I should've made it more clear in the video that Claire had a phone and a standard camera. I hope you having a great Sunday! Some believe JTNP is some sort of Bermuda triangle with all the people who get lost. Theres also many that have been murdered there as well. Many stories at this park. Working on another video from this park...
JTNP is a Bermuda Triangle in the sense that there are so many disappearances there because there are so many hikers/boaters who go there. More traffic = more disapperances.
As a woman hiker that has oblivious hiking friends I always do the following for treks 3+ miles or more: Send my details to the two people that will respond (e g., medical info, car make/model etc.) Send coordinates Send pic at the beginning and end of trek Pack my 17 essentials Pray before, during, and after a trek
Isn't it funny how people always hate the crowds in these national parks and love it when they are alone on the trail but the moment they get lost or fall and can't move, they pray that another person will just show up? The selfishness of people thinking they are above others until they are not. It is those very humans you try to avoid that set out search and rescue missions for you, including volunteers. Perhaps we should humble ourselfs, be respectful of others and share the road and trails in a kind manner because you never know if you'll be next Claire Nelson.
Your comment needs 5 million high fives !!!! Wow you made an excellent point! I get so tired of hearing people ( nomads, hikers) whine about “ too many people being in the park “ They end up sounding to elitist to me !!! Snobs
I'm thankful for you sharing my wife's friends story. Rest in peace Rachel Nguyen and Joseph Orbes. A tragedy 😢. Please prepare yourself if you go in unknown territory even on local hikes.
Apologies, let me add my condolences to your wife and all the loved ones of Joesph and Rachel. Currently working on a video about them, and it's so incredibly sad what happened to them. Rachel seemed like such a doll, and it pains me these two amazing young people lost their lives. It's been really emotional working on their video. Seeing Gilbert, Joseph's dad, search for his son was so heartbreaking. I hope I can tell their story with the kindness and respect they deserve.
@@outdoordisasters my wife said thank you! I hope your video saves someone from tragedy. Rachel and Joseph and the families would be grateful for your honoring their memories.
Ironically it was probably her immobility that saved her. Otherwise she may have tried to find her way back and gotten hopelessly lost to all. This is a wonderful story and this lady is incredible to keep up her hope and ration her meager supplies. A wonderful story of bravery! And gorgeous scenery. When the camera does that zoom in from space to three D closeups it takes my breath away. Thank you for this video.
I traveled and lived full time in the Southwest US for many months over the course of two years. I generally sought more remote areas to set up my succession of camps. One of the things I realized from this wonderful experience was the incredible unlikelihood of searchers being able to locate a lone person within the vast landscape, even assuming they had a vague idea of where you might be. The idea of just randomly being spotted by another hiker seems less likely than winning a huge lottery. The other thing I realized was how it would be virtually impossible for me to relax and enjoy my trip if I didn't have a PLB (Personal locator beacon) with me at all times. It's simply a no-brainer to me. $100 for a device and $12/month subscription cost eliminated almost completely the concern with ending up in a hopeless situation. I wish Outdoor Disasters would emphasize this solution more when they run through their advice for survival in disaster scenarios. An once of prevention and all that.
@@BalzarRitchin Sure, because it's impossible for the unexpected to ever happen. You probably leave your hiking boots, sleeping bag, knife and water at home, too. If you need those you shouldn't be out there in the first place. /s
I broke my pelvis mountain biking. It is super painful. I was found the 1st day. I cannot imagine going multiple days without help... I've lost many friends in the mountains. Please be careful people, sometimes you only get one chance.
As a lifelong Joshua Tree NP hiker: *Rattlesnakes ARE nocturnal!* Claire is very lucky to have survived!! Lost Palms Oasis trail is really remote and rugged. And this: 1. Be prepared with the 10 basics, including having a functioning emergency locator beacon and extra batteries 2. Buy and bring and use a paper topo map of the Park. 3. Unless you are deeply experienced and extremely well-prepared for desert hiking and rough conditions, including sun and heat!, stay in the busy parts of the Park, and don't go out into the much more remote and less travelled hikes like lost Palms Oasis. 4. Realize that predicted daytime temps are a lot hotter in the southern areas of the park compared to the higher elevations. 5. Unless you are a true desert rat, don't hike alone (unless you are on one of the very popular, busy and ranger-patrolled hikes like Barker Dam). Still, even true desert rats can have emergencies, 4. Stay on the Trail! 5. Don't hike in the heat of the day, which is about 6 months out of the year. No shade. From May-October, hike only early in the morning or at dusk and please stay on the trail! And, yes, be sure to tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back.
I love to hike but the arid landscapes dont look safe. No wild land is , but its just such a stark environ. I am not a desert rat. LOL Here we have green woods and hills. But the goal is to be protected for whatever landscape you may have to endure.
I’m a desert rat, I live in the Mojave desert and just camped at JTNP with highs of 78 at mid day the sun was brutal not that I’m not use to it but definitely not comfortable for a long hike. Also 78 in the desert isn’t the same as 78 inland or costal weather.
I just will never understand hiking to such remote places alone and unprepared. even with someone you can get lost and die like the couple at the end. what a horrific way to go. Claire is SO FORTUNATE. 🙏🙏🙏
She was actually on a trail that is popular. It seems she got de-trailed because of the beauty. JTNP is awe-mazing. The couple at the end was calculated, not just in my opinion but others as well.
Fantastic story! So happy she survived. That must have been incredibly terrifying for all those days alone in the desert. So glad that rescue finally came.
My son lived there when the couple from Europe died. I think the woman was German the man was involved with the recording industry from the Netherlands? The area to me is gorgeous the colors of the rocks is beautiful. It took me one day to love the area. Was actually thinking of moving there. It is a popular rock climbing area. Most Europeans come in the winter time. Safe if you stay on the trails, bring lots of water,and listen to the rangers. Also, be aware of weather conditions a rain storm can be serious. They found one man after a storm washed quite a distance dead. Dangerous place but go prepared.
As a United States Marine, I was stationed at 29 Palms, just a handful of miles from Joshua Tree National Park. I spent many weekends free climbing (mostly solo) the massive boulders, and I can relate with Claire about finding yourself in a sticky situation. I was fortunate that major injuries were avoided during these excursions. Always carry a small mirror in your kit so you can signal rescue parties, and wear a watch so you can conserve your phone for crisis moments.
I nice this story has a happy ending. I always send my wife, daughter and brother in law a screen shot of the trial I am am taking and what day and time I should be out. In the desert I always bring a sun umbrella and never hike in the summer months. If hiking solo like I do it’s a good idea to carry a GPS device like an In-Reach. I hear people should never hike alone but many of us do not have that option. I am well into my 60s and none of my friends care to do long distance backpacking or for that matter any backpacking. My dog is my companion and best friend now.
I reside a couple of hours away from JTNP and have visited this beautiful park several times. It is a magical place that demands respect and I cannot imagine venturing out into this place alone or during peak heat. Glad she made it out alive. No doubt there were many valuable lessons learned here, for both Claire and the viewers.
I am as well, W Valley in Arizona, even in May that's still not a wise decision to be hiking in that heat, I've been there a few times even in May & it was 100+ brutal
Thanks for covering my back yard! I live in Desert Hot Springs, a town near the park. It is indeed very easy to get lost there, be careful, always have spare provisions, and a battery pack. No, there is no reception but your phones GPS can still be located plus you can take photos and use it as a flashlight.
To embark on a lone hike in a vast wilderness is risky and every precaution should be taken to cope with any disaster that might possibly eventuate. A lesson to be learned here as Claire was so very unprepared. She was lucky to be found that’s for sure.
