What was your favorite part of the video? I just couldn't get over that drive leading into Grand Junction from the Naturita area (Highway 141). The footage really didn't do it justice. As always, you can check out the online store at KamchatkaGear.com to get your SUV RVing stickers or to pick up some accessories for your SUV camping, vandwelling, overlanding, or car camping adventures.
Just watched this video ....endless amazing scenary wonderful light off the stone. I been to US a few times, but obviously the wrong parts. It's an excuse to go back I think. Great vid
Yeah, the flume was super cool. I would have loved to rappel down and check it out in person, but I didn't have any of my climbing gear with me. Where are you going to be at the start of April? I don't know if you'll still be in Buena Vista, but I'll be passing through the San Juans and Grand Junction and probably Moab again if you're in the area.
My favorite part was your authentic ease at not knowing or having a plan for what to do next. I found it very zen. We talk a lot in our home about sitting with the discomfort of the unknown and being at peace with it. A large part of adventure is having the freedom to choose in the moment what to do or not to do. I liked the way you explored your feelings around hiking and climbing and checked in with your body and followed your intuition. Sometimes what we call "lazy" is actually needed rest and relaxation. Believe me, I get it. On any given day I would rather be in nature than be in bed "resting" but it's the adventures we take within that help us most appreciate the adventures without. Thanks for sharing your journey!
I couldn't say it better myself. There's a balance I try to strike between having things too planned out and not planned out enough. Sometimes I fall off to one side and sometimes off to the other, but it's fun either way. Thanks for watching and commenting :)
I did some of that same route (Phoenix, 4 Corners, Durango, HWY#141 to Fruita, 139/40 to Vernal, 191/28 to Lander, 20/16 to Buffalo, WY) Late Sept. 2017. I agree "Spectacular". Like you, I couldn't stop saying "how great this drive is." Late summer the roads were EMPTY and the feelings of "Classic American West Road Trip" were overwhelming. We live in a Big and Beautiful country. Thanks for showing it off of others to enjoy. :)
Thanks Frank. It really is incredible how much there is to see. And the more I see, the more I realize there is to see, and the more I want to see and do on future trips! It's a vicious cycle :)
This brings back memories. I was traveling in the opposite direction. At Colorado NM I found myself following a convoy of antique cars that was either in no rush or couldn't go any faster. It forced me to relax and take in view instead of my usual hurrying. I really enjoyed the drive down 141, including the flume. I camped on a mesa above Nucla but was chased off by a very violent thunderstorm that I feared would wash out the road. Exciting times.
Just looking at this video I think the favorite part of this particular video was the fact you are in the middle of no where and how did you sleep? Did anyone come and bother you? How's the temperature and the peacefulness... I love the fact that you record it going through the mountains I think that is a wonderful sight even though I was in Colorado Springs colorado and visited quite a few places I haven't been where you're at I need to go and pay it a visit one day
I slept great! Nope, no one bothered me. I don't remember exactly, but I think the temperatures were pretty reasonable at nighttime. And I haven't explored Colorado nearly as much as I'd like to. I'll be back, for sure. Thanks Love Mind!
I was glad to see the drive north to Grand Junction, I lived in Colorado--Denver area, but never did much on the western side of the state. I agree that the area closer to GJ resembles the area along the Colorado River north of Moab. I enjoyed the Monument footage as well. The Napalese food buffet looked like a winner, I used to frequent a Pakistani buffet in Boulder--gotta have good food at least once on a wilderness hiking trip, great choice. I too would like to live in the Grand Junction area simply for it's great proximity to diverse terrain. Keep up the good work.
I live right near that Nepalese restaurant, it was enjoyable to watch you visit a lot of my haunts.......there are a ton of things to do around Grand Junction.....hiking rafting/kayaking/ climbing. Awesome climbs on Sunday Wall(that granite section you were in before Unaweep Canyon). Rattlesnake arches is nearby, it's the largest collection of natural arches outside out Arches Ntl Park.
Next time you're exploring western Colorado try going north on Highway 145 also known as the San Juan Skyway. It's been designated as one of the most scenic drives in America. It loops through the most beautiful mountains in the country. Starting down in Cortez near Mesa Verde through Dolores, Rico,Telluride, Placerville, Ridgeway, Ouray ,Silverton, Durango, Mancos then back to Cortez.
I’m just watching this vid for the first time now, 3 years later, and I need to pause here and thank you for your honesty about your anxiety/reticence for being around people. I am much the same way. Someone asked you how you know if you are trespassing when you choose a campsite, and I am very curious about this. (There was no answer to that question) As a woman who travels alone, this is often a sticking point for me, more, perhaps, than it might be for a man, and I do hope it’s a question you might answer.
Tristan, really enjoyed the scenic drive. I enjoy scenic road trips myself. I do several day trips with my wife and 3 pups. We'll pack a lunch and just take off. Excellent adventures. That was some beautiful scenery and a great campsite at the end. Looking forward to what you decided to do the next day. Enjoyed the video. Davin
I'm still watching your older videos, a rainy day here over by Lassen Volcanic Park. Trying to catch up watching all your videos, just discovered you a couple weeks ago, but this is exactly what I like to see. I have hiked and mountain biked all around my area, back in 2002-2006,I have limitations now, so this brings back the feeling of being out there alone (with my dog) and keeping my camper truck and trailer stashed in the forest.
Thanks Judy! I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. I know I like to watch other people's videos on rainy days and when I otherwise can't get outside, so I love hearing that people are doing the same with my vids.
