I am 70, and there is no way I could ever see these things you show us all if it were not for you. I have noticed other folks copying your show, and I must say, I enjoy most of them!
I'm 82 and in UK and I enjoy this channel a lot. Even at his age you would not have found me more than one rock off the ground, I just couldn't do those heights.
*They built their caves so high because it was life or death for them. They were hiding from both hostile tribes and the Spanish, who had cannons, hence the 3 foot thick rock walls in some places.*
@@1nvisible1-- These were built hundreds upon hundreds of years before the Spanish arrived. A lot of these structures date back between 800 to 1,200 years ago. Some could be much older than that.
I’m a 70 yo woman, and when I was in my 20s I went on so many beautiful adventures in the desert mountains east of San Diego. If you’re younger,, please do some adventures now. It’s so much better looking back on life saying to yourself “I remember when” rather than “I wish I had.”
My body gave out on me after 3 years at the Amphibious Base in Coronado. I volunteered for stuff that I shouldn’t have and paid a price. But I got to play around in those same mountains East of San Diego, many many times. I agree with you completely. I learned 3 things from the SEALs about pain: 1) pain teaches dummies (in my case not to volunteer for dangerous missions), 2) pain lets you know that you’re still alive, 3) pain builds character. Yes, I have lots of pain in my life. But I learned something else too: you will live until the very second that you die. Until then, life is for living so LIVE dammit! Gain some pain to remind you of the foolishness of your youth and the times that God allowed you to live, when there was no reason for it. Remember the strength and vitality of your youth-and give thanks to God that you survived it when so few of your peers made it through.
The STONE BOX you mentioned briefly, is a child's grave. Appears to have been ransacked long ago. Thanks for showing, and NOT touching. Respect for the ancients. May their spirits guide you to greater discoveries.
Had to thank you once again. Love your videos and they have helped me immensely. Since starting to watch your video's I have been slowly increasing my own "treks"......to the end of the block and back, short hikes through the desert on flat ground etc. Now I go hiking with my grandsons (I'm a "senior" of 70) for longer treks. They don't let me go alone! My mood has changed for the better, I feel alive again and have lost 28 pounds! So, if you ever get to a point where you think your video's don't matter or aren't being appreciated remember me. Thank you for helping me find "joy" in life again! They DO matter, YOU matter!
I’m so happy for you! When the high heat of summer is gone (the low today was 80*, high will be 113) I hope to journey out too, and your story has also inspired me! Thank you.
Wow! I was getting emotional reading your comment. Sometimes we get wrapped up in our own world that we forget that we are all connected. Thank you for being here and sharing your story!! -Jeff
I am 66 , from Ohio and just returned from almost a month in Utah with my jeep . I spent a great deal of time searching out and exploring sites like this , always of course being respectful to the sites and their heritage as you always are and which I love that you mention in every video . Too many times I have seen the graffiti and destruction left by the mindless and selfish idiots that do not know how to appreciate things for what they are and who show a total disregard for others who have come before , and those yet to follow . You are their opposite and I applaud you ! I have been following you from the start and will continue to follow along , thank you so much for the adventures !
U need to go back theres something there i saw when watching another channel when i asked him to reshow and wouldnt talk about it its on a cliff where a motorbike track is who finds will amazed
Could be the structures were built high for airflow. High-moisture crops or harvests such as corn would require adequate drying to prevent mold. And building high provides a measure of protection against rodents and wildlife looking for an easy meal. Love your adventures! Be careful. ✌️✌️
Try for just a moment to imagine how these areas must have looked hundreds of years ago, most all of these ruins are built in canyons and canyon fingers. So, what carved these canyons? most likely water carved them. So, living in a time that had zero flood control anywhere can you imagine how flooded some of these canyons must have become. They kept high granaries and high living quarters available so when the southwest monsoon seasons came, they could just move up higher while waiting for the water levels to drop. Just my 2 cents.
Everything about these places scream at the apparent attempt for self preservation with utter desperation to survive. When every trip to your pantry and sleeping quarters means a death defying scramble it pretty much means a bad state of affairs is going on in the area. I feel there are probably still many many undiscovered and undisturbed hideouts in the region. Those people had all day every day 365 to explore and find nooks-caves-shelters in those places. I’d bet there are completely intact undisturbed quarters somewhere yet to be discovered. Possibly venturing down to the flats for food and water came with the peril of an untimely demise. I’d bet more than once people went to get some provisions and never returned home. Evidence found by experts helps to theorize certain people were hunting natives just as much or maybe more so than hunting animals. Some say the slave trade, human trafficking and maybe worse….cannibalism was taking place. There are clues and findings that indicate forays and expeditions by people from distant lands. It’s all quite the unsolved mystery as to what went on in the desert southwest for many 1000’s of years. According to some experts many of the most puzzling petroglyphs of strange “creatures” and oddly dressed-adorned figures are possibly much older than the more common “stick figure” drawings of people-animals and such. Whatever the case the whole region is shrouded in indications of “weird chit” that went on. We’ll never know.
@@shannonwhitaker9630 Some archeologists/anthropologists theorize there was a warrior culture for much of the indigenous history of this continent...tribe against tribe, clan against clan...💀
Very cool! When exploring sites like these it is important to remember that they were not unintelligent, and would have had ladders. Also, the terrain will have changed (rivers and streams move over time, rocks break away and fall) so the pathways could have changed as well. I have a friend who is an archeologist on a dig in north Texas where they have found a full mammoth skeleton, partially charred human remains, and very large hearth/midden that might push the date of human occupation back even further than what we currently estimate. With all of the rock shelters in your part of the country I doubt we will ever get to see them all. Thanks for the great footage, and showing respect for the land and the people who came before us!
Thank you. I think humans were here for some time and that Clovis First idea is hogwash. But people like your friend must tread very carefully around that one.
