Secrets to Visiting the San Rafael Swell, Utah

Ready to visit secret spots in the San Rafael Swell? It’s time to dive right into the good stuff! First, this place is fragile! No matter what you’re getting into, you’ll want to visit with respect! Rule number 1 when visiting the desert is DON’T BUST THE CRUST! That weird, raised, bumpy soil you see is alive. It’s called cryptobiotic soil and it is an integral part of preventing erosion and allowing for plant life to thrive in the desert. It is fragile and stepping on it will ruin years of development. Support my channel - buy me a backcountry coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/megintheforest I don't accept sponsored gear or trips. I don't hawk courses. And I don't gatekeep information. My mission is to tell my story completely for free. This channel is completely funded by me. Visit responsibly! Practice Leave No Trace: https://bit.ly/leaveitbetterthanufoundit Hiking Safely in the desert: https://bit.ly/deserthikingtips Desert Camping Hacks: https://bit.ly/desertcampinghacks ✨Campsite know-how! All camping here is minimal. Be readily prepared to pack in everything you need, and PACK OUT YOUR TRASH. This INCLUDES toilet paper! If you’re looking for the desert campsite I mention in this video, I have stopped giving this spot away. However, I'll give you a hint, hunt around Red Canyon. Grab Your Desert Packing List: https://bit.ly/desertpackinglist ✨Follow me… ✨ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Aforestfox/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foxintheforestblog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megintheforest/ ✨ Additional Resources ✨ Three incredible slot canyons that don’t require previous experience: https://youtu.be/dPwtCnxqHGo?si=H_TjpL2PRWLlgIRT Canyons and trails in the San Rafael Swell: https://bit.ly/3J4wpla Your Guide to hiking Little Wildhorse Canyon like a pro: https://bit.ly/littlewildhorsecanyon ✨My favorite desert gear: ✨ OR Astroman Sun Hoodie: https://alnk.to/fSiBG9O Skratch Labs Hydration Electrolyte powder: https://amzn.to/3FIFQZn SaltTabs Electrolyte Fast Chews (if you don’t like the water): https://amzn.to/4mTuum9 A way to carry 4 liters of water (I use a combo of SmartWater bottles and a bladder for hikes) One Hydration Drinking tube for SmartWater Bottle: https://alnk.to/4XxCRKZ REI Flash 22 Hiking Pack: https://rei.pxf.io/JKvVaq REI Cork-Grip Hiking Poles: https://rei.pxf.io/POvVZe Freshette Pee Funnel: https://rei.pxf.io/e15EGO Kula Cloth Pee Rag: https://alnk.to/5Q7pLD5 Garmin inReach Mini: https://rei.pxf.io/JKvV0q Gerber Dime Multi-Tool: https://rei.pxf.io/zx5b3r Nitecore NU25 400 Lumen Rechargeable Headlamp: https://alnk.to/bEkq8CG Sunscreen stick: https://amzn.to/43PDbq9 Joshua Tree SPF Lip Balm: https://amzn.to/43CJkpo WAG Bags: https://rei.pxf.io/OevKQW More incredible gear I love: https://www.amazon.com/shop/megintheforest NOTE These are affiliate links. Meaning I get a small kickback from every purchase, no matter the purchase, at no additional cost to you. This is a small way you can show support for my channel and it means a lot, so thank you! ✨About the Photos and Video: ✨ Transparency is important to me when it comes to photography. There is Instagram and there is reality. And you should be inspired by BOTH. I intentionally use photos and videos that have been edited for color and lighting, and ones that haven’t. All the photos and videos you see of the San Rafael Swell were taken by me. I rarely edit other people out of photos (and I would make a note here if I did!). #utahisrad #utah #outdooradventures #outdoors #sanrafaelswell #hikingadventures #campinglife #outdoorexploration Time stamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Little Wild Horse Canyon 00:45 - Ding and Dang Canyons 00:54 - Goblin Valley 01:20 - 1,000 Feet of Fun climb 01:42 - Behind the Reef Road 01:48 - Best camping in the San Rafael Swell 02:27 - The Little Grand Canyon aka the Wedge 02:46 - Technical canyoneering 02:56 - Outtakes