Thanks Judy! I'm glad you like my style. It's not for everyone, but I make the kinds of videos that I wished existed before I started making them. I appreciate you watching and commenting.
Great video, Tristan! Colorado National Monument is a great place; it's one of a couple places in the Mountain West (outside of Mexican Hat, UT, is the other one) where geologic faults are so very obvious. Thanks for including it!
Those canyon were amazing. One thing I like about your channel is that I get to see areas that I probably would not otherwise go to. But now I would. I can understand wanting to camp alone. Nothing worse than having someone camp near you, then they want to chat. : (
That’s interesting....I would not walk that walk way especially carrying water. That drive is so beautiful..Again the drive is just breath taking. I love the sun shinning above you my son use to fly into Grand Junction regularly. But he didn’t get to tour at all it was where he flew in and left from ..as a pilot. It looks like Grand Canyon just so so beautiful. I absolutely love independence monument. It’s so beautiful and open... love the camp sites you find amazing. I loved the whole video. Ty
People didn't walk on the flume. It was basically a hanging canal on the side of the canyon. But still, people had to build that thing up there. Crazy. Grand Junction is a great city. Well, the city itself is good enough, but the landscape around the city is amazing. Thanks Chris Tina!
More great ideas for my own future travels in that stunning part of the US. As usual, thanks for sharing -- and kudos for consistently and thoughtfully taking the time to reply to your commenters over the last year.
Thanks Ted. I really enjoy getting comments and replying to them, and I've never understood why other TH-camrs don't respond. At the size that my channel is currently at, it takes only a few minutes a day. I'll keep doing it for as long as I can.
Thank you for the videos, you give me the bug to go and explore this beautiful country that we live in! I have saved some of your videos for reference, because they look like places I would love to explore myself. Thank you for sharing Your experiences
I love this part of Colorado though my home is 1200 miles away. My great great uncle was John Otto who you noted as the first to climb Independence Monument. He was an eccentric who loved his solitude in the rugged western landscape and he campaigned local and federal officials to establish this area as a national monument. He was also the monument's first superintendent putting in some of the first trails of the new park. However his 'eccentricities' (mental health??) were a bit much for most people, apparently and he ended up moving on and out of California. I enjoy your pictures of your previous climb up Independence Rock and the information about Otto's climb. Interesting that some of his original drill holes are now used as climber handholds today - didn't know that. Love your channel!
No way. Huh. Small world! That particular climb I did is called Otto's Route. Very cool historical climb. There's some other place I read about in the monument that he also carved steps or hammered pipes into, but I forget what it's called. I'll check it out the next time I'm there. Thanks Tim!
I live in Singapore (expat kiwi teacher), I've travelled a little in west USA and love it, and what I like most about your videos is the scenery and hearing your comments about the scenery and I am more than happy with the driving vids like this one. Thanks for them. Jill
I love Singapore. I could definitely see myself living there at some point in the future... assuming I could afford it! It's great to hear that you love the western US too. To me, there are few things better than having a full tank of gas and having the desert to explore. Thanks for watching and commenting, Jillian.
Great video. I lived in that area (Norwood, CO) for many years and often drove Unaweep Canyon . It is an almost unknown gem, as you discovered. You are mispronouncing "Naturita" - when I moved down there the locals quickly taught me that it is properly pronounced gnat-ur-rita instead of natch-ur-rita.
I like the drives Tristan, they are amazing. Nothing wrong with a scenic drive like that. Funny thing, I think maybe I have a bit different attitude re: other people on hikes, and it has to do with my age (I'm 70). I like a pretty quiet hike with *almost* nobody else, but I feel better if I see 1-4 other hikers in a few hours. I guess I figure if something happens I could get help, So I think I've lost some of my feeling of being immortal. Too bad. :) Very nice while it lasted I think. (Thinking about a PLB or related).
I enjoyed watching the driving footage as the clips reminded me of past road trips to Moab. I definitely need to check out the drive to Grand Junction as well as Colorado National Monument. Thanks for recording and sharing this trip!
I'm from MI and of course, the wide open spaces and mountains of the west always looks incredible. I'm checking out your channel because I'm considering taking my Durango SUV to the SW during next winter for a month or two. I have a Class C, but 2500 miles 1 way would be a stretch. SUV would give me more access options. Cheers!
You should definitely do it! Every state has beautiful scenery and interesting things to see, but you just can't beat the Southwest. It's world-class scenery. Let me know if you have any questions about camping/traveling in your SUV.
I enjoyed it all. I'm contemplating full-time and your videos give me peeks into what that might entail, including the random stops and contemplation of "What next?". Beyond that, having knees damaged by too much Spring skiing it's unlikely I'll personally do the hiking you do so I'm enjoying vicariously the out of the way places I'm unlikely to otherwise see. I'm more of a forests and meadows person myself and, though your own thrall with the drier environment is plain, in watching these I have confirmation that it's the trees I need. I do very much enjoy the background information you include and appreciate the research that goes into it.
The desert definitely isn't for everyone. I don't know if it's something that's an acquired taste or if it's something that either you love or you don't. But it's my favorite area to be in. There's definitely nothing wrong with forests and meadows. I love those too. But I just feel like there are so many nooks and crannies to explore in the desert, and I love being able to see for miles in every direction without trees blocking the view. Thanks for watching, Kathryn!
SUV RVing Maybe that's a difference. While I do love a far distance view those nooks and crannies are where I find peace and with trees I can have that regardless of the terrain.
That drive heading into Grand Junction was stunning, I had no idea about that part of Colorado.. it's beautiful all the scenery was just gorgeous.. thank you for sharing!