Agreed. hiking alone with the possibility of sliding and/or falling with a good possibility of serious to critical injury(ies) and/or very limited to no mobility, coupled with no cell phone coverage (and no solid itinerary left with a family member, friend, park ranger, etc) seems to me like a recipe for disaster (as clearly evidenced in this case).
This one got to me. The ending when she knew she didn't have to fight anymore, that she was saved... it brought chills and tears to my eyes. Thank god she was saved.
Devastated about your injury and the grief you endured. You were blessed with grace from a higher power that had a future mission for you. If you learned anything significant from your ordeal, I’m sure it was to never give up on yourself. Wishing you blessings for a happy content life.
I have been in a similar situation. I inured myself on a mountain in Colorado and hadn't let anybody know where I was going. I wasn't injured as badly as Claire. I made an ill-advised glissade on a very steep snowfield, lost control and crashed into rocks. No broken bones, but I had a deep muscle bruise on my thigh that made it extremely painful to bend my knee a little bit, so it was very slow going getting off the mountain. I managed to get out under my own power, but ended up spending two nights without tent or sleeping bag on what I hand intended as a Saturday day hike. The first night was on a scree slope at over 12,000 feet, and it was very cold. The second night was luxury accommodations by comparison. I had flat ground with grass and a fire. I actually managed to get some sleep. I made it out Monday (Saturday start). Now I always let somebody know where I'm going and when I expect to be out.
I grew up in the Mojave Desert. Rattlesnakes most certainly do come out at night, it's one of the times that they are most active. It's probably a good thing that she didn't know that. Rattlesnakes find thier prey at night by detecting their body heat. Rattlesnakes are active at all times day and night as long as it doesn't get too cold.
l really love the background music you use for this. lt doesnt take away from the seriousness of these ordeals, enhances the beauty of the wilderness and cradles the sadness of the tragedies. Makes the atmosphere of your videos most enjoyable and perfect.
Having listened to many wilderness stories one thing stands out “the human need to be away from civilisation and other people “ When we’re near others part of our mind is always alert for danger, especially in big cities. The feeling of being absolutely ALONE has a certain excitement and relaxation of it’s own. Freedom, relaxation, peace, happiness. Perhaps the answer is to hire a safe place to be alone
I live around SoCal and I've hiked most of the places around here. I avoid hiking in Joshua Tree national park. Although I've been there and looked around, I don't hike it. Mainly for the the reasona that looks like it is pretty easy to get lost in there and I don't like sand/heat either. People die hiking in all sorts of places; please stay on the route and don't do anything foolish. Know the weather and study the trail conditions before you go. Tell someone where you will be and what time you will be back. Always start early to give yourself plenty of time to get back before sunset.
Really fascinating and instructive story. In one of the early pictures in this video , Claire is shown wearing a Garmin device, which should have saved her had she worn it. So glad she made it out alive.
Joshua Tree is my favorite of all national parks. When I was in the army in CA('72-'74), a friend and I would go to JTNP and climb the boulders. We had one close call but we always climbed near roadways (though, back then, you could climb all day and never hear/see another car. I drove through the park one spring to be entertained by the most stunning blooming desert I've ever seen. Again, I didn't see another car on the trip through the park. We heard rumors about strange people (some said they were devil worshippers) who would kill you for no reason if you came across them. But people who frequent national parks, deserts, etc. are used to hearing scare stories from kindly folks.
A signal mirror is an excellent tool to attract aviation. But a two dollar whistle Is an excellent tool to catch the attention of people who might be nearby. Sure you can yell but do that for an hour or 10 hours and you’ll be exhausted.
From my inexperience, you need to know when you are off the trial and when to backtrack. The desert trails are sometimes difficult to follow as there isn't a distinct barren path of the trail though such terrain. Being a mile off the trail is really far. You also need to know how to use a compass, etc., which I don't know either. I have had difficulties navigating circular trails, and when I think I am lost . . . retreat.
I was so relieved to see that the rescue helicopter spotted her and rescued her. I did notice in one of the pictures at the beginning of the video that she had a Garmin PLB. It is unfortunate that she didn't have it with her when she fell at Joshua Tree.
I don't like to see anyone hurt, lost, or worse. I have a 14ftt solo skiff. I go out in the Florida keys with two friends, or alone, 3 to 4 days a week.And we do 4 camp/Fish trips every year. All of these different hobbies we have. Boating, hiking, mt climbing, skiing, snowboarding etc. It's sad, but i see nothing but people unprepared. "Oh nothing will happen, I'll only be gone for a day" For my love of the ocean, on a small craft. One storage compartment has a ditch bag, with a fully charged cell, two way radio, flare gun, fire arm, bilge pump, my drone, fire starters, food and water. Many other spare batteries, headlamp, dry clothes, a tarp to build shelter. No-one seems to carry a two way radio. These are all light items, that will ensure your survival, waiting for rescue. That equipment is only on my boat, x two on my friends vessels. So we're all prepared. Even planning a one day adventure, should be ready for all these emergencies that pop up, veey quickly. 🙏 🙏
Wow, what an awful experience. It’s interesting what you know just by being a native of an area. Southern Californians know the ocean. We know to never ever turn your back to it, and are horrified when we see others do it routinely in the summers. You can be seriously injured by rogue waves. 99.9% of us would also not hike JTNP or in the desert at all, in 90 degree weather. And never alone. Not only will the heat kill you, that’s when the rattlers are waking up, and the desert is their playground. People from elsewhere have no idea what dangers lie in different areas, just as we wouldn’t know what to watch out for in their homelands. You may be told, but real understanding comes with experience. Glad Claire is okay.
Lol…I go to Josh Tree a lot. It’s typically the California people who are acting ridiculous and have no clue what they’re doing out there. Why do you think Californians have some innate inside know-how when it comes to deserts? I know tons of Californians that have never even seen a desert! The virtue signaling is weird.
Every year someone flies into Phoenix. Hikes up a mountain here in the valley. And dies. Usually while looking the sprawling metropolis below them. If you've never experienced a desert, and just flying in as an adult that oven hot dry air gives you a great energy right up until you realize you neeed AC ASAP.
@@sendthis9480yea but they can gauge the heat and know when they should probably not be out which is something outsiders don’t seem to be able to do from these videos.
