El Camino del Diablo in a Jeep - V22E8

El Camino del Diablo, also known as The Devil's Highway, is a long and perilous backcountry route through the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona. Connecting what is now northwestern Mexico to California, the route has been traveled by Native Americans, conquistadores, prospectors, explorers, missionaries, settlers, and cartographers for thousands of years. Many lost their lives due to the trail's harsh and unforgiving conditions.
In this episode, I set off in my modified Jeep Wrangler Rubicon to explore 125 miles of El Camino del Diablo, starting in Yuma, and ending in Ajo, Arizona. It's only a two hour drive from Yuma to Ajo via Interstate 8, but traveling by way of El Camino del Diablo, it took me four days!
00:00 - Day One
01:08 - Intro to El Camino del Diablo
03:06 - Into the Sonoran Desert
04:03 - Fortuna Mine
05:05 - En Route to Camp
06:13 - Campsite on the Ridge
07:41 - Day Two
08:42 - Checking Over the Jeep
10:17 - The Desert in Bloom
13:50 - Smooth Sailing
15:26 - Tule Well
16:57 - Seven Mile Detour
18:39 - Camping at Christmas Pass
20:43 - Keep Cool With the Nemo Helio
21:51 - Sandwich at Sunset
23:27 - It Doesn’t Get More Remote Than This
24:34 - Day Three
25:08 - Back to the Devil’s Highway
27:08 - Viable Dispersed Camping
28:17 - Permit Required
29:13 - Miles of Sandy Washes
30:43 - Volcanoes in the Desert
32:00 - Papago Well
33:11 - Camping Area Near Papago Well
35:21 - Haven’t Seen a Soul
36:55 - Day Four
37:49 - Westbound to Organ Pipe
39:37 - Cabeza Prieta is Complete
41:17 - Sidetracked in the BLM
42:52 - The Final Stretch
43:50 - Closing Thoughts in Ajo
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[@jayfoster5756]

This is the kind of episode that made me a faithful follower of you and your channel - beautiful scenery and cinematography and perfect editing, a simple yet compelling story told through adventurous exploration. The instrumental music is a subtle and nice addition, but I still enjoy the "natural background music" of the plants rustling in the wind, the silence of solitude, the birds chirping in the background, the tires crunching on the sand, gravel and rocks and of course the whining of Orangie's drivetrain and rattling of its suspension. Your explorations remind me so much of my wanderings around the Western U.S. about 30-40 years ago. Thank you! Those lug nuts look like they are now "torqued to spec"!

[@cdinflorida9040]

Quite possibly your best episode since Cinninmon Pass in July 2020. Please be careful that close to the border. Great to see you out there with adventure afoot. I/we, your loyal fans, love being with you on multi-day adventures. Well done, my friend! Well done.

[@michaeljensen7896]

Totally agree. Definitely in the top ten of your episodes. The grilled cheese locked it into the best episodes for sure. 👍🏻 Bravo Chris 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@scottymac5174]

@@michaeljensen7896 Just needed a can of Tomato soup.

[@ExploringWithTheBz]

It looks like I am not the only one who had been anticipating another Venture4WD adventure such as this. This is your best work in several years. The solitude. The scenery. The Chris that we’ve all come to know and love. I also happen to like the subtle music here and there. I know a video of this length takes an incredible amount of time and dedication but it paid off. Great job and keep exploring.

[@iamgeoffandthisismystory]

What a beautiful trip Chris! Thanks for taking us along 👍🏻

[@jdotinc]

This episode is a masterpiece.

[@chipsands4691]

I agree with many others; this episode reminded me of your older videos that inspires me to jump in my Jeep and explore! Thanks for getting out there and doing what you do best!

[@chrisackerley1842]

I first crossed El Camino del Diablo in 1984. Among my group of friends, we call the place "the Cabeza" [for obvious reasons]. I once crossed the Cabeza in July in a 2WD Dodge pickup, but I would not advise anyone who isn't both an experieced desert traveller and a little crazy to attempt such a journey. On March 16, 1989, during our Spring Break at U of A two friends and I camped at the Bluebird Mine, which is located on BLM land North of Bates Well. Just before sunset that day, we saw a truck headed West on the Camino. That was unusual enough that I got my binoculars and checked it out. It was a miles away, but I remember the truck was an early 80's Chevy Blazer. After we returned to civilization, I learned that Edward Abbey had died in Tucson on March 14. Months later, I read an account of how Abbey's friends took him to the Cabeza and buried him at an undisclosed location shortly after his death. Putting two and two together, I realized that Chevy Blazer we saw was ol' Cactus Ed on his final journey into the desert.

[@venture4wd]

What a cool story! Thank you for sharing.

[@stevengilbert6613]

All the comments. 72.4K subscribers. Only 2% click on the "Like" Thumbs up. I always give anything I watch and enjoy a "Like" and to support the creator of the video. I guess I'm wondering why the lack of support? I see this across multiple sites. Just my two cents. Thanks Chris!