I am 157 years old , and there is absolutely no way I could even make the car ride it takes to start to hike and explore these magical places. Thank you very much and on my 158th bday which is tmrw I will binge watch all your videos
Hi again, Jeff. thank you for taking me you. in 5 months, I will turn 78. you are taking me to all the places that I wish I had taken the time to see and do.I lived in the southwest part of Utah for almost 30 years and other than going to the parks I didn't do what you are doing. Again, thank you for taking me along with you. I am really enjoying the trip views and your excitement. Old Dan.
Hi,I am in awe of the ancient Pueblo People,I can't believe how hard their lives were,they must have been worried all the time for their safety,but their dwelling's are incredible,Thank you so much for sharing all your adventures with us,I watch every spare minute,Andrea U K.
I think you came across a burial site. The square rock structure may have been a grave for a child. I also think the stone wall cubby was a burial ground for an important member of a lost tribe. Love your work!
So excited to see your channel growing. You bring things most of us will never see or experience to life. Love tagging along and seeing all your adventures; as well as your historical 3D data being created. You are the epitome of gentle, non- destructive exploration. May your good karma bless you mightily in all your days to come. Namaste
This is my favorite video thus far. You’ll have to revisit this one! That trail was most intriguing.. Believe you’ll find what was a huge city like complex within there. The ruin was not only in great shape it was the size of the boulders still perched in there that surprised me. We have to remember the water levels were higher but towards the end of the video on the wall lower it looked as though someone had poles into stone where the round hole cuts were. Maybe a lean to.. Love all your videos, always worry about you out there in the heat and perched precariously on the edge beside your battery running out and wild animals. That being said … thank you for sharing this.. this one is so cool.. I’m 60 and handicapped and I love going on adventures with you.. stay safe Mr. Johnson it’s your neighborhood
Thank you very much!! You are always welcome here on my channel! 🙂 I would LOVE to go back and see this place again! If we explored again, I'm sure we would see lots more!
@@TheTrekPlanner I’m looking forward to seeing it again.. please be careful! I’m not the only one that would be heartbroken if something were to happen to you. Every hiker they’ve found recently I’ve prayed it wasn’t you. If you want to shed more light into your info on these sites might I suggest looking up the Mounds of Indiana. I truly believe that most damage was done by early settlers and old outlaws of the Wild West. The height they went to I think was because of animals we will never know existed. I’m old but wow it would have been great to live there… not up so high though 😅.. I love the heat and the greener spots I am in love with. GOD was amazingly awesome when HE made this planet ❤ out there it’s like looking at where HIS hands shaped it
Thanks Jeff! I'm so glad this is fun for you. I love to hear your laugh and the description of everything. You're great and I hope you continue to do this.
This is such an amazing adventure. I feel like we're all so privileged to be able to tag along with you because you are so generous with your time and sharing. You're an amazing person. Stay awesome.
Not necessarily a 60 foot climb, but a 20-30 foot drop down with ropes from the plateau ! Have a little hidey hole in the cliff face away from prying eyes.
Jeff, Thank you so much for all your Treks❣️I enjoy watching you so much and want you to know I think You are The Best! The Very Very Best❣️ I’m 75 yo and Love seeing all of you and your drone’s Adventures! I am so grateful you find these adventures to explore! Every trek is such a Treat to me! ❤❤❤ U and The Trek Planner❤❤❤
I wonder if sites like this one would not have been easier to access from above. In the drone footage the structure appears about 20 ft below the cliff top, it may have been possible that they would have cut down a tree to access the shelf, also materials for construction could have well been found above rather than below the cave (easier to drop material down than to carry it up). I love seeing the various trees and plants. Here in Haiti I post my photos of local plants on iNaturalist to identify them. It motivates me to get out in nature.
wow! an interactive youtube video! I clicked on "secret passage" and you did it! also... I enjoy your adventures, with you taking us along and sharing your thoughts and joy in your discoveries. I don't honestly expect you to find a whole lot, so it isn't any disappointment to me if the finds are basically empty. Keep doing what you're doing, and be safe!
Now in my late 70s and having been to sites such as these in my early years, watching your presentations bring back many enjoyable memories. Thanks so much!❤ 😁🧓
you know it will be a perfect day, when The Trek Planner has a new video! Thank you so much! The buttons of choice-idea is so much fun, and your 3D models are awesome. Take care on your trips, thank you for your great respect to these places.
First I'm not really super new, but I've been watching you for about close to a year and I love all the adventures you go on thank you for sharing all these great places I pray for your safety I pray for your Goodwill. I pray that he guides you along the path. I love when you show all the writings and drawings and love when you show all the things you find and the great respect you have for the past that you don't even pick them up at times that you leave them God bless you. I would love to go on an excursion with you, I don't mind climbing but I can't do the real small thin ledges did you traverse those days are gone from my military Days I like keeping my feet on the ground still like to find you and go with you sometime
Hello Jeff. I just wanted to thank you for being my legs. The places you go are so fantastic. I absolutely love the way you express your joy of new discovery. I feel like I was right there with you. Thanks
Been watching your videos for several months now and I've yet to see one that I have not enjoyed! Thank you from an old cripple who goes exploring through your eyes now!
To answer your question as to why these hidden structures were built. I learned of this from an elder in the Navajo Nation. We call them Navajo, but they call themselves Diné. When the Anasazi moved into the area from the south, they caused quite a disruption to Diné life. The Anasazi captured slaves and were also cannibals. Some Diné moved to the Grand Canyon, others spread out and constructed living quarters and food stores high in the cliffs for safety. This is what was explained to me. Around 1999/2000 time frame coprolite (fossilized human excrement) was found that consisted of digested human flesh. This was found in the Southwest corner of Colorado. Human bones were also found with evidence of cannibalism. The theory on the slaves captured is that they were returned south for human sacrifice. So all of these ruins tell the story of a terrible time in Diné history.
i can't get over the size of the rocks. They are huge. It must have been a massive effort to get the rocks up there in the first place, let alone the mortar.. Amazing. Thank you for this adventure.