I’m so glad Claire made it out alive. I wasn’t sure I would… My pelvis wasn’t merely broken. It was crushed, thanks to being broadsided by a young, drunk, uninsured driver. I also suffered numerous other injuries, but the pelvis was the biggie. At the time, there was nothing that could be done for me, surgically. I was essentially in the hospital for observation, while my body was left to heal itself. I remember being wheeled around the ER on a guerney. Next, I remember waking up in a recovery room from what I believe was exploratory surgery. Later, the surgeon came in for a talk. “We almost lost you three times on the table”, he said. He went on to explain that he did not think I’d live from my most severe injuries. I proved him wrong. He continued, “I didn’t think you’d ever walk again”. Thanks to encouraging nurses, I could, after several days, circle the nurse’s station once with a walker and a nurse for support. I had proven him wrong again. I was nowhere close to being out of the woods yet. It took a team of six nurses to turn me over (amongst blood-curdling screams) twice a day. I had been getting injections of Demerol and Morphine in my thighs for the pain. They were a couple of the uninjured parts of my body, but both thighs soon hardened like stone from the frequent injections. Soon, I was switched to Demerol pills, and taken off the Morphine entirely. When I inquired as to why, one nurse simply smiled, winked, and said, “You were liking it too much.” She didn’t expound on that remark. After twelve days, I was sent to live with my mother again (I was 26), for my 24-hour care. My friends had created a schedule amongst themselves to assist with my rehab and recovery. They had actually been instructed by my nurses. Before I could even stand up on my own, I was taken out to a country/western club. This club had a wooden fence around the dance floor. My friends assisted myself and my walker to a corner of the fence, propped me up until they thought I was secure, then sent every unattached man in the club to dance with me, as part of my recovery. God bless those ladies. Even with all of this attention to my recovery, it was still two years before I could walk, unassisted. It would be an additional two years until I no longer had to lift my left leg with my hands to get that leg and foot into the car. “The car” was a rare 1969 Ford Mustang Grande, which had been hiding in a family friend’s used car lot for years. That car became an incentive and part of my therapy, as it needed week’s worth of deep, detailed cleaning. I got some of my independence back! Thank God it was an automatic. My previous car had been a stick shift. There was no way I could operate a clutch at that point. I guess the point I’m trying to make is, damage to the pelvis is one of the worst injuries known to man (or woman). Safeguard your health and well-being. I wouldn’t wish that recovery on anybody. I apologize if this post seems out of order. Decades later, I am still plagued by the traumatic brain injury I got in the same accident, robbing me of a big chunk of my memory, and daily struggles with basic cognitive function. If you’re wondering, I do not remember the accident at all. One minute, I’m returning my burrito because they had put onions on it. The next, I was in the ER. Health, safety, well-trained nurses, and good, caring friends. I cannot stress the importance of any of those. 💜
As a hiker I love getting out in nature however proper planning goes a long way in this environment. Rattlesnakes are nocturnal primarily in the early morning & dusk into the night, thats when they're hunting, I've seen them in my early morning & dusk hikes and camping in the evenings so you do have to be mindful of that however they never bother me. I live in Arizona (2.5hrs from JTNP) & have been there in various times of the yr & in May it was 100+, the heat is not to be taken lightly. I've done similar backpacking routes in 95+ degree heat with over 7L of water and even with conserving it the best I could while staying properly hydrated, I exhausted all my water supply within 4-5hrs & I had to call it & had a friend pick me up. If you're planning these hikes the heat is much different than the cold, here in Arizona most people aren't hiking starting in May-Oct. Get a Garmin In reach or something like that, its a small price to pay but well worth it when you don't have cell reception.
Glad she survived but holy sheet, who goes hiking alone in such remote areas anyway and not telling anyone where you're going...double edged sword of disaster! Also, did you say that rattlesnakes are not nocturnal? Actually many of them are in very hot climates. They hide out until after dark to come out to hunt prey when it is cooler. The Northern Pacific species in my neck o' the NorCal woods are often out on summer nights and you have to watch your step! I've stumbled over a few on my patio/pool area on warm summer nights!
@@outdoordisasters Love your channel ❤ your voice and narrative are beautiful you are so detailed in your stories,I feel am right there. That is pure talent and can't wait until you hit 100k and you will!!
I have only ever seen one rattlesnake and that was around 2pm on a hot August day in the Sonoran desert in AZ, just cruisin' across the trail a bit ahead of us. I don't have the impression that rattlesnakes care about when we think they should do anything.
After watching several of these stories I am going to get a satellite beacon. I used to think it was only for serious backpacking but Most of these tragedies seem to happen on day hikes.
I’m very familiar with the Joshua tree area and the Mojave desert where I lived for many years. I have spent much time hiking and camping in very remote desert locations. The deserts whether varies beyond belief. Ive been in 125+F in summer and that same location can have relentless wind, cold and snow in the winter. I think Claire is incredibly smart she wasn’t attempting that hike in July/August. I’m glad she had the skills to survive. Whatever amount of water you have planned for any desert adventure, triple it.
im sorry for clarie and what happen to her, but you don leave the trail. joshuas national park, rules, #1, this happen to my g/f at the time 2014, we made a camp, in joshua tree, and the next morning she wanted to go for a walk on the trail, i cant im semi handicapped, so she left. the temp was in the 90's and she left with onoly 3 bottles of water, short pants and loose top, and sandals, i report her missing at 700pm the hunt was on, they from her 4 miles off the trail pathway, and in a old cave, she was found with a broken ankle at 3;00am, the next day i pack up, and she was released so i thought, with a cast on the foot, and was arrested for trespassing, where she stay for 6 weeks in an hospital bed. she was giving 6 months probation. SOME PEOPLE NEVER LEARN! we broke up, and in 2 yrs later she died off the trail in yellowstone national park, killed by a bison, ???????????
Ummmmm…..what?!?!? This isn’t true…AT ALL! 1- Josh Tree has a HUGE area for “off-trail” or “back country” hiking. There is no #1 rule = stay on the trails. In fact…when you ARE off trail, they suggest sticking to washes and slavs. 2- there’s not a single place in Joshua Tree where you can be trespassed. Maybe if she walked about 50 miles to 29 palms onto the base…but that’s about it. There no caves that are off limits. Why are you making things up? Are you just grumpy? Weird thing to lie about. Stop being so salty.
She thought she was on trail. With all respect, there are usually two types that disaster happens. And I am not knocking either. But the 1st is the one that knows the risks and the risk happens. 2nd (and I could find myself in this group), I follow the rules so this will never happen to me. And it happens. She thought she was on the trail. What really hits home for me in this video, is always tell someone where you are going even if it is a popular, everyday hike. You just never know. I've heard this a million times but who thinks this will happen on a simple little 2 hour hike....Thanks!!
Jesus. Your ex had the survival instincts of a lemming. She had no business in public spaces anyway. She treated it like her own rather then everyones. Lots of trauma for that amount of privilege.
Joshua Tree is in the high desert not far from Ontario, CA which is south of Interstate 10. I noted the sign of the park on my way to an L.A delivery. It's a popular hiking spot for people who want to get out of San Diego, Los Angeles or any city immediately near this high desert state park. It's pretty remote. She's very fortunate someone found Claire! I'm so glad they found her! Never go hiking alone. 😥Thank you for the awesome story.
Well, there might be a hiccup in the rattlers not being nocturnal. When I was stationed at Luke AFB in Phoenix we would go out hunting rattlers at night because it was cooler and they were very active. Never found any big western diamondbacks but there was no shortage of sidewinders and mohaves. Both are smallish, usually only about 30 inches. But they were everywhere. And then of course there was scorpions too. I wouldn't want to be immobile because they like the body heat. No thanks.
I love the way you guys put together a story and often get a 1st person perspective of it. Highly recommend you check out Mischief on the Trail. His double amputee story will give you chills and i bet he'd let you interview him! A great story to cover!
A desert hiker or backpacker may complain about carrying a pack which includes over 16 pounds of water (about 8 liters or 2 gallons) at the start of a hike. But, at the end of the second day and the pack is lighter, as water and food are consumed, you begin to wish you had the 50 pounds you started with. A couple of things I've learned over decades of hiking the deserts of Arizona, Nevada, Utah and California is that you never pass up on the opportunity to top off your water containers. Even at stagnant stinky pools or seeps, you trust your filter and purifier and fill up. Sometimes the water will have a slight "green" taste but it will be the sweetest drink you've ever had.
When i tore my acl and mcl in my left knee hunting alone in Virginia when i was 23 years old. My leg swelled up so bad I could hardly walk down the mountain slope i was on the way up and got lost off the trail. I decidedly never hunted or hiked alone again for this reason. Dont do it, simple injuries are multiplied when alone and turn into a majot issue. If someone was with me it would have been a lot easier.