It's hard to 'get away from it all' when everyone else is doing the same thing! That was my favorite part of the vid. So relatable!!! I live along the Wasatch Front, but I found your channel b/c I was looking for car camping ideas. (2011 Kia Sorento) Hope you made it home safely.
Hi Jeanette. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Let me know if you have any questions about camping in your Sorento. I live in Ogden. I'm a fair-weather creature and am not happy about the snow we've gotten these last few days!
My favorite parts of this video we're all of it.Whatever interests you is fine whith me.All of the obscure back country of the West and particularly the southwest are my special interests.I like the small Western towns as well, so don't neglect them . Thanks
For me, the towns are only mildly interesting, so I don't cover them in too much depth in my videos. But you can bet I'll continue to share the obscure backcountry of the west and southwest!
My favorite part is when you post the latitude and longitude and I look up on google maps to see exactly where you are/were in the video. This summer, I plan on going to a music festival in Telluride and now I want to drive up to Colorado National Monument on that same highway. Thanks for the great ideas!
I like to do the same thing whenever I see other people post coordinates. If you didn't know, you can always go to SUVRVing.com and look at the blog post for each new video. I have the GPS coordinates linked directly to Google Maps, so you can just click on them and go directly to the map without having to copy and paste. Telluride is stunning. You should definitely stop by Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. It's crazy. You're just driving along through flat sagebrush country and then all of sudden you run up against this dark, enormous, mile-deep gash in the earth. Pretty amazing place. Thanks Karen!
My favorite part was definitely the Dolores River Canyon. I have been considering kayaking that river so if you ever do, please show a video of it too.
I don't blame you!!! You Need to do what makes you comfortable! Your smart to Do that, I think. I know, my self. If I do some thing I know I will be uncomfortable I will regret It !
hey new fan here! I live in Gateway and if you ever come back i can defs show you around and give you a history lesson. i do recommend going up John Brown road, totally worth it!
Love your videos brother. Like how you were talking about your short list of places you would like to live. I would love to go around and see the country like you to get a list of my own going, feel like there is so much beauty to america that most never get to see. At least there's your channel! Best wishes
Thanks James. There are a couple of other places on the list that I didn't mention, but those are the main ones. Basically I like the high-elevation desert environment, where summers are hot (but not like Phoenix or Las Vegas hot), and winters are cold but usually not too snowy. I'm OK with cold, but I hate the snow.
The drive was amazing! I know you probably think I'm nuts, but I love looking at the rock formations and see what they remind me of....like one reminded me of a hand, another some sort of face. LOL Loved your campsite, too. Thanks for sharing!
I live in Grand Junction and have a family ranch in Paradox CO so I've driven that a zillion times. Always beautiful and you described it perfectly. They don't know if Unaweep was carved out by the Colorado or Gunnison River before the river changed direction.
Be honest, I like your video more and more. The geologic/petrological stories of the West are unfolding through your introduction in depth. That's what I like to know. Thank you.
Wow, the red sandstone canyon was just gorgeous! I would definitely have hit up that Nepali restaurant. I love ethnic foods! OMG Those pictures of you rock climbing the monument were SO scary - heights freak me out!
I'd definitely go out of my way just to eat at that Nepali restaurant! So good. Heights definitely aren't for everyone, but I love them. I think there are a few things as beautiful as being up on the side of a cliff and having nothing all around you. Thanks Joan!
I'm always amazed that you manage to find locations that are devoid of crowds or have hardly any people at all! This includes the paved roads. It's great! Just a note of curiosity, what is the ground clearance of your vehicle?
It's pretty easy to find uncrowded places. Basically just avoid national parks and go far away from cities, and you'll find places you can have all to yourself. I believe my RAV4 has 7.5 inches of clearance.
Added to my list, breathtaking drive and yeah does look like from France. Yummy food place, bonus! :) Wow, had no idea all that was there in Grand Junction. I've stopped by quickly on different road trips but never explored, will have to go back.
Grand Junction is great! I can't wait to go back. Check out the website gjhikes.com and look at all of the hones in the Grand Junction area. TONS to do. Thanks Tina.
The thing that caught my attention is your plans to move away from Ogden. To me, Ogden is an excellent central location for SUV RVing and has probably more trail networks than anywhere in the country as I know you really enjoy hiking. You are an hour away from the Unitas that has more dirt roads and boondocking and hiking then you could possibly do in a lifetime. I hope before you leave you will explore and do more videos around the greater Ogden area.
Honestly, I think Ogden is a great place. I've also lived in Provo and Salt Lake, and Ogden is by far my favorite city along the Wasatch. But I don't like winter. Or more specifically, I don't like snow (the cold I'm okay with). So I want to move to a more desert environment. I'm a desert rat at heart. We're actually thinking now of moving to Moab if we can swing it. I've spent a lot of time in the Wasatch, and I'd like to move closer to ranges that I haven't explored as much. I've climbed something like 16 of the 22 Wasatch's 11,000-foot peaks. I've climbed all of the mountains around Ogden multiple times and via multiple routes. I've climbed most of the major mountains between Logan and Santaquin. I will agree that the Uintas are incredible. I've climbed I think 12 of the 19 13,000-foot peaks in the Uintas and a bunch of smaller peaks, though you're right in saying that there's more than a lifetime of adventures to be had there. The problem is that you can really only go there from June to October (if you're like me and don't like soft, deep snow). I moved to Ogden because my girlfriend's (now fiancee's) family was here, but we also want to get away from them and be by ourselves. Don't worry, I've done a lot of exploration of this area. I just haven't filmed it. I'll definitely do some Uintas videos this summer, though.