All your episodes are wonderful but this one was exceptionally exciting. And you're right it definitely had an Indiana Jones what's around the next corner feel. Please get a climbing type buddy and go back. There's something up there! That path leading up the rock face looked very well worn but then again it could be an animal trail of some sort. Just trying to figure it out is an adventure in itself! You do a great job and love your positive vibe! Much appreciated!
Lol I would totally go climbing with Jeff if ever given the opportunity to do so cause I would definitely love to see what is up there too! Honestly, Jeff has proven himself to be a really natural and badass rock climber! ;)
Another awesome video! That first stone box is very similar to ones found all over #Europe and turned out to be graves that held children, pets, or heads. Is there any evidence of the #ancient #Americans doing the same? BTW, we seriously need to get you a flashlight on your #drone 😊
They built the granaries up high to keep them away from mice. Mice like to hide down low, scurry under stuff. They go down rather than up. It is difficult for them to scale walls, and maybe get picked off by birds. Lots of open spaces in clear site for birds on cliff sides. Not a good place to be a mouse. They built high for the same reason Native Alaskans built meat cashes up high. For Native Alaskans it was bears, for the ancient desert natives it was mice. That is just my guess, but I am sticking to it. I have wondered too. I do not think it was to prevent other people from pilfering. Bonds are made by sharing. There is no bond to be made with mice.
The problem is the term grainery is not necessarily literal. They were small storage areas used for everything ... including grain but lots of other things too. So, while it makes sense (seemingly) for them to store grain up and away from mice, the structures weren't just used for grain. Also, they are built in places where there isn't immediate evidence of settlements. Lastly, with the evidence of rodent droppings, clearly without constant human monitoring (again not always nearby settlements), rodents invaded these things even up high on cliffs. The two main theories for why they built up in the cliffs and inaccessible areas are 1) this left more land available for cultivation (in response to two major droughts), and 2) defense against invading Navajo and Apache tribes. I suspect both are right to some degree, and I've always pictured those two on a sliding scale which slides more one way or the other depending on the region. Certainly, it seems there was a 3rd major drought in the area that ultimately caused them all to abandon the area for good.
@@mhicaoidh1 So you actually believe they/whoever risked their lives every day to get to a place to sleep and to leave them with more a few more square meters for crops...??? that's a little far-fetched, and again, a fortification/hiding place with no easy access to water is not a fortress but a death-trap; 2-3 days max and you're ready to come down or die from thirst. All this guesswork is nothing but nonsense, and I wish we could just admit that we don't have a clue as to who(m) built these structures, why and when...??? So lets just enjoy what's there and stop pretending we know anything at all, because we don't.
... flash flooding in canyon areas can be dramatic depending on the flood build up high to not get swept away by flood waters I'd also say prehistory wasn't a peaceful time at times wars were common just like now build up high for the view and advantage lol
I'm having chills. This is so so kool. ❤. It always feels as if we're learning and seeing right there with you. I'm curious, excited and scared at the same time.
... looks like a perfect spot for any type of birds to nest but yet no sign of that ... to image just the amount of labor needed to build this !!! ... safe travels ...
You ask good questions. If you would like answers, talk to the tribal elders of the Diné . . . the Navajo. They have the true answers to your questions. No one else will.
@@nlomatewama Let's examine your well-intentioned, but unsupported, and at times illogical claims. " _Navajos don't have anything to do with ruins like your finding in your videos_ ". Maybe. Maybe not. But in case you have trouble with reading comprehension follow this fact closely: *Neither I, nor anyway else has claimed they did.* So why would you make this unsupported claim as if a response to someone who claimed the opposite when that has not happened? Are you angry? " _Navajos don't have anything to back them up saying that they migrated the u.s._ " Are you saying that one day long ago they just dropped out of the sky like rain? I am not trying to insult you, but this is one of the more ridiculous claims you make here. EVERYONE HERE migrated to this continent from somewhere else, AND _there WAS NO U.S. when the Diné arrived. The U.S. has only been in existence for a little less that 250 years. Do you understand now why your statement makes no logical sense? " _Navajos only have Hogan's n yeiibiecheiis that's all they got _ " That is called a "non sequitur" and it is a logical fallacy. Did you actually read my original comment at all? " _they came thru the back door into this world_ " I do not know what this means. " _u guys are nomads n come from Alaska that's why u guys build ur Hogan's like igloos_ " Uhm . . . . It is a well known fact that the core group that comprises the Diné migrated from northwestern Canada and eastern Alaska, where the majority of Athabaskan speakers reside. Again, in what way does that have anything at all to do with what I said in my original comment? Help me understand, please? I'm beginning to think that maybe you are a teenager? Or younger? Your racist comment is filled with contradictions and unsupported babbling, buddy. One minute you claim the Navajo did not migrate to the U.S. and that they have no proof to "back them up" that they did. Literally two sentences later you accuse them of being nomads that migrated to the southwest. I fear you do not possess the intelligence to even see that you contradict yourself and i do not care for your racist attitude. Thanks for replying but we are finished. You can try again after you grow up a bit and learn how to talk with other five-finger beings.
@@jimmychanbers2424 LOL!!! I spoke the truth. The truth often makes us uncomfortable, especially when it highlights one's own mistakes, errors, or flaw in reasoning. The discomfort can be in the form of embarrassment, anger, resentment, or a number of other negative emotions. A wise person will recognize this and cancel/conquer the negative with positive behavior - humbleness, admission of guilt, apology, acceptance of truth, gratefulness . . . these cancel out the negative and its consequences and instead causes positive growth, increase of wisdom, and the experience of peace. NEVER compromise truth for comfort. It is always a mistake. It is the same as trading future benefit for instant gratification. Thank you for the humor. It is likely lost on the young person who deleted their comments. But I remember both the incident AND the movie you might possibly be referencing.
Ohhhh! Decisions huh ! ( huge smiling! ) Hihi. Such a great sense of humor! You make every exploration so much fun Jeff. For all ages :-) It literally feels like I am climbing ! Yes be careful by yourself. Thank you for your outstanding efforts climbing !