What is truly amazing is someone that has absolutely no wilderness survival skills some how got lucky. I continue to argue with RUclips backpackers really the ultra light clowns. More then one claim a compass is extra weight. I’ve seen stories of people dying because they didn’t know how to make a fire or shelter. One a mother an daughter died with matches an a survival blanket. That just breaks my heart. I always carry a meal snacks an water, fire gear, a poncho, first aid kit. Most of my gear fits in a first aid kit. The trick is to get a few of those survival shelters. Then train with one an always have one on you. They are amazing when needed an weight next to nothing when you don’t. Learn to use a compass. Before going out look at a map. Know the major landmarks. Always have a shoot Azimuth from starting point. Better yet take a class on land navigation, it just might save your life. Know the 10Cs. Container, cover,cutting,cooking, cordage,combustion,compass,cargo tape,cotton bandanna, candling device. This is a guide to help. Many things listed are dual use. Like bandanna I was taught is for signaling an injury like duck tape. Never ever forget a small mirror. I don’t agree with everything Dave Canterbury says but this one is very useful. Everything else is marketing an money grab. If you wanna know why listen to me. First off I’m just trying to help secondly my background is a boyscout until I was 18 then army airborne infantry until becoming a ranger then I was apart of Ranger school. So I’ve trained people for mountain, swamp, an desert environments. Back in those days desert was high desert In Utah. So extremely hot an unbelievably cold. I was with 7th Ranger bat. When Ranger school was moved from Dugway Utah to Mcgregor range NewMexico. I’m very well trained in all the different environments. I’m not someone that’s only been in one local environment. But always listen to locals about things in their area. Never believe you have all the answers, learn to adapt an remember Murphy’s law. May the lord protect and keep you from harm.
I penned an article-size comment on this channels newest post: “A Solitary Death” Posted moments ago. It’s about how younger generations are tackling wilderness adventures and some insights from ground zero (1 mile outside Olympic National Park) as to how changing philosophies may not be to their advantage. This is fixable. But not if we prioritize social niceties over hard truths.
Nice touch adding the sad note about the couple who died in Joshua Tree July 2017. Solo hikers should take a GPS locator... and maybe a drone would be a good idea?
Life controlled by fears - sounds like me. Shame and performance anxiety takes over together with anxiety, guilt and stress, but the worst part is the shame that consumes me from inside and out.
I don,t do the garmin gps or phone but I carry a pen type launcher with flares and bear bangs.....so at least I can signal......and signal several times......4 flares.....6 bear bang cartridges.....loud!
As someone from that area, it is absolutely asinine for someone to hike there, in the hotter months alone. Especially if you aren't from the area. Completely irresponsible.
Went on a trip there with a group of about eight with a guide . Was there for a week and ended up getting lost at night in an area of the park where it’s difficult to get out of with full packs and couldn’t find the right path . because of the steep climb it was sketchy for a bit . Ended up being a 14 hour hike that day into night
When we go to any places that is outdoor and out there with no cell service, we always go in a group for the safety issue in case if something happens. It is more dangerous for a single person alone.
The death to hiker ratio in the US is < 0.01%, though Joshua Tree and going solo increases the risk significantly. So, people tend to underprepare for survival situations like this (e.g., not bringing a GPS tracker or Garmin InReach to press SOS). We can't blame her as this was an extremely unlikely (
So in one of her pictures you showed ,she carried a Garmin InReach on an other hike. If she just had brought it for this hike she could get rescue straight away
I have stopped this video a little past the halfway point and I am so in hopes that Claire will survive! I have to say as I hold out hope of her rescue that this is another excellent video from outdoor disasters! They just keep getting better and I am so thankful that I found this channel! Back to the video and let us see if Claire makes it out of the Joshua Tree park!!!
I'd like to offer a piece of advice gained from personal experience in addition to that already stated. Take an old-fashioned map of the relevant area and make sure you know how to use it. A cheap and simple Silva compass can also be a life saver, provided you know how to use it in conjunction with your map. Have a little self-doubt in your navigational ability and use your nav-aids to confirm your position regularly. Electronic aids like GPS can malfunction or simply run out of charge, a back-up system can save your life.
Good advice. Just recently, I spent time practicing my compass skills. From my campsite, I took a heading to the summit of a small mountain that was maybe 2 miles away. When I got to the top, I could see my campsite and redid my reading back to it. I learned how to use a compass in 1973 while in the Boy Scouts. It's a skill that is really good to have.
I should've made it more clear in the video that Claire had a phone and a standard camera.
I hope you having a great Sunday! Some believe JTNP is some sort of Bermuda triangle with all the people who get lost. Theres also many that have been murdered there as well. Many stories at this park. Working on another video from this park...
You did a fine job. Thanks as always!
JTNP is a Bermuda Triangle in the sense that there are so many disappearances there because there are so many hikers/boaters who go there. More traffic = more disapperances.
Murdered?!
Yes, more JT please. A whistle is a must when hiking alone in particular. Most backpacks have one attached to the strap.
As a woman hiker that has oblivious hiking friends I always do the following for treks 3+ miles or more:
Send my details to the two people that will respond (e g., medical info, car make/model etc.)
Send coordinates
Send pic at the beginning and end of trek
Pack my 17 essentials
Pray before, during, and after a trek
I can’t imagine camping in the desert alone at night with all camp comforts let alone laying there broken and terrified. What a survivor!
I know all of the creepy crawlies come out like scorpions and spiders. lol
I'm literally camping solo in the Mojave National Preserve right now while I watch this
Happy to hear Claire was rescued!! Sorry for all those who've perished in similar circumstances.
me too!
There's just so many too. Going that off trail, where its clearly life threatening
no thanks
Thanks. It sucked being out of water and alone in the desert, but I'm at peace now.
@@primesspct2 Kremers and Ftoon in Panama, same story.
Isn't it funny how people always hate the crowds in these national parks and love it when they are alone on the trail but the moment they get lost or fall and can't move, they pray that another person will just show up? The selfishness of people thinking they are above others until they are not. It is those very humans you try to avoid that set out search and rescue missions for you, including volunteers. Perhaps we should humble ourselfs, be respectful of others and share the road and trails in a kind manner because you never know if you'll be next Claire Nelson.
Well said
Your comment needs 5 million high fives !!!!
Wow you made an excellent point! I get so tired of hearing people ( nomads, hikers) whine about “ too many people being in the park “
They end up sounding to elitist to me !!! Snobs
Insightful point around 14:41 about social media versus stronger connections. Well done video.
Aliluya to all of us regretting this in our final hour!
I'm thankful for you sharing my wife's friends story. Rest in peace Rachel Nguyen and Joseph Orbes. A tragedy 😢. Please prepare yourself if you go in unknown territory even on local hikes.
Will have a video about them two soon.
That was absolutely heartbreaking to envision. RIP to that lovely couple . Hope your wife is doing ok... 🤍
@@outdoordisastersthank you so much for your work and the retelling of these sad stories in respectful manor.
Apologies, let me add my condolences to your wife and all the loved ones of Joesph and Rachel. Currently working on a video about them, and it's so incredibly sad what happened to them. Rachel seemed like such a doll, and it pains me these two amazing young people lost their lives. It's been really emotional working on their video. Seeing Gilbert, Joseph's dad, search for his son was so heartbreaking. I hope I can tell their story with the kindness and respect they deserve.
@@outdoordisasters my wife said thank you! I hope your video saves someone from tragedy. Rachel and Joseph and the families would be grateful for your honoring their memories.
Ironically it was probably her immobility that saved her. Otherwise she may have tried to find her way back and gotten hopelessly lost to all. This is a wonderful story and this lady is incredible to keep up her hope and ration her meager supplies. A wonderful story of bravery! And gorgeous scenery. When the camera does that zoom in from space to three D closeups it takes my breath away. Thank you for this video.