How did you know you weren't on private land? I have yet to boondock, but youtube videos like yours have made me more interested. I have a Senior Pass, and I've only stayed in National Forest and BLM campgrounds so far. Thank you for all you do.
Because my map indicated that it was public land. And if it were private, there would have been a proper gate with a lock and no trespassing signs. The kind of fence that was there is common on public lands.
Loving this video. have a queston. When you stop and camp at places , do you ever or sometimes get a knock on your window during the night by someone saying .... private property? I think my only fear of parking anywhere is getting woke up ;in the night with someone knocking on my window and getting scared of who or why. .... and, what is the "map" you use to tell if it's public or private land?
Nope, I've never once had a knock on my window at night. I use state atlases to find chunks of public land (national forest and BLM land), and then I drive around those areas until I find a campsite.
When you came across the closed gate on the dirt road and you opened it and went through it, how did you know that was not private land and that you were able to go through the gate and camp on the other side? Are you concerned about landowners making you move?
Gates like that are common on public lands. They're a cheap way to make a gate and to keep cattle in. If it were private, there would be plenty of No Trespassing sings and a real gate with a lock on it. I could also tell by looking at my map that this was most likely public land.
Silly, but liked the gold flume. It’s just the type of randomness that I watch your videos for. I get the Colorado monument sentiment. Tried twice and didn’t really find much solitude. Btw the gaia app worked terrific. Took it on a few hikes and worked like a champ. Do you have the premium? 20$ or 40$ one?
The flume was super cool! I really enjoyed seeing that. Glad the Gaia app worked well for you. I paid for the app at some point in the past-$10 or $20, whatever it cost-but I haven't paid for anything since then.
I liked seeing the deer too. The day before, I saw a huge herd of bighorn sheep, but I wasn't fast enough on the camera draw to get a video of them. Thanks for watching and commenting, Linda.
I didn't see any snakes this particular day, but I saw two the day before and one the day after, so yes, there are plenty of snakes in the area. Definitely something you don't see in New Zealand, I suspect, unless they hitched a ride from Australia...
It's doing well. I just finished up with my last physical therapy visit on Thursday, though I still need to do it on my own at home. It doesn't hurt anymore, though occasionally it'll ache if I've been doing a lot of physical activity. I've gone on a handful of hikes and haven't had any problems. So far, so good.
That Flume was really cool and def invokes brave Workmen risking (and probably some losing) their lives so long ago. Hanging Flume Wikipedia... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanging_Flume
What was your favorite part of the video? I just couldn't get over that drive leading into Grand Junction from the Naturita area (Highway 141). The footage really didn't do it justice. As always, you can check out the online store at KamchatkaGear.com to get your SUV RVing stickers or to pick up some accessories for your SUV camping, vandwelling, overlanding, or car camping adventures.
SUV RVing how do you know that you're not trespassing?
Just watched this video ....endless amazing scenary wonderful light off the stone. I been to US a few times, but obviously the wrong parts. It's an excuse to go back I think. Great vid
The river views were amazing
The red rock canyon was beautiful
That hanging flume on the side of the canyon is awesome! I need to spend more time in that area of ColoRADo. Awesome video, Tristan!
Yeah, the flume was super cool. I would have loved to rappel down and check it out in person, but I didn't have any of my climbing gear with me. Where are you going to be at the start of April? I don't know if you'll still be in Buena Vista, but I'll be passing through the San Juans and Grand Junction and probably Moab again if you're in the area.
My favorite part was your authentic ease at not knowing or having a plan for what to do next. I found it very zen. We talk a lot in our home about sitting with the discomfort of the unknown and being at peace with it. A large part of adventure is having the freedom to choose in the moment what to do or not to do. I liked the way you explored your feelings around hiking and climbing and checked in with your body and followed your intuition. Sometimes what we call "lazy" is actually needed rest and relaxation. Believe me, I get it. On any given day I would rather be in nature than be in bed "resting" but it's the adventures we take within that help us most appreciate the adventures without. Thanks for sharing your journey!
I couldn't say it better myself. There's a balance I try to strike between having things too planned out and not planned out enough. Sometimes I fall off to one side and sometimes off to the other, but it's fun either way. Thanks for watching and commenting :)
I did some of that same route (Phoenix, 4 Corners, Durango, HWY#141 to Fruita, 139/40 to Vernal, 191/28 to Lander, 20/16 to Buffalo, WY) Late Sept. 2017. I agree "Spectacular". Like you, I couldn't stop saying "how great this drive is." Late summer the roads were EMPTY and the feelings of "Classic American West Road Trip" were overwhelming. We live in a Big and Beautiful country. Thanks for showing it off of others to enjoy. :)
Thanks Frank. It really is incredible how much there is to see. And the more I see, the more I realize there is to see, and the more I want to see and do on future trips! It's a vicious cycle :)
This brings back memories. I was traveling in the opposite direction. At Colorado NM I found myself following a convoy of antique cars that was either in no rush or couldn't go any faster. It forced me to relax and take in view instead of my usual hurrying. I really enjoyed the drive down 141, including the flume. I camped on a mesa above Nucla but was chased off by a very violent thunderstorm that I feared would wash out the road. Exciting times.
