Go canyoneering through stunning Arizona desert in VR

On weekdays, David Wallace is a photojournalist for the USA TODAY NETWORK. But on the weekends, he’s an explorer. His hobby, canyoneering, takes him places most people never get to see.

Enter VRtually There, a weekly video series from the USA TODAY network. Using some of the latest state-of-the-art virtual reality technology, they’re giving us a 360 degree first-hand view of the hidden splendor of the Superstition Mountains in Arizona.

Thousands of canyons cut through the sunburned landscape of the Arizona desert, and they’re ripe for exploration. Wallace and his canyoneering buddies Pat Winstanly and Susan Harnage relish the physical and mental challenge. “It requires me to focus my mind, dig deep down inside to be able to hang on to the rock, navigate the terrain, to be able to trust my friends,” says Harnage.

The benefits are almost spiritual. “Water carved out this place over millions of years,” Wallace says. “Being inside these sculpted chambers, cut off from the outside world, has helped me discover myself.”

Check out the sights they’re rewarded with after nine hours, 10 rappels and baths in freezing water. It’s pretty spectacular.

Check out the full video below, which also includes a screaming thrill ride through roller coaster history. To get the epic 360 degree experience, download the USA TODAY app and search for the video in the “Virtual Reality” section, or view the video below in your phone’s YouTube app. Subscribe to VRtually There on YouTube for future episodes.