My testicles ascended into my stomach when you showed the graphic of the injury she sustained ...tough lady.
I traveled and lived full time in the Southwest US for many months over the course of two years. I generally sought more remote areas to set up my succession of camps. One of the things I realized from this wonderful experience was the incredible unlikelihood of searchers being able to locate a lone person within the vast landscape, even assuming they had a vague idea of where you might be. The idea of just randomly being spotted by another hiker seems less likely than winning a huge lottery.
The other thing I realized was how it would be virtually impossible for me to relax and enjoy my trip if I didn't have a PLB (Personal locator beacon) with me at all times. It's simply a no-brainer to me. $100 for a device and $12/month subscription cost eliminated almost completely the concern with ending up in a hopeless situation. I wish Outdoor Disasters would emphasize this solution more when they run through their advice for survival in disaster scenarios. An once of prevention and all that.
It has in other videos...
Excellent comments and advice.
So thankful that the current Iphone 14 has an SOS function that works off satellites and does not need cell signal...
If you need an emergency beacon you shouldn't be out there in the first place.
@@BalzarRitchin Sure, because it's impossible for the unexpected to ever happen. You probably leave your hiking boots, sleeping bag, knife and water at home, too. If you need those you shouldn't be out there in the first place. /s
I broke my pelvis mountain biking. It is super painful. I was found the 1st day. I cannot imagine going multiple days without help... I've lost many friends in the mountains. Please be careful people, sometimes you only get one chance.
As a lifelong Joshua Tree NP hiker: *Rattlesnakes ARE nocturnal!* Claire is very lucky to have survived!! Lost Palms Oasis trail is really remote and rugged. And this: 1. Be prepared with the 10 basics, including having a functioning emergency locator beacon and extra batteries 2. Buy and bring and use a paper topo map of the Park. 3. Unless you are deeply experienced and extremely well-prepared for desert hiking and rough conditions, including sun and heat!, stay in the busy parts of the Park, and don't go out into the much more remote and less travelled hikes like lost Palms Oasis. 4. Realize that predicted daytime temps are a lot hotter in the southern areas of the park compared to the higher elevations. 5. Unless you are a true desert rat, don't hike alone (unless you are on one of the very popular, busy and ranger-patrolled hikes like Barker Dam). Still, even true desert rats can have emergencies, 4. Stay on the Trail! 5. Don't hike in the heat of the day, which is about 6 months out of the year. No shade. From May-October, hike only early in the morning or at dusk and please stay on the trail! And, yes, be sure to tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back.
I love to hike but the arid landscapes dont look safe. No wild land is , but its just such a stark environ. I am not a desert rat. LOL Here we have green woods and hills. But the goal is to be protected for whatever landscape you may have to endure.
I’m a desert rat, I live in the Mojave desert and just camped at JTNP with highs of 78 at mid day the sun was brutal not that I’m not use to it but definitely not comfortable for a long hike.
Also 78 in the desert isn’t the same as 78 inland or costal weather.
I’m so happy she got rescued
I just will never understand hiking to such remote places alone and unprepared. even with someone you can get lost and die like the couple at the end. what a horrific way to go. Claire is SO FORTUNATE. 🙏🙏🙏
She was actually on a trail that is popular. It seems she got de-trailed because of the beauty. JTNP is awe-mazing. The couple at the end was calculated, not just in my opinion but others as well.
Your channel is the absolute BEST! Thanks for your efforts in making these videos!!!
Awesome story. I hope the cats that she was watching were okay while was stuck out there for three days.
I was thinking about this too. Glad she’s okay, hope the cats are too.
I was going to say this, but thought I'd check the comments to see if someone else had mentioned it first!
The cats were fine, friends found them. I was worried too!
Jesus. That's what you got from this! The cats! Christ almighty they're cats ffs! They survive anything! Amazing!
@@frankey2356 I was waiting for a dumb comment like yours. Thanks for not letting me down.
Fantastic story! So happy she survived. That must have been incredibly terrifying for all those days alone in the desert. So glad that rescue finally came.
I am so glad you survived girl, you have much more life to come! Go Claire💖💖💖
Incredible story, thank you for sharing this video. 🤗
My son lived there when the couple from Europe died. I think the woman was German the man was involved with the recording industry from the Netherlands? The area to me is gorgeous the colors of the rocks is beautiful. It took me one day to love the area. Was actually thinking of moving there. It is a popular rock climbing area. Most Europeans come in the winter time. Safe if you stay on the trails, bring lots of water,and listen to the rangers. Also, be aware of weather conditions a rain storm can be serious. They found one man after a storm washed quite a distance dead. Dangerous place but go prepared.
As a United States Marine, I was stationed at 29 Palms, just a handful of miles from Joshua Tree National Park. I spent many weekends free climbing (mostly solo) the massive boulders, and I can relate with Claire about finding yourself in a sticky situation. I was fortunate that major injuries were avoided during these excursions. Always carry a small mirror in your kit so you can signal rescue parties, and wear a watch so you can conserve your phone for crisis moments.
Well I’m sure training in the United States Marine Corps has contributed to your preparedness! Just learned something new from your comment. 🦅
A United States marine... terrorist for short !
Terrific suggestions Both of them.
And get a personal location beacon. Like a Garmin InReach for example
@@Word187 Do they always work or are they limited to " if you have a signal"?
I nice this story has a happy ending. I always send my wife, daughter and brother in law a screen shot of the trial I am am taking and what day and time I should be out. In the desert I always bring a sun umbrella and never hike in the summer months. If hiking solo like I do it’s a good idea to carry a GPS device like an In-Reach. I hear people should never hike alone but many of us do not have that option. I am well into my 60s and none of my friends care to do long distance backpacking or for that matter any backpacking. My dog is my companion and best friend now.
Well said
Good point! Many hike alone because they have to.
What about never going into an area where cell phone connection is unavailable for possible necessary distress calls?
@@PakistanIcecream000 That’s not really possible. Mountains equals poor cell service.
If you have to hike alone make sure you have Iridium Extreme or Garmin InReach
I reside a couple of hours away from JTNP and have visited this beautiful park several times. It is a magical place that demands respect and I cannot imagine venturing out into this place alone or during peak heat. Glad she made it out alive. No doubt there were many valuable lessons learned here, for both Claire and the viewers.
I am as well, W Valley in Arizona, even in May that's still not a wise decision to be hiking in that heat, I've been there a few times even in May & it was 100+ brutal
Arizona! Lovely state. You would know all too well how dangerous it can be outdoors, in any heat.
Thanks for covering my back yard! I live in Desert Hot Springs, a town near the park. It is indeed very easy to get lost there, be careful, always have spare provisions, and a battery pack. No, there is no reception but your phones GPS can still be located plus you can take photos and use it as a flashlight.
I've hiked in Joshua Tree and believe it or not, it's very easy to miss the trail !
To embark on a lone hike in a vast wilderness is risky and every precaution should be taken to cope with any disaster that might possibly eventuate. A lesson to be learned here as Claire was so very unprepared. She was lucky to be found that’s for sure.
Agreed. hiking alone with the possibility of sliding and/or falling with a good possibility of serious to critical injury(ies) and/or very limited to no mobility, coupled with no cell phone coverage (and no solid itinerary left with a family member, friend, park ranger, etc) seems to me like a recipe for disaster (as clearly evidenced in this case).
Yes
Yes to both ...see my post on needing Garmin or Iridium with you NO MATTER HOW LITTLE YOU THINK NO NEED !
This one got to me. The ending when she knew she didn't have to fight anymore, that she was saved... it brought chills and tears to my eyes. Thank god she was saved.