Can’t believe the scenery just unbelievable
Just looking at this video I think the favorite part of this particular video was the fact you are in the middle of no where and how did you sleep? Did anyone come and bother you? How's the temperature and the peacefulness... I love the fact that you record it going through the mountains I think that is a wonderful sight even though I was in Colorado Springs colorado and visited quite a few places I haven't been where you're at I need to go and pay it a visit one day
I slept great! Nope, no one bothered me. I don't remember exactly, but I think the temperatures were pretty reasonable at nighttime. And I haven't explored Colorado nearly as much as I'd like to. I'll be back, for sure. Thanks Love Mind!
I was glad to see the drive north to Grand Junction, I lived in Colorado--Denver area, but never did much on the western side of the state. I agree that the area closer to GJ resembles the area along the Colorado River north of Moab. I enjoyed the Monument footage as well. The Napalese food buffet looked like a winner, I used to frequent a Pakistani buffet in Boulder--gotta have good food at least once on a wilderness hiking trip, great choice. I too would like to live in the Grand Junction area simply for it's great proximity to diverse terrain. Keep up the good work.
You are so laid back your videos take my breath away
I live right near that Nepalese restaurant, it was enjoyable to watch you visit a lot of my haunts.......there are a ton of things to do around Grand Junction.....hiking rafting/kayaking/ climbing. Awesome climbs on Sunday Wall(that granite section you were in before Unaweep Canyon). Rattlesnake arches is nearby, it's the largest collection of natural arches outside out Arches Ntl Park.
Next time you're exploring western Colorado try going north on Highway 145 also known as the San Juan Skyway. It's been designated as one of the most scenic drives in America. It loops through the most beautiful mountains in the country. Starting down in Cortez near Mesa Verde through Dolores, Rico,Telluride, Placerville, Ridgeway, Ouray ,Silverton, Durango, Mancos then back to Cortez.
I've driven that road before. It's great! 👍
I’m just watching this vid for the first time now, 3 years later, and I need to pause here and thank you for your honesty about your anxiety/reticence for being around people. I am much the same way.
Someone asked you how you know if you are trespassing when you choose a campsite, and I am very curious about this. (There was no answer to that question) As a woman who travels alone, this is often a sticking point for me, more, perhaps, than it might be for a man, and I do hope it’s a question you might answer.
Tristan, really enjoyed the scenic drive. I enjoy scenic road trips myself. I do several day trips with my wife and 3 pups. We'll pack a lunch and just take off. Excellent adventures. That was some beautiful scenery and a great campsite at the end. Looking forward to what you decided to do the next day. Enjoyed the video. Davin
Thanks Davin. There's definitely nothing wrong with a good scenic drive. The next video is one of my favorites, so stay tuned :)
I'm still watching your older videos, a rainy day here over by Lassen Volcanic Park. Trying to catch up watching all your videos, just discovered you a couple weeks ago, but this is exactly what I like to see. I have hiked and mountain biked all around my area, back in 2002-2006,I have limitations now, so this brings back the feeling of being out there alone (with my dog) and keeping my camper truck and trailer stashed in the forest.
Thanks Judy! I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. I know I like to watch other people's videos on rainy days and when I otherwise can't get outside, so I love hearing that people are doing the same with my vids.
Lovely video, love your style, so calm and gentle and peaceful. Wonderful views, great video making.
Thanks Judy! I'm glad you like my style. It's not for everyone, but I make the kinds of videos that I wished existed before I started making them. I appreciate you watching and commenting.
Great video, Tristan! Colorado National Monument is a great place; it's one of a couple places in the Mountain West (outside of Mexican Hat, UT, is the other one) where geologic faults are so very obvious. Thanks for including it!
Those canyon were amazing. One thing I like about your channel is that I get to see areas that I probably would not otherwise go to. But now I would.
I can understand wanting to camp alone. Nothing worse than having someone camp near you, then they want to chat. : (
It was all so stunning! Driving through Delores would be my fave.
That drive was so much fun. I had to remove 3 or 4 additional "This drive is amazing!" exclamations from the video!
Loved it! It's like being in the passenger seat with you. Especially fond of the changing tree colors. Thanks for sharing!
I loved the changing colors too. It's a beautiful time of year to be in the mountains. Thanks Barbara!
That was amazing scenery thank you for sharing it Tristan. One of these days I have got to get out there.
Yes you do! It's a beautiful part of the country. Thanks Jacqueline :)
SUV RVing I think it would be great to bring the FJ out there on some of those back roads! You gotta get that 4Runner!
That’s interesting....I would not walk that walk way especially carrying water. That drive is so beautiful..Again the drive is just breath taking. I love the sun shinning above you my son use to fly into Grand Junction regularly. But he didn’t get to tour at all it was where he flew in and left from ..as a pilot. It looks like Grand Canyon just so so beautiful. I absolutely love independence monument. It’s so beautiful and open... love the camp sites you find amazing. I loved the whole video. Ty
People didn't walk on the flume. It was basically a hanging canal on the side of the canyon. But still, people had to build that thing up there. Crazy. Grand Junction is a great city. Well, the city itself is good enough, but the landscape around the city is amazing. Thanks Chris Tina!
More great ideas for my own future travels in that stunning part of the US. As usual, thanks for sharing -- and kudos for consistently and thoughtfully taking the time to reply to your commenters over the last year.
Thanks Ted. I really enjoy getting comments and replying to them, and I've never understood why other TH-camrs don't respond. At the size that my channel is currently at, it takes only a few minutes a day. I'll keep doing it for as long as I can.
Thank you for the videos, you give me the bug to go and explore this beautiful country that we live in!
