Exactly, we did the same at Mesa Verde. Know exactly what you mean. A real awe-inspiring place to visit is the dinosaur park in the upper northeast part of Utah. You run into several of these types of climbs that the ancients did even back in nearly BC. Absolutely breath taking.
Amazingly awesome! Awesomely amazing! I can't imagine how it must have felt to put your hands and feet in those moki steps. What a humbling experience.
You've created such a lovely informative respectful video. Thank you for sharing your discovery. We share and appreciate your enthusiasm.
That was so astounding. Absolutely amazing. Love your hikes. Be safe!👀
Just incredible that you found these ancient steps. Definitely in the right place at the right time.
Great video Trek Planner! You show us a great adventure every time!
I so appreciate you taking us along on this ancient pathway. I can feel what you feel...walking these places where the old ones lived, hunted and had lives very different from ours today. Your treks capture my imagination. I can hardly wait till the next one! ❤
glad you chose safety. This was about safety, this 200 foot distance is safer than the 300 foot cliffs beside it all around, and that is why they made this path just here. It allowed them access to the top of the ridge. Without going up there, you didn't see what might be on the ridge's other side. It could have been the pathway to a settlement, or to a reservoir, or to granaries, or a good hunting spot, or part of a longer path going to another part of the desert that ws important to them in some way. Thank you for celebrating the excitement of knowing ancient people had used that pathway. I used to feel the unsettled undeveloped hill near my home on the St Joseph River was inhabited, although no one lived there at the time that we knew of, it was the home of peoples who lived there for past 10,000 years, and it felt inhabited to me, possibly just the energy of their presence in a place they loved and cherished for its beauty, the supply of fresh water and fish along the Red Bud Trail all the tribes used when heading south for the winter or coming back at the beginning of spring.
For an idea of what a fresh petroglyph would look like, see 12:46, a view of the results of a recent rock fall. The exposed sandstone is almost white. When the artist scratched or pecked away the surface oxidation or stain, this is the color (s)he would have seen.
You Sir, are the Mr. Rogers of desert exploration. Love it! Great video once again👍👍👍👍👍Won’t you be my neighbor?! ✌️
I would LOVE to be your neighbor!
Wow, that is so amazing and thrilling. The photography is so clear! Thank you for sharing!
I am watching and thinking "Please! Please! Please! it is no longer safe to climb that!" I am really glad you didn't clip those steps. You always set a wonderful example for your audience. Thanks for your restraint!
The enthusiasm you bring to your treks, is infectious!!! Thank you so much Jeff!!!😊
💯 percent they had some sort of rope that they could let down for extra safety "! Awesome video little buddy! Thanks for your time and dedication!😎👍
I've heard they had ropes too! It would make sense if they are using these daily or weekly. Thanks for watching!
I love how clearly inquisitive and enthusiastic you are about these! I'd be geeking out hard for sure! Thank you so much for your dedication to sharing these amazing places!!
I know you take risks to bring these amazing places to us as no camera can capture that feeling of height but wow.....what a wonderland of color and beauty. I can only imagine the different terrain those moki steps led to 1000 + years ago. Beautiful capture!
Such a cool find! It is incredible how much work they put into making these while standing on the cliffsides carrying rocks for scraping these in.
Thanks for watching! You have an awesome channel, my friend! 👍
@@TheTrekPlanner Thank you so much! If you ever visit northern Arizona, It would be cool to do a hike with you.
Thanks!
Thank you for supporting me through a Super Thanks, Lori!! I'm glad you enjoyed this video :-)
-Jeff
It's a stairway to the heavens. An amazing find.
Your honest excitement at your discovery is delightful! I’m smiling with you. Thank you young man
I can imagine that 1000 years ago the terrain and landscape could have been completely different. Stay safe out there. 😊
What an amazing discovery! Thanks for sharing. Please, you never need to apologize for being excited about these wonderful places. ✌
Wow Jeff, when you climbed up to the ledge I was so anxious about you getting down from there!!! 😬Your drone sure is serving you well! (and us!)
It was pushing me to my 'fear of height' limits for sure!
Wow! This was such a thrill! It’s so beautiful out there. Thanks for sharing with all of us Jeff!
Excellent find and excellent video! Do you think those ancients ever imagined, that 1,000 years in the future, a man with drones, an electric bike, a cool wristwatch, and a nice car would be fascinated by their technology and carved steps? 🤓 May God bless you! 🙏✝️
I don't want to imagine life 1000 years from now. Maybe they didn't want to imagine either.
The problem is Devil runs the world. He is lier and murderer. This is the reason why Hitler got the power, but Christ was executed as "blasphemer" and "rioter" by denunciation of clergy.
That's why we've got the Gospel about the God's kingdom. Jehovah would put everything in order. The dead will be resurected and we'll meet our loved ones again! :-)
I’m always amazed at your ability to notice things from far off! You find the most amazing things that seem so well blended into the surrounding spaces.
Hi 👋 from South Central Pennsylvania! I look forward to your videos every Saturday. I'm glad you're live streaming today.