I absolutely agree! Jeff is an amazing climber! He climbed up those rocks and cliffs like a real badass! I really do hope he continues climbing because he's really good at it! ;)
Who needs a collapsible ladder when you're Jeff? Jeff is such an amazing and badass rock climber and he makes climbing up those cliffs look super easy! Glad to see that he hasn't hurt himself trying to climb as well!
What fun! Secret passages and old ruins! What a great place to explore! The drone is so handy to explore what might other wise be inaccessible! The ruin is remarkable! How much of the surrounding landscape has changed after several hundred, a thousand or so years? Thanks for taking us along!
I would have absolutely climbed the secret pathway too (younger me). I think the time has collapsed the cliff on top of the path and it is now shut, I can imagine it went high up and then down to the edge. We can not know what kind of ropes/ladders the people back then had with them. The site is gorgeous! Ty for your hike to it.
Same here! I would have totally climbed up the secret pathway too! Jeff really is a champion for not only being to climb up those rocks and cliffs like a badass, but also for filming it too!
Brilliant find! It's like when we book a room in a hotel with many floors, you want the highest but have to pay more. Maybe this is an ancient version of the best room with a view.
Enjoy your videos. In younger years I tromped around enjoying God's creation. Now I am too old but feel fortunate to see more of the earth because of your videos.
Outdoor definitions: Adventure, when the best laid plans go awry, Diplomacy, what is needed when you have to much adventure. I enjoy your treks,thanks.....RF
interestingly, I just finished watching a documentary on ancient burials that had a stone box like the one you found, but it was used as an infant grave.
As usual stay safe, we all enjoy your adventures so much. You are getting better and better with your videos. I can't express my gratitude for taking us with you. Thank you so much. 😊
Beach-front living, Fremont style! The water sat at the level of the ruin, for a long, long time, allowing it to eat out a niche, along the canyon wall. When it fell, an enterprising Fremonter built a shelter, with water only a few feet below. When water levels fell drastically lower, they moved to another such niche, cave, or natural shelter, until they eventually moved out onto the prairies, becoming Anasazi, in the process. You "came along" about 2,500 years later!
I’m 74 in 2 weeks and I think you are having way too much fun! I wish that could have the ability to join you! I love your adventures and thank you so much for taking us along!
❤im a 75yr old great grandmother grew up in the city of liverppol UK. Love seeing your work, amazing place, thank you. Im watching this in my sons home in austrlia😊
Oh my! Did you see the face? Timestamp 51, straight ahead as you're walking up to it, big grey rock on its side. It looks carved to me. Also I too love your videos, they are the BEST! Your photography/video skills are outstanding, and I love your choices of background music. But please be careful when you're walking on steep slopes with loose rocks, it scares me.
Thank you for the show and for not attempting the climb, you always show good sense with these. I will tell you something I heard a long time ago. One stick in a climbing spot might be an accident, but two is always on purpose.
![Дон ДОН, Алаудинов и СБЕЖАВШИЕ из под Курска ахматовцы 😁 [Пародия]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dEfCf5IK26Q/mqdefault.jpg)
I am 70, and there is no way I could ever see these things you show us all if it were not for you. I have noticed other folks copying your show, and I must say, I enjoy most of them!
Similar here. I’m a bit younger but definitely not physically capable of doing this stuff anymore. So I enjoy it from other people going. lol
The Desert Drifter channel compliments this one.
I'm 82 and in UK and I enjoy this channel a lot. Even at his age you would not have found me more than one rock off the ground, I just couldn't do those heights.
@@cliffboulton8763 cheers 🍻 mate from across the pond. I’m first generation here. Mum, Nanny and Grandad all 🇬🇧
I totally agree. Trek Planner is my favorite too!! : )
"I took the path less traveled by, and that has made all the difference" Robert Frost.
I took the path less traveled and now I don't know where the F I am!
@@stevenkarner6872 that's why I always take phone, map, and compass.
*They built their caves so high because it was life or death for them. They were hiding from both hostile tribes and the Spanish, who had cannons, hence the 3 foot thick rock walls in some places.*
@@1nvisible1-- These were built hundreds upon hundreds of years before the Spanish arrived. A lot of these structures date back between 800 to 1,200 years ago. Some could be much older than that.
I will do that from now on out! ;-) It's much for fun that way anyway
I’m a 70 yo woman, and when I was in my 20s I went on so many beautiful adventures in the desert mountains east of San Diego. If you’re younger,, please do some adventures now. It’s so much better looking back on life saying to yourself “I remember when” rather than “I wish I had.”
My body gave out on me after 3 years at the Amphibious Base in Coronado. I volunteered for stuff that I shouldn’t have and paid a price. But I got to play around in those same mountains East of San Diego, many many times. I agree with you completely. I learned 3 things from the SEALs about pain: 1) pain teaches dummies (in my case not to volunteer for dangerous missions), 2) pain lets you know that you’re still alive, 3) pain builds character. Yes, I have lots of pain in my life. But I learned something else too: you will live until the very second that you die. Until then, life is for living so LIVE dammit! Gain some pain to remind you of the foolishness of your youth and the times that God allowed you to live, when there was no reason for it. Remember the strength and vitality of your youth-and give thanks to God that you survived it when so few of your peers made it through.
The STONE BOX you mentioned briefly, is a child's grave. Appears to have been ransacked long ago. Thanks for showing, and NOT touching. Respect for the ancients. May their spirits guide you to greater discoveries.
I too thought it was a child’s grave.
Rest in peace little one. Thank you @andybartlett9684
Native or settler?
Had to thank you once again. Love your videos and they have helped me immensely. Since starting to watch your video's I have been slowly increasing my own "treks"......to the end of the block and back, short hikes through the desert on flat ground etc. Now I go hiking with my grandsons (I'm a "senior" of 70) for longer treks. They don't let me go alone! My mood has changed for the better, I feel alive again and have lost 28 pounds! So, if you ever get to a point where you think your video's don't matter or aren't being appreciated remember me. Thank you for helping me find "joy" in life again! They DO matter, YOU matter!