I have saved some of your videos for reference, because they look like places I would love to explore myself. Thank you for sharing Your experiences
I loved it Tristan! I didn't think it was too much driving at all. The scenery is so amazing! I so want to move out west 😀
Thanks Ryan. Yes, you should definitely move out west! There's plenty of room for everyone :)
I love this part of Colorado though my home is 1200 miles away. My great great uncle was John Otto who you noted as the first to climb Independence Monument. He was an eccentric who loved his solitude in the rugged western landscape and he campaigned local and federal officials to establish this area as a national monument. He was also the monument's first superintendent putting in some of the first trails of the new park. However his 'eccentricities' (mental health??) were a bit much for most people, apparently and he ended up moving on and out of California. I enjoy your pictures of your previous climb up Independence Rock and the information about Otto's climb. Interesting that some of his original drill holes are now used as climber handholds today - didn't know that. Love your channel!
No way. Huh. Small world! That particular climb I did is called Otto's Route. Very cool historical climb. There's some other place I read about in the monument that he also carved steps or hammered pipes into, but I forget what it's called. I'll check it out the next time I'm there. Thanks Tim!
I live in Singapore (expat kiwi teacher), I've travelled a little in west USA and love it, and what I like most about your videos is the scenery and hearing your comments about the scenery and I am more than happy with the driving vids like this one. Thanks for them. Jill
I love Singapore. I could definitely see myself living there at some point in the future... assuming I could afford it! It's great to hear that you love the western US too. To me, there are few things better than having a full tank of gas and having the desert to explore. Thanks for watching and commenting, Jillian.
Great video. I lived in that area (Norwood, CO) for many years and often drove Unaweep Canyon . It is an almost unknown gem, as you discovered. You are mispronouncing "Naturita" - when I moved down there the locals quickly taught me that it is properly pronounced gnat-ur-rita instead of natch-ur-rita.
I like the drives Tristan, they are amazing. Nothing wrong with a scenic drive like that. Funny thing, I think maybe I have a bit different attitude re: other people on hikes, and it has to do with my age (I'm 70). I like a pretty quiet hike with *almost* nobody else, but I feel better if I see 1-4 other hikers in a few hours. I guess I figure if something happens I could get help, So I think I've lost some of my feeling of being immortal. Too bad. :) Very nice while it lasted I think. (Thinking about a PLB or related).
I enjoyed watching the driving footage as the clips reminded me of past road trips to Moab. I definitely need to check out the drive to Grand Junction as well as Colorado National Monument. Thanks for recording and sharing this trip!
Grand Junction is a great place. There's lots to see and do in the area. Definitely worth a visit. Thanks Noel.
I'm from MI and of course, the wide open spaces and mountains of the west always looks incredible. I'm checking out your channel because I'm considering taking my Durango SUV to the SW during next winter for a month or two. I have a Class C, but 2500 miles 1 way would be a stretch. SUV would give me more access options. Cheers!
You should definitely do it! Every state has beautiful scenery and interesting things to see, but you just can't beat the Southwest. It's world-class scenery. Let me know if you have any questions about camping/traveling in your SUV.
I enjoyed it all. I'm contemplating full-time and your videos give me peeks into what that might entail, including the random stops and contemplation of "What next?". Beyond that, having knees damaged by too much Spring skiing it's unlikely I'll personally do the hiking you do so I'm enjoying vicariously the out of the way places I'm unlikely to otherwise see. I'm more of a forests and meadows person myself and, though your own thrall with the drier environment is plain, in watching these I have confirmation that it's the trees I need. I do very much enjoy the background information you include and appreciate the research that goes into it.
The desert definitely isn't for everyone. I don't know if it's something that's an acquired taste or if it's something that either you love or you don't. But it's my favorite area to be in. There's definitely nothing wrong with forests and meadows. I love those too. But I just feel like there are so many nooks and crannies to explore in the desert, and I love being able to see for miles in every direction without trees blocking the view. Thanks for watching, Kathryn!
SUV RVing Maybe that's a difference. While I do love a far distance view those nooks and crannies are where I find peace and with trees I can have that regardless of the terrain.
That drive heading into Grand Junction was stunning, I had no idea about that part of Colorado.. it's beautiful all the scenery was just gorgeous.. thank you for sharing!
I didn't really know about that part of Colorado either! Super awesome place, though. I'd love to go back. Thanks!
Just want to say thank you for showing us the area just north of GJ ("European style"); gorgeous!
And the Delores River; gorgeouer, too!
I really liked seeing the drive, so different to the UK, plus even more motivation to get a dash camera to film some of my drives. Thanks for sharing
Awesome, I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching!
It's hard to 'get away from it all' when everyone else is doing the same thing! That was my favorite part of the vid. So relatable!!! I live along the Wasatch Front, but I found your channel b/c I was looking for car camping ideas. (2011 Kia Sorento)
Hope you made it home safely.
Hi Jeanette. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Let me know if you have any questions about camping in your Sorento. I live in Ogden. I'm a fair-weather creature and am not happy about the snow we've gotten these last few days!
My favorite parts of this video we're all of it.Whatever interests you is fine whith me.All of the obscure back country of the West and particularly the southwest are my special interests.I like the small Western towns as well, so don't neglect them .
Thanks
For me, the towns are only mildly interesting, so I don't cover them in too much depth in my videos. But you can bet I'll continue to share the obscure backcountry of the west and southwest!
My favorite part is when you post the latitude and longitude and I look up on google maps to see exactly where you are/were in the video. This summer, I plan on going to a music festival in Telluride and now I want to drive up to Colorado National Monument on that same highway. Thanks for the great ideas!
