Arizona Backroads Adventure: Offroading to the Old China Dam and Tule Creek Homestead

The China Dam and Tule Creek Homestead stand as testament to the region's history. These landmarks, remnants of early settlers' endeavors, offer a poignant glimpse into Arizona's past and the challenges they overcame in this rugged terrain.
Nestled amidst the rugged beauty north of Lake Pleasant in Arizona, the Old China Dam and Tule Creek Homestead stand as silent witnesses to the state's storied past. The China Dam, an engineering marvel crafted by early settlers, and the nearby Tule Creek Homestead, showcase the resilience and ingenuity of those who once called this challenging terrain home. Exploring these historic sites unveils tales of survival, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of Arizona's pioneers.
VIDEO FILMED: 03/04/2024
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⚪ OLD CHINA DAM - azoffroad.net/...
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Welcome to the Cactus Atlas! We are Glenn and Amy and invite you to join us as we visit all sorts of locations across the American West. We tour both natural and man-made attractions.
Our base of operations is in the Phoenix, AZ area. We do a lot of hiking, day trips, and campground reviews and hope that we will be a great resource if you are planning a trip to the American West. We also hope to delight you with our exciting adventures!

[@richardbeee]

Oh boy, I can hardly wait till Slim gives his version. The soft tickle of the pinstripes washing over his body. Or the gentle grunt as he scrapes his bumper climbing out of the bed, of a wash, and starts his climb up the next hill. Or maybe he'll tell us about backing down the road and try to explain how he got so backward. Yessiree, this ought to be good.😂😊 Thanks for letting us tag along. Nice job.😊

[@CactusAtlas]

Haha! I can hear it in my head. I imagine he was grumbling quite a bit. 😂

[@carolguezen5829]

Is Slim the Trailboss? Or is that Amy?

[@ramonsmobilemechanic3420]

That turn off where pavement ends is near scorpion bay. I helped bury fiber-optic tel-com lines all down castle hot springs Rd . Believe it or not there is high speed Internet through that canyon . And a cold and hot water spring that runs about 18-30" underground . Beautiful area .

[@CactusAtlas]

How cool! Never would have thought about high-speed internet there! Love the info. Thanks! 😄👍

[@scotts3938]

That was a great explore. I rode my mountain bike to the China Dam and Fort Tule about a year and a half ago so it was need to see it again on this channel. CalTopo showed there was a mine adit about 0.1 miles north of the home but it was blasted shut. That is beautiful country and hope to get out there again. I kind of missed Slim. I like a little Slim mixed in here and there to keep it humorous but Glenn's dialog is interesting and entertaining also.

[@CactusAtlas]

Yay! We love that the humor is appreciated. 😄

[@scotts3938]

@@CactusAtlas Have you been to Indian Mesa ruins which are on the north side of Lake Pleasant and not too far south of Fort Tule? We stumbled on to it and it is very cool. Glenn's probably been there.

[@DeserTech]

Slim's commentary is what sets your channel apart from all the other backcountry explorers. Nothing against your own commentary, but please don't ditch Slim! You both add to the channel.

[@CactusAtlas]

Appreciate that! Thank you! 😊

[@cnph7067]

Great episode, nothing better then exploring with great scenery! Personally I like your narration and personal observations with maybe a few “Slim” interjections .

[@CactusAtlas]

Sounds like what we have in mind! Thanks for watching! 😄

[@Sean2002FU]

Great video! You vs. slim?? Both actually, especially with the slim 4x4 sarcasm!!! You each have your place!!

[@CactusAtlas]

Yay! Thank you! 😁

[@conniewaite1371]

When i was little,dad built our house out of concrete blocks,there were alot of beer cans in those walls,dropped down into the holes of blocks.lol

[@MToffroad]

Kinda like Slim, but a little goes far. Great video. Please keep up the good work.