Hello and thank you for watching all the way from Pennsylvania! 🙂
I love your presentations and enthusiasm AND great respect for the Land and The People….🙏🏼💜
I've already seen a few recordings of Mokisteps and I'm wondering why they are so irregular, you would expect right, left, right, left. Is it because of the nature of the stone that it doesn't work everywhere? It's good that you didn't go all the way up, you have to come back down again. It's all the more impressive that they did it with the simplest means back then
It is fantastic. It is mysterious. I visited the greater Moab area for the first time spring 2023. I was emotionally drawn in to the overwhelming geology, the mystery, the unexpected artistry of peoples who traversed these areas from long ago. It was a deeply emotional experience for me. I wish that I could spend more time there...an inexplicable resonating vibration of life was felt...I couldn't explain how deeply affected I was. Trek Planner, thank you for taking us on your journeys.
A Climb , a stair case , to run away, to hide, to get away....
Thank you for the adventure ! The best part was the view on the other side ; it was like a painting ! And the other great part is you as you LOVE what your'e adventuring . Thanks and see you soon . andrzej
"Err on the side of safety."--You can't imagine how much I appreciate that.
Your excitement and enthusiasm are what make your videos so enjoyable to watch. Thank you and I look forward to seeing the earlier ones I missed while I anticipate your next one. At 79 I experience adventures vicariously thanks to you!
Great music👍
Took a while to decide on the music for this one. thank you!
Amazing find! So impressive what people made so long ago. Thank you, Trek Planner! 😁
Love to see your adventures.
I love the trek notes. They maka difference to me when i watch.
Many, if not all Native American tribes have a 'Vision Quest' that their boys go through at about 13 or puberty. This may involve a period of solitary contemplation in nature, where an individual seeks spiritual guidance and insight into their future. This process is challenging and transformative, and it usually takes several days to complete. Perhaps this mountain/mesa was a sacred ritual site for this contemplation and solitude in nature. Regardless, you were welcomed by its beauty and mystery so as to share it with us. How privileged we are. 😊 THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORT and cautious trek.
Absolutely AWESOME!!!! Yes, you do safety the correct way. I truly enjoy your videos and enthusiasm and respect for our Ancients! ♥
*****************WOW**************** & ***************AMAZING***************** Thanks from Australia !
Thank you for watching, Michael!
WELL DONE!!, intrepid adventurer! How you saw those steps with the drone is amazing (I was straining and straining to see...). Not only must you have the heart of an adventurer, but the eyes of an eagle as well to see the things you see!!
Bummer you weren’t able climb up the rest of the way without a buddy. Maybe next time you can bring someone with you so you could try climbing up there! Heck, I would even volunteer to climb up there with you! :D
Too dangerous. Water and weather have worn the steps too smooth.
Noted! haha climbing up really isn't the problem. It's climbing back down on these things. I guess I just need more practice
@@TheTrekPlanner I feel ya there! Well hey, if you ever need a climbing buddy I'd be more than happy to join ya to ensure you'd be able to climb up and down safely
Beautiful! Good sighting! Love the respect for the traces and for the ancient ones!
OH man! I was about to watch the video, and suddenly discovered this is just a TEASER! You're gonna make me wait until morning!?
I'm rooting for you, Jeff! This looks like an adventurous trek!
I'm sure enjoying your channel, and it's been enjoyable to watch your subscribers grow! I thought your videos would inspire me to get back to Cedar Mesa soon. Sadly, I haven't managed a trip since I discovered your channel, but at least I get my sandstone fix through your treks! Thanks!
The ladder is getting old,,, be wise!
@@derkhatch6698 True! Last time I was there it was still sturdy, but that was five years ago! Getting into the canyon would be tough without it! The ladder is fastened to the top of the rock ledge by a cable, so the spring floods won't carry it away!
Have you been there?
These adventures are incredible. I'm no longer able to do much poking around in the west like I use to. Thanks for taking me along.
Thank you for recording and posting this valuable educational video.
Well done! I enjoy all your videos but this one is really exceptional. What a great find! Thank you for all you do. Have a great weekend.
It was amazing, but,as always the part I enjoyed the most was your excitement & respect. I'm 61 now,in my teens my parents lived in Oman,we were on The Strait of Hormuz, no drone,but,unlimited access to army helicopters, I'd regularly hitch a ride up 2/3,000ft & they hike sleep out & explore - incredibly there were petroglyph & rock art, some in caves. There were also carved hand/feet holds & I too had that vibe you so clearly experienced,this was in late 70s/early 80s.
Sending very best wishes to you&yours from London
What a gift your guides led you to! THANK you for sharing and stay safe!
Wow, Jeff, another exciting video!! Thanks again, from this armchair adventurer!!
Thanks for choosing to be safe! We need you to guide us through many more treks!
Wow! I loved this. Thanks for showing us. I'm 78 now, but when I was younger, I spent lots of time climbing where ancient people had been. No drones, though. ;) Thanks again.
Says Jeff: “Do you think we can do it?” Says me: ABSOLUTELY
That was beyond amazing to find those steps and hand holds. Thanks for sharing those wonderful views from your camera and drone.
Amazing! Thank you for taking us along on your climb! I felt anxious about the heights just WATCHING you climb, so it is an experience I could never have myself. I also feel great respect for the effort (and fearlessness) of the people who made those steps. Wow!
Excellent find. You may be the only traveler there in hundreds of years! Wow
Your adventures and editing keep getting better and better!!.
Stay safe! Ancients were crazy!!! Thanks for an illuminating video.