❤❤❤❤❤ Congrats on your treks. Sounds like you have awesome grandchildren.
You're rocking it now!
I’m so happy for you! When the high heat of summer is gone (the low today was 80*, high will be 113) I hope to journey out too, and your story has also inspired me! Thank you.
Wow! I was getting emotional reading your comment. Sometimes we get wrapped up in our own world that we forget that we are all connected. Thank you for being here and sharing your story!!
-Jeff
@@TheTrekPlanner Your exceptional character is showing! 😊
I am 66 , from Ohio and just returned from almost a month in Utah with my jeep . I spent a great deal of time searching out and exploring sites like this , always of course being respectful to the sites and their heritage as you always are and which I love that you mention in every video . Too many times I have seen the graffiti and destruction left by the mindless and selfish idiots that do not know how to appreciate things for what they are and who show a total disregard for others who have come before , and those yet to follow . You are their opposite and I applaud you ! I have been following you from the start and will continue to follow along , thank you so much for the adventures !
U need to go back theres something there i saw when watching another channel when i asked him to reshow and wouldnt talk about it its on a cliff where a motorbike track is who finds will amazed
Yay for hidden paths not yet stumbled on.
😂
Shoutout to the drone!
Jeff……THANKS FOR TAKING US ALONG AND SHARING YOUR ADVENTURES😄👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I’d love to see you and Desert Drifter work together. You’ve both had trips where you didn’t proceed because you were alone.
Love these videos.
I love Desert Drifter as well!
Like apples and oranges.
Could be the structures were built high for airflow. High-moisture crops or harvests such as corn would require adequate drying to prevent mold. And building high provides a measure of protection against rodents and wildlife looking for an easy meal.
Love your adventures! Be careful. ✌️✌️
Try for just a moment to imagine how these areas must have looked hundreds of years ago, most all of these ruins are built in canyons and canyon fingers. So, what carved these canyons? most likely water carved them. So, living in a time that had zero flood control anywhere can you imagine how flooded some of these canyons must have become. They kept high granaries and high living quarters available so when the southwest monsoon seasons came, they could just move up higher while waiting for the water levels to drop. Just my 2 cents.
@@xippzap Could be that, too.
Great ideas. Careful thoughts.
The absolute determination and strength it took to get the building material up to the ruin is unbelievable.
Everything about these places scream at the apparent attempt for self preservation with utter desperation to survive. When every trip to your pantry and sleeping quarters means a death defying scramble it pretty much means a bad state of affairs is going on in the area.
I feel there are probably still many many undiscovered and undisturbed hideouts in the region. Those people had all day every day 365 to explore and find nooks-caves-shelters in those places. I’d bet there are completely intact undisturbed quarters somewhere yet to be discovered. Possibly venturing down to the flats for food and water came with the peril of an untimely demise. I’d bet more than once people went to get some provisions and never returned home. Evidence found by experts helps to theorize certain people were hunting natives just as much or maybe more so than hunting animals. Some say the slave trade, human trafficking and maybe worse….cannibalism was taking place. There are clues and findings that indicate forays and expeditions by people from distant lands. It’s all quite the unsolved mystery as to what went on in the desert southwest for many 1000’s of years. According to some experts many of the most puzzling petroglyphs of strange “creatures” and oddly dressed-adorned figures are possibly much older than the more common “stick figure” drawings of people-animals and such. Whatever the case the whole region is shrouded in indications of “weird chit” that went on. We’ll never know.
Right??
@@shannonwhitaker9630 Some archeologists/anthropologists theorize there was a warrior culture for much of the indigenous history of this continent...tribe against tribe, clan against clan...💀
YOUR PRODUCTION QUALITY IS SO GOOD AND YOUR ADVENTURES ARE MY FAVORITE ON Y/T. I appreciate the ride along. I'm elderly and disabled.
Very cool! When exploring sites like these it is important to remember that they were not unintelligent, and would have had ladders. Also, the terrain will have changed (rivers and streams move over time, rocks break away and fall) so the pathways could have changed as well. I have a friend who is an archeologist on a dig in north Texas where they have found a full mammoth skeleton, partially charred human remains, and very large hearth/midden that might push the date of human occupation back even further than what we currently estimate. With all of the rock shelters in your part of the country I doubt we will ever get to see them all. Thanks for the great footage, and showing respect for the land and the people who came before us!
Thank you. I think humans were here for some time and that Clovis First idea is hogwash. But people like your friend must tread very carefully around that one.
I am 157 years old , and there is absolutely no way I could even make the car ride it takes to start to hike and explore these magical places. Thank you very much and on my 158th bday which is tmrw I will binge watch all your videos
Happy birthday Methuselah. :-)
Happy birthday..
You are doing really well 😂
What? 157 years old?
Hi again, Jeff. thank you for taking me you. in 5 months, I will turn 78. you are taking me to all the places that I wish I had taken the time to see and do.I lived in the southwest part of Utah for almost 30 years and other than going to the parks I didn't do what you are doing. Again, thank you for taking me along with you. I am really enjoying the trip views and your excitement. Old Dan.
As always, thank you for taking us along.
💯
He must get tired dragging all our sorry old bones along, Thanks Jeff!
I am also 70.yo and TOTALLY enjoy your videos!!! Your enthusiasm is contagious!!
I like the fact that your sense of wonder has never gotten old. Great video.
Hi,I am in awe of the ancient Pueblo People,I can't believe how hard their lives were,they must have been worried all the time for their safety,but their dwelling's are incredible,Thank you so much for sharing all your adventures with us,I watch every spare minute,Andrea U K.
I think you came across a burial site. The square rock structure may have been a grave for a child. I also think the stone wall cubby was a burial ground for an important member of a lost tribe. Love your work!
Thanks, Jeff. Always enjoy watching your videos. Awesome history you are sharing with all of us. ✌️
So excited to see your channel growing. You bring things most of us will never see or experience to life.
Love tagging along and seeing all your adventures; as well as your historical 3D data being created. You are the epitome of gentle, non- destructive exploration.
