Friends Hiking Through Canyon Make Terrifying Realization: 'Let's Go'

A video of hikers suddenly making a dash for it while exploring a canyon has gone viral on TikTok. The clip from @adamv2093 has garnered 3 million views since it was posted on May 19. According to a later comment by the original poster, the video was captured at the Bluejohn Canyon in Utah, which was made famous in the film 127 Hours, a biographical drama based on the real-life story of canyoneer Aron Ralston, who was trapped in the canyon after his arm got stuck underneath a boulder. A message overlaid on the video reads: "The moment we realized we were f%#*^d." The footage shows a man wearing a backpack walking through the canyon. He asks, "Is that rain?" while putting his hand against the rock face to feel for any droplets. Footsteps can be heard in the backdrop of the clip as he says, "I was right." He then suddenly says, "Let's go," and the clip abruptly ends. A caption shared with the post reads: "We literally sprinted the entire rest of the canyon and climbed out the side."

Canyoneering Safety Risks, Warnings

Canyoneering involves exploring a canyon using various techniques, from hiking and climbing to scrambling and sliding. The sport can be dangerous because of the risk of flash floods, which are caused by storms that are miles away and may be life-threatening. The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) warns: "During a flash flood, the water level rises quickly, within minutes or even seconds. A flash flood can rush down a canyon in a wall of water 12 feet high or more." Canyon visitors are advised to be aware of weather and flash flood forecasts before their trip, speaking to park rangers at park visitor centers about the most current conditions, weather forecasts and flash flood potential ratings. "If bad weather threatens, do not enter a narrow canyon," the NPS says.

Flash floods can happen at times when they're not expected. The NPS explains: "When the National Weather Service states that there is a 30 percent chance of rain, they are not stating that there is a 30 percent chance that it will rain. They are stating that 30 percent of the forecast area will be affected by measurable precipitation." Visitors are advised to look out for the following signs of a possible flash flood, as outlined by the NPS: • Any deterioration in weather conditions
• Buildup of clouds or sounds of thunder
• Sudden changes in water clarity from clear to muddy
• Floating debris
• Rising water levels or stronger currents
• Increasing roar of water up the canyon The NPS says: "If you observe any of these signs, seek higher ground immediately. Even climbing a few feet may save your life. Remain on high ground until conditions improve. Water levels usually drop within 24 hours." It continues: "Despite the forecast, flooding is possible at any time, and floods have occurred on days they were not expected. A possible or probable flash flood potential should be a serious cause for concern."

'Start Running'

TikTok users praised the man's quick reaction to run out of the canyon. Myles Richardson wrote: "I want the 'lets go' guy with me in the apocalypse. Zero hesitation to make the correct decision." User 0000 said: "Survival skill 100%." Hijipril wrote: "The que to start running," and Zreknuks Andersen said: "The correct response!" Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. The video has not been independently verified. Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com and your story could be featured in Newsweek.