I always carry a whistle and a signal mirror, and most of the time in space blanket
Devastated about your injury and the grief you endured. You were blessed with grace from a higher power that had a future mission for you. If you learned anything significant from your ordeal, I’m sure it was to never give up on yourself.
Wishing you blessings for a happy content life.
Great video!! Thank you sooo much!! ❤
I really enjoyed this video. Your voice reminds me of Leonard Nimoy. I mean this as the highest possible compliment.
Wow amazing that she survived
I have been in a similar situation. I inured myself on a mountain in Colorado and hadn't let anybody know where I was going. I wasn't injured as badly as Claire. I made an ill-advised glissade on a very steep snowfield, lost control and crashed into rocks. No broken bones, but I had a deep muscle bruise on my thigh that made it extremely painful to bend my knee a little bit, so it was very slow going getting off the mountain. I managed to get out under my own power, but ended up spending two nights without tent or sleeping bag on what I hand intended as a Saturday day hike. The first night was on a scree slope at over 12,000 feet, and it was very cold. The second night was luxury accommodations by comparison. I had flat ground with grass and a fire. I actually managed to get some sleep. I made it out Monday (Saturday start). Now I always let somebody know where I'm going and when I expect to be out.
I am glad to find out that Claire was rescued. I think that anyone hiking in the wilderness should carry a SPOT or similar device.
I was so glad that Claire was rescued.
I grew up in the Mojave Desert. Rattlesnakes most certainly do come out at night, it's one of the times that they are most active. It's probably a good thing that she didn't know that. Rattlesnakes find thier prey at night by detecting their body heat. Rattlesnakes are active at all times day and night as long as it doesn't get too cold.
Great series! Binge watching.
Awesome! Thank you for watching!
@@outdoordisasters Do you do this professionally? If not, you should! One of the best on You Tube.
@@eurekaelephant2714 Nope, just a hobby. My talents are for you all! Thanks!
@@outdoordisasters Wow! Love it. Thankyou.
l really love the background music you use for this. lt doesnt take away from the seriousness of these ordeals, enhances the beauty of the wilderness and cradles the sadness of the tragedies. Makes the atmosphere of your videos most enjoyable and perfect.
Thank you very much! I love it as well!
So happy that Clare made it ! 🤍🤍🤍
Having listened to many wilderness stories one thing stands out “the human need to be away from civilisation and other people “
When we’re near others part of our mind is always alert for danger, especially in big cities. The feeling of being absolutely ALONE has a certain excitement and relaxation of it’s own. Freedom, relaxation, peace, happiness.
Perhaps the answer is to hire a safe place to be alone
I'm so glad she lived. As I watched, I kept thinking to myself, If she dies, I'm not going to be Ok...😪
I live around SoCal and I've hiked most of the places around here. I avoid hiking in Joshua Tree national park. Although I've been there and looked around, I don't hike it. Mainly for the the reasona that looks like it is pretty easy to get lost in there and I don't like sand/heat either. People die hiking in all sorts of places; please stay on the route and don't do anything foolish. Know the weather and study the trail conditions before you go. Tell someone where you will be and what time you will be back. Always start early to give yourself plenty of time to get back before sunset.
Really fascinating and instructive story. In one of the early pictures in this video , Claire is shown wearing a Garmin device, which should have saved her had she worn it. So glad she made it out alive.
My thoughts exactly! (I need to buy one of those...)
Joshua Tree is my favorite of all national parks. When I was in the army in CA('72-'74), a friend and I would go to JTNP and climb the boulders. We had one close call but we always climbed near roadways (though, back then, you could climb all day and never hear/see another car.
I drove through the park one spring to be entertained by the most stunning blooming desert I've ever seen. Again, I didn't see another car on the trip through the park.
We heard rumors about strange people (some said they were devil worshippers) who would kill you for no reason if you came across them. But people who frequent national parks, deserts, etc. are used to hearing scare stories from kindly folks.
A signal mirror is an excellent tool to attract aviation. But a two dollar whistle Is an excellent tool to catch the attention of people who might be nearby. Sure you can yell but do that for an hour or 10 hours and you’ll be exhausted.
Thank you for another video so soon! I love watching your videos!
Great story. What a life changing event. She is right. We live for ourselves. We don't live for others.
Amazing they found her. Everyone should learn from this Don't go alone to these places and always tell oeople what your plan is.
Thank you!
Another great story, always almost get choked up at these
Glad She made it out. Used to go every where alone until I almost did not make it out alive. Now I never go Alone 😮
From my inexperience, you need to know when you are off the trial and when to backtrack.
The desert trails are sometimes difficult to follow as there isn't a distinct barren path of the trail though such terrain.
Being a mile off the trail is really far. You also need to know how to use a compass, etc., which I don't know either.
I have had difficulties navigating circular trails, and when I think I am lost . . . retreat.
I was so relieved to see that the rescue helicopter spotted her and rescued her. I did notice in one of the pictures at the beginning of the video that she had a Garmin PLB. It is unfortunate that she didn't have it with her when she fell at Joshua Tree.
I don't like to see anyone hurt, lost, or worse. I have a 14ftt solo skiff. I go out in the Florida keys with two friends, or alone, 3 to 4 days a week.And we do 4 camp/Fish trips every year. All of these different hobbies we have. Boating, hiking, mt climbing, skiing, snowboarding etc. It's sad, but i see nothing but people unprepared. "Oh nothing will happen, I'll only be gone for a day" For my love of the ocean, on a small craft. One storage compartment has a ditch bag, with a fully charged cell, two way radio, flare gun, fire arm, bilge pump, my drone, fire starters, food and water. Many other spare batteries, headlamp, dry clothes, a tarp to build shelter. No-one seems to carry a two way radio. These are all light items, that will ensure your survival, waiting for rescue. That equipment is only on my boat, x two on my friends vessels. So we're all prepared. Even planning a one day adventure, should be ready for all these emergencies that pop up, veey quickly. 🙏 🙏
Smart cookie.
Wow, what an awful experience. It’s interesting what you know just by being a native of an area. Southern Californians know the ocean. We know to never ever turn your back to it, and are horrified when we see others do it routinely in the summers. You can be seriously injured by rogue waves. 99.9% of us would also not hike JTNP or in the desert at all, in 90 degree weather. And never alone. Not only will the heat kill you, that’s when the rattlers are waking up, and the desert is their playground. People from elsewhere have no idea what dangers lie in different areas, just as we wouldn’t know what to watch out for in their homelands. You may be told, but real understanding comes with experience. Glad Claire is okay.
Lol…I go to Josh Tree a lot.
It’s typically the California people who are acting ridiculous and have no clue what they’re doing out there.
Why do you think Californians have some innate inside know-how when it comes to deserts? I know tons of Californians that have never even seen a desert!
The virtue signaling is weird.
Every year someone flies into Phoenix. Hikes up a mountain here in the valley. And dies.
Usually while looking the sprawling metropolis below them. If you've never experienced a desert, and just flying in as an adult that oven hot dry air gives you a great energy right up until you realize you neeed AC ASAP.
@@sendthis9480yea but they can gauge the heat and know when they should probably not be out which is something outsiders don’t seem to be able to do from these videos.
The ideal smallest amount for a group should be five. If one person gets hurt, two can stay with the injured and two more can go for help.
Canada geese do this. Three stay with an injured goose. If one dies the two can fly in formation
@@teresacorrigan3076 What? Does the goosebulance show up?
