This trail is a death trap

20:51 Mr west

Your videos are so good that they actually distracted me from using for about a week and was able to get clean. I am now almost a year clean and your videos have distracted me and help me in so many ways. Thank you

Rules of Thumb: 1. Never leave the trail. 2. Never think you can win a battle with the elements, or nature.

John's infuriating stubbornness ended up saving two lives in exchange for his own. In my eyes he's an unintentional hero, may he rest in peace.

One of my favorite I shouldn't be alive episodes. I still can't believe Gina and Brendon were on a paid trip and the person in charge just ignored the headcount being off by two.

"This was going to be his first hike after retirement" - Never do anything immediately before or after retiring, that's when you are most vulnerable to plot death.

i miss the days when i could binge watch MrBallen videos. now that i’m all caught up i have the same anticipation of waiting for the next episode as when i watch my favorite tv shows 😂😂

My mother always used to tell me, if you get lost, stay where you are, it'll make it easier for you to be found. The other lessons here are: 1. Don't leave the trail, EVER (unless too dangerous to stay) 2. Always make sure you have a way of contacting people and vice versa.(even if it's just a pencil and paper) 3. Always make sure to take note of weather conditions and dress appropriately 4.Never go alone 5. No matter how smart or capable you think you are, you still are prone to making stupid decisions. 6. Take some bright strips of material or ribbons to tie to trees and bushes along your route so you can find your way back. 7. Let loved ones know where you are going, when you are going, when you hope to be back and when to call the authorities if you don't return in a reasonable amount of time.

I feel like John is the definition of a reckless hiker. He knew about the storm and kept going like he had a death wish

I’m finishing a9-mile hike listening to this story. My tactic for never losing my way…staying on the treadmill.

It's Crazy how many times that John was stopped and warned about moving forward, it's as if the universe itself tried to save him but sadly John never paid attention until it was too late

Remember, all of the bodies on Mount Everest were once incredibly motivated people. Learn when to quit. While yes you can do everything, there's always a time and place for it

This is actually good advice in general that I never thought about before… If you’re hiking somewhere, never go down a trail or ledge that you can’t get back up. You never know when you need to retrace your steps.

i like the dude's attitude at the end: "you think i'm trapped here with you nature? no no, youre trapped here with me" [sets forest on fire]

When you go hiking in places you’re unfamiliar, always, ALWAYS look backwards, see your trail and plan your route home. The trail out looks remarkably different from the trail out. Look back at every direction change or when you’ve moved past your last landmark. Never failed me. Been in the mountains my whole life and learned that one early on.

John: my hiking was all skill John: slips down icy slope and his pants saves him John: calls them his lucky pants

I’m a tram operator, never expect the operator or guide to know you’re missing. A ton of people like to hike down. So if you don’t get on when you are supposed to, you are an assumed hiker. Just don’t expect all tram workers to rush or heard you back when it’s time to leave. Know the tram schedule and always always always know when the last tram going down is. And always check the weather 😉

I was a park ranger at San Jacinto National Park when this event occurred, this retelling of the story is an accurate representation. I was on the trails warning hikers of the upcoming late season storm, and I was in contact with many of the hikers mentioned in this story, John included. RIP.

John Donovan's insistence on going on that ill-fated hike served the purpose of saving 2 people's lives exactly 1 year later . Isn't that amazing how good can come from utter despair and tragedy.

Few of us will get as many warnings as John did before meeting our maker. I would’ve been absolutely furious with him had I known him. As for the other 2, I’m glad Brandon’s resourcefulness and determination paid off. Hopefully these stories will serve as a warning not to play fast and loose with life and death, especially if you’re not prepared for the consequences.