[@CactusAtlas]

Good to know. Thank you! 😄

[@DeborahFlorian-gy6lw]

Since you asked....i prefer Glenn's quirky narrative over Slim's but using both gives your channel an extra plus! Stupendous drone footage, your skills are absolutely professional. The scenery is breathtaking. Loved Glenn's homage to Pooch, just heartfelt. Thanks you guys!

[@CactusAtlas]

Yay! Thank you! 😊

[@CeCe-fo2ov]

Either voice works but I like Slim(for the humor). Thanks! I enjoy the videos.😊

[@CactusAtlas]

Awesome! Glad to hear that. We definitely are fans of using him for humor purposes. 😊

[@courtneywood3769]

Love the Fallout comments. Very fitting.

[@CactusAtlas]

Kinda funny. Actually been playing Fallout 4 again and was building some structures and thinking about old buildings like this…

[@marytroche984]

Another great video! I thoroughly enjoy the adventures traveled by you and Slim. The Truly house in the middle of nowhere was amazing and of course the grave of Pooch was touching. Thanks for sharing!

[@CactusAtlas]

Anytime! Gotta love those old structures in that kind of landscape. 😊

[@barbarablack2519]

Wanted to Thank You Glen and Amy. My sister and I love your show. Was so great to see Amy yesterday what a sweetie, and I vote Glen narrating over Slim. Will keep watching no matter what. I’ve learned so much from your show and has inspired me to go and explore Az.

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh, thank you! Glad you're enjoying our videos. Have fun on any explorations! 😄

[@MissAstorDancer]

I love the episodes with Slim, but I love your voice and face so much, too! I will happily watch WHATEVER you release, I enjoy it that much!

[@CactusAtlas]

Wow, thank you! We appreciate your support! 🙌

[@pablowamboldt1779]

We prefer your narrative over slims. We really like the drone shots. Love the southwest geography.

[@CactusAtlas]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Sapwild2574]

Thanks Glenn and Amy. I prefer Glenn talking instead of Slim, but I will continue to watch your videos either way!

[@CactusAtlas]

We appreciate that! 😊

[@anthonyb2334]

Great video. I’m living vicariously through your videos. I’ve lived in Arizona for 50 years, and made many similar trips in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s. Got lost, broke down, and been shot at in the old days when some of those claims were still being worked. I love what you’re doing. Thank you!

[@CactusAtlas]

😶 Shot at?? Oh, man. Glad nothing too terrible happened other than getting lost and some breakdowns. Yikes!

[@anthonyb2334]

@@CactusAtlas In the ‘70’s a friend and i rode from Lynx Lake near Prescott to Lake Pleasant on trails bikes. An all day trip on dirt trails before GPS or cell phones. We came across a camp with people panning for gold.Stepped off our bikes and my headlight got shot out. They made their point. The state had a lot more hermit types then. But in our trips we also found small ranchers who helped us out when we broke down. Long hikes sometimes! Thank you for your videos. Stay safe out there.

[@MaryLaRue-k8e]

Thank you for filming land sharing. I really enjoyed it. Don't know about Slim's commentaries. I'll need to hear one to have an idea.

[@cowelk]

I vote for you talking with an occasional comment from Slim. Especially when getting striped and his opinion of the bumps ahead with an "wow" about a section of road just left behind. I haven't been to Old China Dam or Tule Creek Homestead yet but thanks to you Glen I will be soon. Thanks for the tip to drive to the dam. Great video.

[@CactusAtlas]

Woohoo! Love when we inspire people to explore. Have a great time! 😄👍

[@Raptor-gd6sk]

That trail is definitely a 5/10 , at least for me.. great drive though.. and a great homestead find.. we also wanna hear from slim

[@CactusAtlas]

Slim will pop in from time to time, I think. And it was a fun exploration back there. 👍

[@SidetrackAdventures]

It's great seeing all of the offroad adventures. Some of he road you were on would give me nightmares. Nothing is worse than having to turn around on small trails. Well, I guess getting stuck would be worse. Great video as always. There is so much cool history hidden out there.