May your good karma bless you mightily in all your days to come.
Namaste
This is my favorite video thus far. You’ll have to revisit this one! That trail was most intriguing.. Believe you’ll find what was a huge city like complex within there. The ruin was not only in great shape it was the size of the boulders still perched in there that surprised me. We have to remember the water levels were higher but towards the end of the video on the wall lower it looked as though someone had poles into stone where the round hole cuts were. Maybe a lean to.. Love all your videos, always worry about you out there in the heat and perched precariously on the edge beside your battery running out and wild animals. That being said … thank you for sharing this.. this one is so cool.. I’m 60 and handicapped and I love going on adventures with you.. stay safe Mr. Johnson it’s your neighborhood
Thank you very much!! You are always welcome here on my channel! 🙂
I would LOVE to go back and see this place again! If we explored again, I'm sure we would see lots more!
@@TheTrekPlanner I’m looking forward to seeing it again.. please be careful! I’m not the only one that would be heartbroken if something were to happen to you. Every hiker they’ve found recently I’ve prayed it wasn’t you. If you want to shed more light into your info on these sites might I suggest looking up the Mounds of Indiana. I truly believe that most damage was done by early settlers and old outlaws of the Wild West. The height they went to I think was because of animals we will never know existed. I’m old but wow it would have been great to live there… not up so high though 😅.. I love the heat and the greener spots I am in love with. GOD was amazingly awesome when HE made this planet ❤ out there it’s like looking at where HIS hands shaped it
@@TheTrekPlannerplease go back. It is calling me and I can’t physically get there.
Thanks Jeff! I'm so glad this is fun for you. I love to hear your laugh and the description of everything. You're great and I hope you continue to do this.
This is such an amazing adventure. I feel like we're all so privileged to be able to tag along with you because you are so generous with your time and sharing. You're an amazing person. Stay awesome.
Not necessarily a 60 foot climb, but a 20-30 foot drop down with ropes from the plateau ! Have a little hidey hole in the cliff face away from prying eyes.
Those rocks and cliffs Jeff climbed looked real sketchy to climb on! Dude's honestly has such natural climbing abilities!
Love the flowers! Lizard!!!🦎 Secret passage!! This is a really cool adventure! Such a positive message!! Thanks Jeff!
I'm 66 and love watching you ' we have nothing even close to that here in Louisiana !
One of my favorite channels 👍👍 i love to explore since I was a kid and at 55 im not about to stop now, never stop exploring and taking pictures
Thank you Joe!! Keep on trekkin!
Jeff, Thank you so much for all your Treks❣️I enjoy watching you so much and want you to know I think You are The Best! The Very Very Best❣️ I’m 75 yo and Love seeing all of you and your drone’s Adventures!
I am so grateful you find these adventures to explore! Every trek is such a Treat to me!
❤❤❤ U and The Trek Planner❤❤❤
I wonder if sites like this one would not have been easier to access from above. In the drone footage the structure appears about 20 ft below the cliff top, it may have been possible that they would have cut down a tree to access the shelf, also materials for construction could have well been found above rather than below the cave (easier to drop material down than to carry it up). I love seeing the various trees and plants. Here in Haiti I post my photos of local plants on iNaturalist to identify them. It motivates me to get out in nature.
Good observation! I was going to post a similar speculation.
I knew someone else thought the same as me! Instead of bottom up, how about top down - seems easier in the long run.
Love your work! I’ve learned so much from you and the Desert Drifter💪😎🙏
wow! an interactive youtube video! I clicked on "secret passage" and you did it!
also... I enjoy your adventures, with you taking us along and sharing your thoughts and joy in your discoveries. I don't honestly expect you to find a whole lot, so it isn't any disappointment to me if the finds are basically empty. Keep doing what you're doing, and be safe!
Now in my late 70s and having been to sites such as these in my early years, watching your presentations bring back many enjoyable memories. Thanks so much!❤ 😁🧓
you know it will be a perfect day, when The Trek Planner has a new video! Thank you so much! The buttons of choice-idea is so much fun, and your 3D models are awesome. Take care on your trips, thank you for your great respect to these places.
First I'm not really super new, but I've been watching you for about close to a year and I love all the adventures you go on thank you for sharing all these great places I pray for your safety I pray for your Goodwill. I pray that he guides you along the path. I love when you show all the writings and drawings and love when you show all the things you find and the great respect you have for the past that you don't even pick them up at times that you leave them God bless you. I would love to go on an excursion with you, I don't mind climbing but I can't do the real small thin ledges did you traverse those days are gone from my military Days I like keeping my feet on the ground still like to find you and go with you sometime
I know right?! The stuff Jeff climbs and traverses is crazy! Dude's a real natural climber ;)
That box looked like a grave. It had a
Heart shaped rock on it
Hello Jeff. I just wanted to thank you for being my legs. The places you go are so fantastic. I absolutely love the way you express your joy of new discovery. I feel like I was right there with you. Thanks
Been watching your videos for several months now and I've yet to see one that I have not enjoyed! Thank you from an old cripple who goes exploring through your eyes now!
We are thankful for you too. Watching from Australia ❤
Great camera work, Jeff-I could almost smell the sage and piñon and feel the dry desert air. Thanks so much for bringing us along ❤
We are blessed and thankful to be able to enjoy your adventures. Just take care.
What an adventure 😮. Thanks for sharing ….
I’m so glad you enjoyed this adventure, DJ! Thank you for your support!!
-Jeff
Appreciation for life is what truly makes you happy!❤ you are ❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you Jeff ! That was a great adventure!
We appreciate that you share this with us all!! Thank You!!
To answer your question as to why these hidden structures were built. I learned of this from an elder in the Navajo Nation. We call them Navajo, but they call themselves Diné. When the Anasazi moved into the area from the south, they caused quite a disruption to Diné life. The Anasazi captured slaves and were also cannibals. Some Diné moved to the Grand Canyon, others spread out and constructed living quarters and food stores high in the cliffs for safety. This is what was explained to me. Around 1999/2000 time frame coprolite (fossilized human excrement) was found that consisted of digested human flesh. This was found in the Southwest corner of Colorado. Human bones were also found with evidence of cannibalism. The theory on the slaves captured is that they were returned south for human sacrifice. So all of these ruins tell the story of a terrible time in Diné history.