I’m so glad Claire made it out alive. I wasn’t sure I would…
My pelvis wasn’t merely broken. It was crushed, thanks to being broadsided by a young, drunk, uninsured driver. I also suffered numerous other injuries, but the pelvis was the biggie. At the time, there was nothing that could be done for me, surgically. I was essentially in the hospital for observation, while my body was left to heal itself.
I remember being wheeled around the ER on a guerney. Next, I remember waking up in a recovery room from what I believe was exploratory surgery. Later, the surgeon came in for a talk.
“We almost lost you three times on the table”, he said. He went on to explain that he did not think I’d live from my most severe injuries. I proved him wrong. He continued, “I didn’t think you’d ever walk again”. Thanks to encouraging nurses, I could, after several days, circle the nurse’s station once with a walker and a nurse for support. I had proven him wrong again.
I was nowhere close to being out of the woods yet. It took a team of six nurses to turn me over (amongst blood-curdling screams) twice a day. I had been getting injections of Demerol and Morphine in my thighs for the pain. They were a couple of the uninjured parts of my body, but both thighs soon hardened like stone from the frequent injections.
Soon, I was switched to Demerol pills, and taken off the Morphine entirely. When I inquired as to why, one nurse simply smiled, winked, and said, “You were liking it too much.” She didn’t expound on that remark.
After twelve days, I was sent to live with my mother again (I was 26), for my 24-hour care. My friends had created a schedule amongst themselves to assist with my rehab and recovery. They had actually been instructed by my nurses.
Before I could even stand up on my own, I was taken out to a country/western club. This club had a wooden fence around the dance floor. My friends assisted myself and my walker to a corner of the fence, propped me up until they thought I was secure, then sent every unattached man in the club to dance with me, as part of my recovery. God bless those ladies.
Even with all of this attention to my recovery, it was still two years before I could walk, unassisted. It would be an additional two years until I no longer had to lift my left leg with my hands to get that leg and foot into the car. “The car” was a rare 1969 Ford Mustang Grande, which had been hiding in a family friend’s used car lot for years. That car became an incentive and part of my therapy, as it needed week’s worth of deep, detailed cleaning. I got some of my independence back! Thank God it was an automatic. My previous car had been a stick shift. There was no way I could operate a clutch at that point.
I guess the point I’m trying to make is, damage to the pelvis is one of the worst injuries known to man (or woman). Safeguard your health and well-being. I wouldn’t wish that recovery on anybody.
I apologize if this post seems out of order. Decades later, I am still plagued by the traumatic brain injury I got in the same accident, robbing me of a big chunk of my memory, and daily struggles with basic cognitive function.
If you’re wondering, I do not remember the accident at all. One minute, I’m returning my burrito because they had put onions on it. The next, I was in the ER.
Health, safety, well-trained nurses, and good, caring friends. I cannot stress the importance of any of those. 💜
Do you have job
My concern is for the cats. What happened to the animals she was supposed to care for?
They found the cats doing fine with people went to the house looking for Claire
@@outdoordisastersmy girlfriend was also concerned about the cats. Thanks.
My concern is for the mountain cats ...
Broken pelvis is so unbearable, going through it I can’t believe she made it, Bravo kid.
Another well-told story. Thanks.
As a hiker I love getting out in nature however proper planning goes a long way in this environment. Rattlesnakes are nocturnal primarily in the early morning & dusk into the night, thats when they're hunting, I've seen them in my early morning & dusk hikes and camping in the evenings so you do have to be mindful of that however they never bother me. I live in Arizona (2.5hrs from JTNP) & have been there in various times of the yr & in May it was 100+, the heat is not to be taken lightly. I've done similar backpacking routes in 95+ degree heat with over 7L of water and even with conserving it the best I could while staying properly hydrated, I exhausted all my water supply within 4-5hrs & I had to call it & had a friend pick me up. If you're planning these hikes the heat is much different than the cold, here in Arizona most people aren't hiking starting in May-Oct. Get a Garmin In reach or something like that, its a small price to pay but well worth it when you don't have cell reception.
Glad she survived but holy sheet, who goes hiking alone in such remote areas anyway and not telling anyone where you're going...double edged sword of disaster! Also, did you say that rattlesnakes are not nocturnal? Actually many of them are in very hot climates. They hide out until after dark to come out to hunt prey when it is cooler. The Northern Pacific species in my neck o' the NorCal woods are often out on summer nights and you have to watch your step! I've stumbled over a few on my patio/pool area on warm summer nights!
Yeah I thought so about rattlesnakes. But definitely not an expert so I just went with what she said. Thanks for watching!
@@outdoordisasters
Love your channel ❤ your voice and narrative are beautiful you are so detailed in your stories,I feel am right there. That is pure talent and can't wait until you hit 100k and you will!!
I have only ever seen one rattlesnake and that was around 2pm on a hot August day in the Sonoran desert in AZ, just cruisin' across the trail a bit ahead of us. I don't have the impression that rattlesnakes care about when we think they should do anything.
After watching several of these stories I am going to get a satellite beacon. I used to think it was only for serious backpacking but Most of these tragedies seem to happen on day hikes.
I’m very familiar with the Joshua tree area and the Mojave desert where I lived for many years. I have spent much time hiking and camping in very remote desert locations. The deserts whether varies beyond belief. Ive been in 125+F in summer and that same location can have relentless wind, cold and snow in the winter. I think Claire is incredibly smart she wasn’t attempting that hike in July/August. I’m glad she had the skills to survive. Whatever amount of water you have planned for any desert adventure, triple it.
Great story, brave lady.
im sorry for clarie and what happen to her, but you don leave the trail. joshuas national park, rules, #1, this happen to my g/f at the time 2014, we made a camp, in joshua tree, and the next morning she wanted to go for a walk on the trail, i cant im semi handicapped, so she left. the temp was in the 90's and she left with onoly 3 bottles of water, short pants and loose top, and sandals, i report her missing at 700pm the hunt was on, they from her 4 miles off the trail pathway, and in a old cave, she was found with a broken ankle at 3;00am, the next day i pack up, and she was released so i thought, with a cast on the foot, and was arrested for trespassing, where she stay for 6 weeks in an hospital bed. she was giving 6 months probation. SOME PEOPLE NEVER LEARN! we broke up, and in 2 yrs later she died off the trail in yellowstone national park, killed by a bison, ???????????
Ummmmm…..what?!?!?
This isn’t true…AT ALL!
1- Josh Tree has a HUGE area for “off-trail” or “back country” hiking. There is no #1 rule = stay on the trails.
In fact…when you ARE off trail, they suggest sticking to washes and slavs.
2- there’s not a single place in Joshua Tree where you can be trespassed.
Maybe if she walked about 50 miles to 29 palms onto the base…but that’s about it.
There no caves that are off limits.
Why are you making things up?
Are you just grumpy?
Weird thing to lie about.
Stop being so salty.
She thought she was on trail. With all respect, there are usually two types that disaster happens. And I am not knocking either. But the 1st is the one that knows the risks and the risk happens. 2nd (and I could find myself in this group), I follow the rules so this will never happen to me. And it happens. She thought she was on the trail. What really hits home for me in this video, is always tell someone where you are going even if it is a popular, everyday hike. You just never know. I've heard this a million times but who thinks this will happen on a simple little 2 hour hike....Thanks!!
Jesus. Your ex had the survival instincts of a lemming.
She had no business in public spaces anyway. She treated it like her own rather then everyones. Lots of trauma for that amount of privilege.
Wait, what??? Holy cow!