[@CactusAtlas]

For sure! And yes, some of those parts are no joke maneuvering around on. 😂

[@FlourishingLove]

I loved this episode. Thank you. (Love your human voice more than Slim)

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you! 😄

[@johnchedsey1306]

Nothing I love more than photographing abandoned buildings and the desert. When combined, it's even better. I don't think I'll ever take my 2WD Juke on this road, though. It would need buried next to Pooch if I did try. Oh, and as someone who has done QA work on mobile apps for years, I am suspicious you encountered a bug in that app when the pin stopped updating.

[@CactusAtlas]

Absolutely agree! Something about abandoned buildings that are simply fascinating.

[@supitown6013]

Just found your page. I love it. It’s motivated me to possibly start my own.

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh, wow! That's awesome! Go for it! 😄

[@RyanAdamsVideo]

You could have made that cute little trail up from the creek. You were smart not to try and backtrack to get back on course. Thanks for the video!

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks to you as well! 😊

[@gregy3660]

Great video thanks for taking us along for the drive. Now that slim has made an appearance in the past you really expect to hear him. But I wouldn’t stop watching just because he’s not there anymore. The best part is seeing places I would never get to see because my family is not into historical places like this but i am

[@CactusAtlas]

Glad we could scratch that history itch. 👍 Slim will still be around here and there.

[@gstiles7]

Wow, what a fantastic trip! The sad thing is that it's so close to the Lake Pleasant area that Phoenix's expansion may overrun it. I say you continue using a mixture of you and Slim!

[@CactusAtlas]

So true. Blink and a whole subdivision with a couple condos go up around here these days. 😂

[@susanasalinas4273]

Amazing place n scenery. Great info too. Love the Humbug Creek name. Thanks for the invite. Hi Amy, love this channel n you guys, n Slim. Take care n please keep the info coming.

[@CactusAtlas]

There's some truly amusing names out there. 😂

[@willis4v]

Love your videos. I prefer your narration and ideas. Keep exploring!

[@shazart1111]

Wow, that trip really put Slims spec into action, go on the Lad!! 😛😃.. fabulous vistas and flora did look fluffy😂..it does amaze me the tenacity folks had back in the day to eek out a living and bless that Pooch, twas a very much loved pet and companion, for sure🥰... I was hoping for a bit of the Slim humour but the ride along was adventurous and thoroughly enjoyed none the less 😊 Thanks Glenn and Amy Love always 💛✨💛

[@CactusAtlas]

Slim got a full workout that day. And there was definitely a lot of love and thought put into Pooch's resting spot.

[@davidelack8809]

Love the respect and honor you gave to this pioneers former home. I agree with you about the dog thing . Slim has his time and place this one wasn't it ,except perhaps at the diversion dam. A quick interjection by Slim would have been appropriate. Great video, as always!

[@CactusAtlas]

You'll just have to trust us when we say Slim was certainly saying a lot of things in regards to scratches and having to turn around. 😂

[@ENJIMEEREBAY]

Welcome back and thanks for another stellar production.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you. 👍

[@coryshook7648]

loved it. I dont mind slim talk. both are good.

[@safepetproducts]

I like the off-road videos

[@7curiogeo]

Up on the high side is the old tunnel that carried water down to a flume peged to the cliff wall.

[@sallylea1]

So enjoying all your amazing videos!!!

[@CactusAtlas]

So glad! Thank you so much! 😊

[@throughthethicket]

What a wonderful adventure, thanks for taking us along to the dam and homestead! Some of the cacti seem to be in a sort of bloom? Are those the cholla Glenn refers to? Since Glenn asks for our opinion on this at the end: I prefer him talking, as he has a very calming voice. Take care.

[@CactusAtlas]

My guess is you may be thinking of the cholla. In the right light, they almost glow!