I like to do the same thing whenever I see other people post coordinates. If you didn't know, you can always go to SUVRVing.com and look at the blog post for each new video. I have the GPS coordinates linked directly to Google Maps, so you can just click on them and go directly to the map without having to copy and paste. Telluride is stunning. You should definitely stop by Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. It's crazy. You're just driving along through flat sagebrush country and then all of sudden you run up against this dark, enormous, mile-deep gash in the earth. Pretty amazing place. Thanks Karen!
Did this many years ago on motorcycle trip with my best bud, in reverse (headed south). Good memories. thanks
Thanks for watching 👍
My favorite part was definitely the Dolores River Canyon. I have been considering kayaking that river so if you ever do, please show a video of it too.
I don't blame you!!! You Need to do what makes you comfortable! Your smart to
Do that, I think.
I know, my self. If I do some thing I know I will be uncomfortable I will regret
It !
hey new fan here! I live in Gateway and if you ever come back i can defs show you around and give you a history lesson. i do recommend going up John Brown road, totally worth it!
most the dirt roads that shoot off of 141 has campsites as well! you can get some very cool views and campsites in uravan
Beautiful canyon shots! It was all nice. Love it out there.
Thanks Valerie!
Love your videos brother. Like how you were talking about your short list of places you would like to live. I would love to go around and see the country like you to get a list of my own going, feel like there is so much beauty to america that most never get to see. At least there's your channel! Best wishes
Thanks James. There are a couple of other places on the list that I didn't mention, but those are the main ones. Basically I like the high-elevation desert environment, where summers are hot (but not like Phoenix or Las Vegas hot), and winters are cold but usually not too snowy. I'm OK with cold, but I hate the snow.
The drive was amazing! I know you probably think I'm nuts, but I love looking at the rock formations and see what they remind me of....like one reminded me of a hand, another some sort of face. LOL Loved your campsite, too. Thanks for sharing!
Lol, I think that's great! Thanks for watching and commenting, Carol :)
Your camp north of Fruita is called Horse Pasture Draw, according to the gps coordinates you gave.
I live in Grand Junction and have a family ranch in Paradox CO so I've driven that a zillion times. Always beautiful and you described it perfectly. They don't know if Unaweep was carved out by the Colorado or Gunnison River before the river changed direction.
As usual great video, I love the red rock areas and will check them out the next time I am out that way.
You definitely should. It's a great area. Thanks for watching.
Funny, Prescott and Carson City are also on my short list. Now I need to check out Grand Junction lol
Lol nice!
Perfect. I took notes. Added the route to my cross country SUV trek for this summer.
Fantastic. Let me know if you have any questions about other places you're thinking of going.
You gave us some awesome views in this video. Thanks for sharing with us.
It's a beautiful part of the country, and I'm happy to share it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
All of it!!! Thanks Tristan, you give me great ideas for my future road trips.
Great! Glad to hear it :) Thanks Connie.
my favourite scenery so far, just non stop wows. you should check out itchy boots video going through tajikistan.
Sometimes your V idios take the breath out of this ol` lady...
Love your videos and thanks for sharing....You take care of yourself and keep going
In the Opening you look very cold in your sleeping bag. The only time I was in Colorado, I was on a Greyhound bus in the darkness of night.
Be honest, I like your video more and more. The geologic/petrological stories of the West are unfolding through your introduction in depth. That's what I like to know. Thank you.
I love the geology of the West, and it's to hear that it comes across in the videos. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Wow, the red sandstone canyon was just gorgeous! I would definitely have hit up that Nepali restaurant. I love ethnic foods!
OMG Those pictures of you rock climbing the monument were SO scary - heights freak me out!
I'd definitely go out of my way just to eat at that Nepali restaurant! So good. Heights definitely aren't for everyone, but I love them. I think there are a few things as beautiful as being up on the side of a cliff and having nothing all around you. Thanks Joan!
I'm always amazed that you manage to find locations that are devoid of crowds or have hardly any people at all! This includes the paved roads. It's great! Just a note of curiosity, what is the ground clearance of your vehicle?
It's pretty easy to find uncrowded places. Basically just avoid national parks and go far away from cities, and you'll find places you can have all to yourself. I believe my RAV4 has 7.5 inches of clearance.
Absolutely amazing, I learn so much from your videos. Wonderful!!!!
Great to hear it, Kat. Thanks for watching and commenting. I'm happy you liked the video.
Added to my list, breathtaking drive and yeah does look like from France. Yummy food place, bonus! :) Wow, had no idea all that was there in Grand Junction. I've stopped by quickly on different road trips but never explored, will have to go back.
Grand Junction is great! I can't wait to go back. Check out the website gjhikes.com and look at all of the hones in the Grand Junction area. TONS to do. Thanks Tina.
The thing that caught my attention is your plans to move away from Ogden. To me, Ogden is an excellent central location for SUV RVing and has probably more trail networks than anywhere in the country as I know you really enjoy hiking. You are an hour away from the Unitas that has more dirt roads and boondocking and hiking then you could possibly do in a lifetime. I hope before you leave you will explore and do more videos around the greater Ogden area.