Brother where did you find that girl
Joshua Tree is in the high desert not far from Ontario, CA which is south of Interstate 10. I noted the sign of the park on my way to an L.A delivery. It's a popular hiking spot for people who want to get out of San Diego, Los Angeles or any city immediately near this high desert state park. It's pretty remote. She's very fortunate someone found Claire! I'm so glad they found her! Never go hiking alone. 😥Thank you for the awesome story.
just a great video thank you
Well, there might be a hiccup in the rattlers not being nocturnal. When I was stationed at Luke AFB in Phoenix we would go out hunting rattlers at night because it was cooler and they were very active. Never found any big western diamondbacks but there was no shortage of sidewinders and mohaves. Both are smallish, usually only about 30 inches. But they were everywhere. And then of course there was scorpions too. I wouldn't want to be immobile because they like the body heat. No thanks.
Being raised in the southwest desert Nevada area. -People just don’t understand how unforgiving this area is.
Oh my goodness I was in tears 😢
Sad. And, I went on a solo hike today in searing African heat. I made my way down to the boulders exposed by the dry river. It was just what I needed.
I love the way you guys put together a story and often get a 1st person perspective of it. Highly recommend you check out Mischief on the Trail. His double amputee story will give you chills and i bet he'd let you interview him! A great story to cover!
JTNP is so humbling.
There's so many stories in Joshua tree, it was hard to pick one.
I personally know several people who have underestimated the desert heat…mainly not ample water. Sketchy, but water is heavy.
A desert hiker or backpacker may complain about carrying a pack which includes over 16 pounds of water (about 8 liters or 2 gallons) at the start of a hike. But, at the end of the second day and the pack is lighter, as water and food are consumed, you begin to wish you had the 50 pounds you started with. A couple of things I've learned over decades of hiking the deserts of Arizona, Nevada, Utah and California is that you never pass up on the opportunity to top off your water containers. Even at stagnant stinky pools or seeps, you trust your filter and purifier and fill up. Sometimes the water will have a slight "green" taste but it will be the sweetest drink you've ever had.
When i tore my acl and mcl in my left knee hunting alone in Virginia when i was 23 years old. My leg swelled up so bad I could hardly walk down the mountain slope i was on the way up and got lost off the trail. I decidedly never hunted or hiked alone again for this reason. Dont do it, simple injuries are multiplied when alone and turn into a majot issue. If someone was with me it would have been a lot easier.
What is truly amazing is someone that has absolutely no wilderness survival skills some how got lucky. I continue to argue with RUclips backpackers really the ultra light clowns. More then one claim a compass is extra weight.
I’ve seen stories of people dying because they didn’t know how to make a fire or shelter. One a mother an daughter died with matches an a survival blanket. That just breaks my heart.
I always carry a meal snacks an water, fire gear, a poncho, first aid kit. Most of my gear fits in a first aid kit. The trick is to get a few of those survival shelters. Then train with one an always have one on you. They are amazing when needed an weight next to nothing when you don’t.
Learn to use a compass. Before going out look at a map. Know the major landmarks. Always have a shoot Azimuth from starting point. Better yet take a class on land navigation, it just might save your life.
Know the 10Cs. Container, cover,cutting,cooking, cordage,combustion,compass,cargo tape,cotton bandanna, candling device. This is a guide to help. Many things listed are dual use. Like bandanna I was taught is for signaling an injury like duck tape. Never ever forget a small mirror. I don’t agree with everything Dave Canterbury says but this one is very useful. Everything else is marketing an money grab.
If you wanna know why listen to me. First off I’m just trying to help secondly my background is a boyscout until I was 18 then army airborne infantry until becoming a ranger then I was apart of Ranger school. So I’ve trained people for mountain, swamp, an desert environments. Back in those days desert was high desert In Utah. So extremely hot an unbelievably cold. I was with 7th Ranger bat. When Ranger school was moved from Dugway Utah to Mcgregor range NewMexico. I’m very well trained in all the different environments. I’m not someone that’s only been in one local environment. But always listen to locals about things in their area. Never believe you have all the answers, learn to adapt an remember Murphy’s law. May the lord protect and keep you from harm.
Well said!
Damn ! That was graphic ! I do solo trips locally ! Not in this kind of area ...
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I penned an article-size comment on this channels newest post: “A Solitary Death” Posted moments ago. It’s about how younger generations are tackling wilderness adventures and some insights from ground zero (1 mile outside Olympic National Park) as to how changing philosophies may not be to their advantage. This is fixable. But not if we prioritize social niceties over hard truths.
Nice touch adding the sad note about the couple who died in Joshua Tree July 2017. Solo hikers should take a GPS locator... and maybe a drone would be a good idea?
Ready to watch!!!🎉🎉❤❤
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Life controlled by fears - sounds like me. Shame and performance anxiety takes over together with anxiety, guilt and stress, but the worst part is the shame that consumes me from inside and out.
She’s stronger than most of us
I hope the cat was alright. I would love to find out how she was known to be missing. Her friends weren't back yet from their trip.
I don,t do the garmin gps or phone but I carry a pen type launcher with flares and bear bangs.....so at least I can signal......and signal several times......4 flares.....6 bear bang cartridges.....loud!
As someone from that area, it is absolutely asinine for someone to hike there, in the hotter months alone. Especially if you aren't from the area. Completely irresponsible.
Oh wow, she recorded herself. Save your battery girl.😅
That’s what I was thinking too .
Phone was useless.
Hahahaha
Right??!! Never know when u may need it...maybe doesn't work now, but may need it later.
Haha!
Went on a trip there with a group of about eight with a guide . Was there for a week and ended up getting lost at night in an area of the park where it’s difficult to get out of with full packs and couldn’t find the right path . because of the steep climb it was sketchy for a bit . Ended up being a 14 hour hike that day into night
With no clouds cover and no water this is really an alien world.
How did they find out about the area where she was.
Thats what I'm interested in knowing..
When we go to any places that is outdoor and out there with no cell service, we always go in a group for the safety issue in case if something happens. It is more dangerous for a single person alone.
Poor lady!!! 😢😢😢 what a horrible ordeal
The death to hiker ratio in the US is < 0.01%, though Joshua Tree and going solo increases the risk significantly. So, people tend to underprepare for survival situations like this (e.g., not bringing a GPS tracker or Garmin InReach to press SOS). We can't blame her as this was an extremely unlikely (
Personal locator beacon they are not expensive but life saving!
Goes to show you- always tell people where you’re going
So in one of her pictures you showed ,she carried a Garmin InReach on an other hike. If she just had brought it for this hike she could get rescue straight away
Yes
Whoa- if theyre just large yucca plants…. Can i eat one? 😅
I adore this channel❤❤❤❤
What phone was it? Incredible battery life!
I have 2 extra phone chargers to make sure I can have some power to call the rescue if is need it 🙏
I have stopped this video a little past the halfway point and I am so in hopes that Claire will survive! I have to say as I hold out hope of her rescue that this is another excellent video from outdoor disasters! They just keep getting better and I am so thankful that I found this channel! Back to the video and let us see if Claire makes it out of the Joshua Tree park!!!
I'd like to offer a piece of advice gained from personal experience in addition to that already stated. Take an old-fashioned map of the relevant area and make sure you know how to use it. A cheap and simple Silva compass can also be a life saver, provided you know how to use it in conjunction with your map. Have a little self-doubt in your navigational ability and use your nav-aids to confirm your position regularly. Electronic aids like GPS can malfunction or simply run out of charge, a back-up system can save your life.
Good advice. Just recently, I spent time practicing my compass skills.
From my campsite, I took a heading to the summit of a small mountain that was maybe 2 miles away.
When I got to the top, I could see my campsite and redid my reading back to it. I learned how to use a compass in 1973 while in the Boy Scouts. It's a skill that is really good to have.