[@guswatts]

Great day trip. I was expecting Slim to comment at some point but I did enjoy his glamour shots. Was Glens voice the new cloned version? I enjoyed this video very much. I always enjoy your productions though. Great team!

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you! Nope, no sampled Glenn. He recorded the narration yesterday. 😄

[@Larry-sg1fl]

What a great day trip. You had perfect weather. Just wondering, do you air down when you get to the dirt trails? It makes a huge difference in the ride and provides better traction, not to mention the pounding on your suspension. Great video and awesome scenery. Will put this trail on a must do list.

[@CactusAtlas]

I agree. I picked up a compressor a while back, but forgot that I had taken it out when we had guests over the holidays. This was the bumpiest road I’ve done in quite a while!

[@Moisessilva-u1p]

Sem dúvida um oeste selvagem em 2024 👏👏👏

[@CactusAtlas]

Agree! It for sure is! 😅

[@DanFalandys-lt9mw]

Wow! You are really daring getting that deep in the washes with Slim. I often go out there in my Polaris RzR and I will say you're quite brave doing that alone in a pickup truck. Thanks for another great video Glen 👍

[@CactusAtlas]

I think there were a couple folks who felt that way too on the trial. Had a couple guys on a side by side cheering me on and filming me. That truck has a secret weapon or two to make it easier. The part I struggle with is not the washes and the like, but the voice in my head that cringes with each pinstripe. But, small price to pay for history lol!

[@Witchcraft467]

Great video as always!

[@CactusAtlas]

Thanks again!

[@Moisessilva-u1p]

Cara para andar AÍ têm de ser preparado e corajoso kkkkk parabéns Cactusboa sorte kkk😅😅😅

[@Oldguysrock1969]

My Buddy and I were up there a couple of winters ago and had the same fun navigating on and around the China Dam (we were using GPS navigation software on a tablet!) We were also surprised by the hollow concrete walls of the house. Did you make note of the crazy array of windows added by the builder? Not exactly the normal desert building we see in the area. I think I would have liked the owner and I wonder if there wasn't a woman's touch to the house's design as well as the sentimental burial.

[@CactusAtlas]

We were wondering about using a tablet. Guess it is no better. 🙁 Interesting thought about a woman's touch. 🤔 Wish it were easier to find information.

[@jimmychanbers2424]

I've seen old buildings made out of old car batteries. I don't think that was safe to live in. Great video. Sure wish I could find more history on the China Dam setup.

[@CactusAtlas]

Whoa. Car batteries. I mean, I know people had to be resourceful at times but that one seems s little risky. Same about the dam... same. One of these days I hope we have the time to do some deep digging into things of this nature.

[@jimmychanbers2424]

@@CactusAtlas yes. You could smell it. Not good. Lol

[@CactusAtlas]

😱😱🫠

[@kcreeves199]

I really recommend you get the book Arizona Backroads and 4-Wheel Drives by FunTreks. They provide good turn-by-turn directions on the trails, and have trail updates on line. I have used it a lot in the past, and work quite well in conjunction with GPS. The info in this book on both China Dam and Tule Homestead pretty much reflects what you said. The other book, if you can find it, is Backcountry Adventures: Arizona by Massey and Wilson. It's been out of print for a while, but covers a lot of trails that are not in the Fun Treks book. It also has a ton of information on history, geology, plant and animals. Unfortunately, this trail is not in their book. This is the 1st video of yours that I watched, so I can't comment on Slim.

[@tombstone2826]

You need a ATV for serious off highway exploring ! My Chevy Colorado was serious damaged !

[@CactusAtlas]

Sadly an ATV is out of our current budget. Our Colorado will have to do. 😅 We're pretty careful about where we take if offroad though.

[@7curiogeo]

This was gold mineing area, it was done by humbug hydraulic mine works. Arizona state geologic, is the old state mines.