Thank you for sharing
Thats the best kind of adventure, when you see a interesting path and just go to see what happens
Great adventure, very interesting
Thank you Jeff, I love hiking with you.
❤❤love your spirit❤❤
i can't get over the size of the rocks. They are huge. It must have been a massive effort to get the rocks up there in the first place, let alone the mortar.. Amazing. Thank you for this adventure.
Maybe it was ground level all those years ago. 🤷🏼♀️ We can never know for sure.
All your episodes are wonderful but this one was exceptionally exciting. And you're right it definitely had an Indiana Jones what's around the next corner feel. Please get a climbing type buddy and go back. There's something up there! That path leading up the rock face looked very well worn but then again it could be an animal trail of some sort. Just trying to figure it out is an adventure in itself! You do a great job and love your positive vibe! Much appreciated!
Lol I would totally go climbing with Jeff if ever given the opportunity to do so cause I would definitely love to see what is up there too! Honestly, Jeff has proven himself to be a really natural and badass rock climber! ;)
Keep on Trekking
I love your enthusiasm every time you find something new and different. Thank you once again for sharing.
Another awesome video! That first stone box is very similar to ones found all over #Europe and turned out to be graves that held children, pets, or heads. Is there any evidence of the #ancient #Americans doing the same?
BTW, we seriously need to get you a flashlight on your #drone 😊
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved those books!
Holy. Moly. 😮
Thank you for going with your gut on the 'Should I or Shouldn't I' moments...
They built the granaries up high to keep them away from mice. Mice like to hide down low, scurry under stuff. They go down rather than up. It is difficult for them to scale walls, and maybe get picked off by birds. Lots of open spaces in clear site for birds on cliff sides. Not a good place to be a mouse. They built high for the same reason Native Alaskans built meat cashes up high. For Native Alaskans it was bears, for the ancient desert natives it was mice. That is just my guess, but I am sticking to it. I have wondered too. I do not think it was to prevent other people from pilfering. Bonds are made by sharing. There is no bond to be made with mice.
The problem is the term grainery is not necessarily literal. They were small storage areas used for everything ... including grain but lots of other things too. So, while it makes sense (seemingly) for them to store grain up and away from mice, the structures weren't just used for grain. Also, they are built in places where there isn't immediate evidence of settlements. Lastly, with the evidence of rodent droppings, clearly without constant human monitoring (again not always nearby settlements), rodents invaded these things even up high on cliffs.
The two main theories for why they built up in the cliffs and inaccessible areas are 1) this left more land available for cultivation (in response to two major droughts), and 2) defense against invading Navajo and Apache tribes. I suspect both are right to some degree, and I've always pictured those two on a sliding scale which slides more one way or the other depending on the region.
Certainly, it seems there was a 3rd major drought in the area that ultimately caused them all to abandon the area for good.
Amen
@@mhicaoidh1 So you actually believe they/whoever risked their lives every day to get to a place to sleep and to leave them with more a few more square meters for crops...??? that's a little far-fetched, and again, a fortification/hiding place with no easy access to water is not a fortress but a death-trap; 2-3 days max and you're ready to come down or die from thirst. All this guesswork is nothing but nonsense, and I wish we could just admit that we don't have a clue as to who(m) built these structures, why and when...??? So lets just enjoy what's there and stop pretending we know anything at all, because we don't.
Cool video. Makes you wonder if all the other sites that weren't able to be accessed had secret side trails to get up to the ruins?.
... flash flooding in canyon areas can be dramatic depending on the flood build up high to not get swept away by flood waters I'd also say prehistory wasn't a peaceful time at times wars were common just like now build up high for the view and advantage lol
So glad you found a fun place to explore. What a great time and discovery!
I'm having chills. This is so so kool. ❤. It always feels as if we're learning and seeing right there with you. I'm curious, excited and scared at the same time.
... looks like a perfect spot for any type of birds to nest but yet no sign of that ... to image just the amount of labor needed to build this !!! ... safe travels ...
That is a place to hide, a hiding safety place
Exciting
Thanks for bringing us along again Jeff, breathtaking scenery and amazing ruins. Look forward to the next one, stay safe mate.
Humble, intelligent, and beautiful you are , Jeff. Thank you for shining your light.
You ask good questions. If you would like answers, talk to the tribal elders of the Diné . . . the Navajo. They have the true answers to your questions. No one else will.
@@nlomatewama Let's examine your well-intentioned, but unsupported, and at times illogical claims.
" _Navajos don't have anything to do with ruins like your finding in your videos_ ".
Maybe. Maybe not. But in case you have trouble with reading comprehension follow this fact closely:
*Neither I, nor anyway else has claimed they did.*
So why would you make this unsupported claim as if a response to someone who claimed the opposite when that has not happened? Are you angry?
" _Navajos don't have anything to back them up saying that they migrated the u.s._ "
Are you saying that one day long ago they just dropped out of the sky like rain? I am not trying to insult you, but this is one of the more ridiculous claims you make here. EVERYONE HERE migrated to this continent from somewhere else, AND _there WAS NO U.S. when the Diné arrived. The U.S. has only been in existence for a little less that 250 years. Do you understand now why your statement makes no logical sense?
" _Navajos only have Hogan's n yeiibiecheiis that's all they got _ "
That is called a "non sequitur" and it is a logical fallacy. Did you actually read my original comment at all?
" _they came thru the back door into this world_ " I do not know what this means.