Honestly, I think Ogden is a great place. I've also lived in Provo and Salt Lake, and Ogden is by far my favorite city along the Wasatch. But I don't like winter. Or more specifically, I don't like snow (the cold I'm okay with). So I want to move to a more desert environment. I'm a desert rat at heart. We're actually thinking now of moving to Moab if we can swing it. I've spent a lot of time in the Wasatch, and I'd like to move closer to ranges that I haven't explored as much. I've climbed something like 16 of the 22 Wasatch's 11,000-foot peaks. I've climbed all of the mountains around Ogden multiple times and via multiple routes. I've climbed most of the major mountains between Logan and Santaquin. I will agree that the Uintas are incredible. I've climbed I think 12 of the 19 13,000-foot peaks in the Uintas and a bunch of smaller peaks, though you're right in saying that there's more than a lifetime of adventures to be had there. The problem is that you can really only go there from June to October (if you're like me and don't like soft, deep snow). I moved to Ogden because my girlfriend's (now fiancee's) family was here, but we also want to get away from them and be by ourselves. Don't worry, I've done a lot of exploration of this area. I just haven't filmed it. I'll definitely do some Uintas videos this summer, though.
All your videos are excellent
How did you know you weren't on private land?
I have yet to boondock, but youtube videos like yours have made me more interested. I have a Senior Pass, and I've only stayed in National Forest and BLM campgrounds so far. Thank you for all you do.
Because my map indicated that it was public land. And if it were private, there would have been a proper gate with a lock and no trespassing signs. The kind of fence that was there is common on public lands.
I appreciate you making and sharing your videos of bee-U-tee-Full places.
Loving this video. have a queston. When you stop and camp at places , do you ever or sometimes get a knock on your window during the night by someone saying .... private property? I think my only fear of parking anywhere is getting woke up ;in the night with someone knocking on my window and getting scared of who or why. .... and, what is the "map" you use to tell if it's public or private land?
Nope, I've never once had a knock on my window at night. I use state atlases to find chunks of public land (national forest and BLM land), and then I drive around those areas until I find a campsite.
its all my favorite. cant wait to start!!
Thanks Daryl!
Beautiful scenery.
I agree. It doesn't get much better! Thanks Melissa.
When you came across the closed gate on the dirt road and you opened it and went through it, how did you know that was not private land and that you were able to go through the gate and camp on the other side? Are you concerned about landowners making you move?
Gates like that are common on public lands. They're a cheap way to make a gate and to keep cattle in. If it were private, there would be plenty of No Trespassing sings and a real gate with a lock on it. I could also tell by looking at my map that this was most likely public land.
Beautiful country
I have camped at Rabbit Valley and rarely see anyone! West of Grand Junction.
I'll have to check it out the next time I'm in the area. Thanks Donna.
Silly, but liked the gold flume. It’s just the type of randomness that I watch your videos for. I get the Colorado monument sentiment. Tried twice and didn’t really find much solitude. Btw the gaia app worked terrific. Took it on a few hikes and worked like a champ. Do you have the premium? 20$ or 40$ one?
The flume was super cool! I really enjoyed seeing that. Glad the Gaia app worked well for you. I paid for the app at some point in the past-$10 or $20, whatever it cost-but I haven't paid for anything since then.
Are there view parking areas where I could attach a big easel and canvas to my car while I paint? (Wind could carry me and it over an edge).
Kayaking on the Delores river is popular.
Makes sense. It's beautiful!
You're insanely brave to do the climbing, but honestly do you get nervous staying by yourself over night in isolated areas?
Nope!
My favorite part of the video was the deer and San Megal River.
I liked seeing the deer too. The day before, I saw a huge herd of bighorn sheep, but I wasn't fast enough on the camera draw to get a video of them. Thanks for watching and commenting, Linda.
Your welcome! Wow that would have been neat to see bighorn sheep... don't think I have ever seen them....
Check out my recent kayaking video (the 3rd most recent video). I saw and filmed some bighorn sheep during that adventure.
Oh Cool! will go do that right now... Oh my gosh... can't wait to see them...CCCCCC
20.10 your shadow looks like a Hollywood alien. Thanks for the video, beautiful country.
At 20:10? The video is only 20:09 long. I don't get it. But thanks for watching, and I agree, it's some gorgeous scenery in that area.
try 19.44 sorry just my vivid imagination at work.
Is that a toyota rave 4, if so are you able to sleep laying down in the back
Interesting video, much enjoyed... Thumbs up...
Great, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.
Cool man!
Thanks!
Hi, new subscriber, great videos, really enjoyed your vlog style. May have a man crush lol
Thanks for watching, David. I really appreciate it.
Go mountain biking!
With no mountain bike and a couple of bum hips? Nope.
Hubby and I are thoroughly enjoying your videos. Will be out there our selves at some point but not soon.
5:30 Looks like the smoke from the wildfires...........
Our boy Tristan always looks so tired lol Anyone who's slept in a car knows those eyes.
I thought you meant Napoli food :)
Lol, I can see how you thought that. Good thing I showed the sign :)
Dont know how you can climbe that rock. I hate hights, I shake like hell when im changing a light bulb,,
I love it! I really enjoy heights, but I can see how they're not for everyone.
Are there maney snakes there?
I didn't see any snakes this particular day, but I saw two the day before and one the day after, so yes, there are plenty of snakes in the area. Definitely something you don't see in New Zealand, I suspect, unless they hitched a ride from Australia...
👍👍
So that is what Moab looks like, eh? ;/)
Sure is.
How's the hip?
It's doing well. I just finished up with my last physical therapy visit on Thursday, though I still need to do it on my own at home. It doesn't hurt anymore, though occasionally it'll ache if I've been doing a lot of physical activity. I've gone on a handful of hikes and haven't had any problems. So far, so good.
Oops, I'm on my phone, on my old notebook I'm Judy, lol...
That Flume was really cool and def invokes brave Workmen risking (and probably some losing) their lives so long ago.
Hanging Flume Wikipedia... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanging_Flume
🤙🤙🤙