[@CactusAtlas]

Very cool!

[@bobmoto3528]

You probably had problems navigating because the truck navigation system depends on the cell phone network and you were loosing contact with that network. If you’re going to do off roading it’s best to get a true GPS that connects directly to the satellites in space. Or have paper maps to refer to as you drive.

[@JayDeeBerryman]

Is onx on your phone? I've had small issues here and there but holding the phone out the window or even up on the dash more into the windshield usually helps. GPS is all about view to the sky, it works pretty decent in a vehicle but with canyons sometimes that combines with the big metal roof blocking it to cancel it out. I've never had issue with it in my side by side and no big metal roof or metal doors surrounding the phone.

[@CactusAtlas]

Yup. Glenn has OnX on his phone which seems to work well. The lagging issue seems to be more between that and CarPlay on the truck's display.

[@Moisessilva-u1p]

Ei cara você precisa treinar nas trilhas com jeep lá em moab em Utah kkkkkk

[@doc8683]

Don’t forget to air down your tires to about 12 psi

[@safepetproducts]

If you are off-roading you are getting pinstripes. Nothing to be done about it.

[@markjenkins2860]

Um...back in the 1980s we just took note of our surroundings while driving in. Reversed 'em when we drove out. No one ever got turned around or lost. GPS is still way cool, though.

[@movingforwardfco1587]

I heard he was forced to move due to them making Lake Pleasant or something. Now yes resourceful for the cans in the walls. But did you know in earth ships they use cans, glass, tires to insulate? It makes a constant temperature throughout the year when you design a system. These cans were probably for what you said. But we honestly need to take up some these old timers solutions. Because let me tell ya these million and up homes here in Scottsdale, Arizona well they are not keeping anyone the same temperature all year. And we need solutions that stop sucking our resources and the people of this countries money. Hey when you are out and about please let me know if you come across a mess out in nature. Trash and such that we could pickup, cleanup. We love getting away and cleaning up out in nature. May not get paid but gas is on the business. And the joy of seeing things cleaned up again is so worth every once of emery. Make your day amazing and never stop moving forward! Thanks so much for a wonderful video packed full of great content.

[@CactusAtlas]

Thank you! Funny you mention trash and such out in nature. We just filmed something a couple days ago and were commenting on that.

[@jackb9812]

Are you using a GPS or your phone?

[@CactusAtlas]

We use OnX Offroads on our phone which displays on our truck. 👍

[@KidYuma1880]

I met this man on you tube his name is Brett, his YT handle born 100 years too late. He uses 1 or 2 mules ride & packs. He is from New Mexico not sure where, I am sending him this video see if interested. Is there a place park his rig & mule trailer dirt roads aren’t too bad. And venture out and maybe rough camp? Maybe off your video look roads. Thanks

[@CactusAtlas]

Oh gosh. Don't really remember any particular areas at this time. Our apologies!

[@KidYuma1880]

@@CactusAtlas thanks responding, I went ahead and sent this video to him. He mentioned that likes traveling places, he has been in parts of Az, this might be interesting place.

[@tjh4619]

do you ever go with other people?

[@CactusAtlas]

I join Glenn sometimes, but he mostly goes alone.

[@Moisessilva-u1p]

Pode haver um veio de ouro pedras preciosas? Kkkkkkkk

[@lindam5888]

Hate slim's voice. Love yours. Gotta be honest I've been turning them off once slim starts talking

[@CactusAtlas]

Fair enough. 👍

[@Bobbymull7174]

Have been to dam not to homested thanks

[@AlanDetweiler-k6u]

love your vids but don't care for slim that much thanks

[@sherimiles430]

I prefer you over slim.

[@tylerdurden6208]

Please don't find and feature any spray can graffiti.

[@kristianmiletics5734]

I prefer you talking, not slim.

[@BobNob1]

the running water makes me need to go pee

[@Eric_Tennant]