" _u guys are nomads n come from Alaska that's why u guys build ur Hogan's like igloos_ "
Uhm . . . . It is a well known fact that the core group that comprises the Diné migrated from northwestern Canada and eastern Alaska, where the majority of Athabaskan speakers reside. Again, in what way does that have anything at all to do with what I said in my original comment? Help me understand, please? I'm beginning to think that maybe you are a teenager? Or younger? Your racist comment is filled with contradictions and unsupported babbling, buddy. One minute you claim the Navajo did not migrate to the U.S. and that they have no proof to "back them up" that they did. Literally two sentences later you accuse them of being nomads that migrated to the southwest. I fear you do not possess the intelligence to even see that you contradict yourself and i do not care for your racist attitude. Thanks for replying but we are finished. You can try again after you grow up a bit and learn how to talk with other five-finger beings.
Can't we all get along? Rodney King.
@@jimmychanbers2424 LOL!!! I spoke the truth. The truth often makes us uncomfortable, especially when it highlights one's own mistakes, errors, or flaw in reasoning. The discomfort can be in the form of embarrassment, anger, resentment, or a number of other negative emotions. A wise person will recognize this and cancel/conquer the negative with positive behavior - humbleness, admission of guilt, apology, acceptance of truth, gratefulness . . . these cancel out the negative and its consequences and instead causes positive growth, increase of wisdom, and the experience of peace. NEVER compromise truth for comfort. It is always a mistake. It is the same as trading future benefit for instant gratification. Thank you for the humor. It is likely lost on the young person who deleted their comments. But I remember both the incident AND the movie you might possibly be referencing.
Had a great time! Thanks Man!👍
This is so great for the elderly to watch. You are so humble and considerate .
Whoa! What an adventure! I think the fun and excitement always comes from the attempt to get there, whether the final outcome is achieved or not. 😊
Thanks Jeff, for another awesome video.
Imagine sitting right here next to the stone box and that big honking slab of rock falls next to you. Hopefully next to you… 😱
It's happened to peeps...
I'm 51 and love your videos too. Beautiful stuff ❤❤❤.
Ohhhh! Decisions huh ! ( huge smiling! ) Hihi. Such a great sense of humor! You make every exploration so much fun Jeff.
For all ages :-) It literally feels like I am climbing !
Yes be careful by yourself.
Thank you for your outstanding efforts climbing !
I absolutely agree! Jeff is an amazing climber! He climbed up those rocks and cliffs like a real badass! I really do hope he continues climbing because he's really good at it! ;)
Carry a collapsible ladder with you.
😂 That seems like a funny statement.
@@redtobertshateshandles why?
Who needs a collapsible ladder when you're Jeff? Jeff is such an amazing and badass rock climber and he makes climbing up those cliffs look super easy! Glad to see that he hasn't hurt himself trying to climb as well!
🙈🍄😎🤠👍
Great trip, TP. Always a pleasure to watch you explore this magnificent country.
What fun! Secret passages and old ruins! What a great place to explore! The drone is so handy to explore what might other wise be inaccessible!
The ruin is remarkable! How much of the surrounding landscape has changed after several hundred, a thousand or so years?
Thanks for taking us along!
Meoooow
Very fun adventure today! Thank you for being cautious and thank you for bringing us along!
Thanks for showing us places we could never go to. Thanks to you we can view these historical places.
I would have absolutely climbed the secret pathway too (younger me). I think the time has collapsed the cliff on top of the path and it is now shut, I can imagine it went high up and then down to the edge. We can not know what kind of ropes/ladders the people back then had with them. The site is gorgeous! Ty for your hike to it.
Same here! I would have totally climbed up the secret pathway too! Jeff really is a champion for not only being to climb up those rocks and cliffs like a badass, but also for filming it too!
I watched this video when it was first released and I'm watching it again because I enjoy these videos so much! Thanks!
It's amazing what we can see in your videos! Thanks for sharing, many greetings from Salzburg/Austria...🦋🌞
Such a cool adventure! Thank you for doing this for us!
I enjoy your adventures! Thanks for taking us along with you!
Another great adventure. Really enjoy these. Beautiful country!😊
Brilliant find! It's like when we book a room in a hotel with many floors, you want the highest but have to pay more. Maybe this is an ancient version of the best room with a view.
Yet another great adventure!❤ Thank you for bringing us along with you!😊
Enjoy your videos. In younger years I tromped around enjoying God's creation. Now I am too old but feel fortunate to see more of the earth because of your videos.
Outdoor definitions: Adventure, when the best laid plans go awry, Diplomacy, what is needed when you have to much adventure. I enjoy your treks,thanks.....RF
interestingly, I just finished watching a documentary on ancient burials that had a stone box like the one you found, but it was used as an infant grave.
What a great hike and beautiful finds. This is one of my all time favorites!
As usual stay safe, we all enjoy your adventures so much. You are getting better and better with your videos. I can't express my gratitude for taking us with you. Thank you so much. 😊
Beach-front living, Fremont style! The water sat at the level of the ruin, for a long, long time, allowing it to eat out a niche, along the canyon wall. When it fell, an enterprising Fremonter built a shelter, with water only a few feet below. When water levels fell drastically lower, they moved to another such niche, cave, or natural shelter, until they eventually moved out onto the prairies, becoming Anasazi, in the process. You "came along" about 2,500 years later!
I’m 74 in 2 weeks and I think you are having way too much fun! I wish that could have the ability to join you! I love your adventures and thank you so much for taking us along!
❤im a 75yr old great grandmother grew up in the city of liverppol UK. Love seeing your work, amazing place, thank you. Im watching this in my sons home in austrlia😊
Oh my! Did you see the face? Timestamp 51, straight ahead as you're walking up to it, big grey rock on its side. It looks carved to me. Also I too love your videos, they are the BEST! Your photography/video skills are outstanding, and I love your choices of background music. But please be careful when you're walking on steep slopes with loose rocks, it scares me.
..?.time stamp 51?.?
Thank you for the show and for not attempting the climb, you always show good sense with these. I will tell you something I heard a long time ago. One stick in a climbing spot might be an accident, but two is always on purpose.
Yeah, climbing up some of the rocks do look real sketchy to climb on, that said - Jeff really does have some natural and badass climbing abilities!