[@rickandpiesretirementadven9000]

Whew...I was beginning to think that we had lost the adventure videos on this channel. I am glad you are back to producing great videos of adventures as in the past. Thank you for venturing back to your roots.

[@DarkSkyOverland]

I came for the grilled cheese in 4K glory but stayed for the amazing scenery. Beautiful video, Chris. This is another masterpiece. Cheers! 🍻

[@scottymac5174]

So many visions of Glory while planning cooking on a long camping trip. Maybe day one, possibly day two. Then it just boils down to whatever is the easiest. The Ultimate Goal on a camping trip? Doing Nothing!

[@Ferda1964]

This is the way we want to see you Chris.👍

[@Lois5650]

Nicely done! I found the music to be quite soothing. The vegetation was fantastic. Thanks ❤

[@carcynogen]

There is no better way to go down memory lane than with a Venture4wd video! Chris you were my inspiration to get an Ursa Minor and really start checking off adventures from my bucket list. I did this trail in reverse by bike back in January 2023 for my 50th! Well, a good portion of it anyway. That deep sand was so tough! My better half was following me in my Jeep and I hitched a ride a few times for sure. Thank you for all your efforts making this one. I will certainly rewatch it over the years. Well done!

[@kevjaffray]

Just like many of the other comments, it's fantastic to see you back to your channel roots Chris. Episodes like this are why I, and I'm sure many more, subscribers followed you in the beginning. Here's to many more.

[@tomlauritzen9522]

Ahhhh........ back to your roots. Very refreshing...... thanks for taking us along. t

[@99bounz]

Very, very good - thank you Chris 👍👍👍

[@eugeneenslow8563]

Hey Chris, I would strongly recommend that you get a torque wrench specifically for the lugnuts. Over-tightening them can result in snapping the lugbolts. And, the torque wrench is also handy for ensuring all your suspension and steering fasteners are properly secured 😉

[@RinconPilot]

I ran this route the last full week of March from Ajo to Yuma. Just a touch early for some cactus blooms but at least it was dry and comfortable. Ozark Overland and EFRT went through there earlier this year and parts of it were a muddy mess. I enjoyed everything east of Tule Well the best, I did not care for the western half of the trail. That was more of a SXS playground for locals IMO. BP drags tires so they can spot foot traffic more easily. I noticed many bats on the nights I camped there. I spent the next three days going up through the Kofa Wilderness, that place was beautiful and remote. Some of the prettiest desert I have seen. Thanks for sharing!

[@ipaddlemyowncanoe.7441]

Another great video. Chris is always. Just take your time you go through. There's no hype. There's no BS with your videos and that's what I like. Looking forward to your next one. Be safe out there. 👍👍🙂🇨🇦

[@BlakeCoble]

Hey Chris, I love the longer form covering a full route. You are by far my favorite “overlanding” cinematographer and one of the main reasons why I fell down the off-road/overlanding rabbit hole. Thanks for a great episode!!

[@jeffreybischof315]

This video reminds me of the old days of your travels

[@user-mo5mv5xs9r]

Holy crap your back!!!!! Great video just like the old days, great work!

[@LarryBlau-jc8kn]

I’ve done this trip at least 10 times and enjoyed everyone of them

[@dogandajeep]

This was such a classic Venture4wd adventure video! Cannot like the video enough times. Glad you’re still out exploring in the jeep!

[@noahspain2367]

Great desert amsr. The soundtrack, crunching of gravel, coffee pouring. Fantastic episode. 👍

[@jeffplayswithcars]

Invest in a torque wrench. Checking shock bolts by trying to wiggle the body will only tell you if they're about to fall off. Also helpful for proper wheel nut torque.

[@gregmgm06]

Really well done and inspirational. Im not able to get off the paved roads as much these days but it makes me love watching your adventures!

[@mrkakeg1]

I found this video to be enjoyable and relaxing. We are along for the ride and it feels good. I don't know that I would suggest every episode be this long (just my personal preference. I get antsy after 30 minutes if it is on KZbin or any other streaming service.) Keep up the great work.

[@PW_SD]

Chris - great work on this episode. True to your format and superb.

[@DDD-wd4vs]

Awesome. What a journey this one was Chris.

[@garyeitel6850]

Enjoyed it very much. Thanks Chris.

[@tonywright5371]

Chris well done! glad to see ya back on the trail. You need to get Shannon back out there.

[@mammothwagon]

Awesome vid, Chris! And Fallout is a great series, really does the game series justice!

[@chrismv102]

This is now one of my favorite episodes. A real adventure. I'm not sure I would be inclined to spend that much time following the border.

[@leapinlizard9487]

Chris, your second pronunciation is correct "pap a go" and it is "too lee" (tule). Great video, snake gators would give your ankles some protection against rattlers, but kind of hot for summer wear. Being a "noisy" hiker will alert the rattlers to your approach as they can feel the vibration as you walk.

[@davetod285]

Great scenery! I really liked the music choice in this video, Chris! Reminds me of going to “Nuevo Paradiso”(Mexico) in Red Dead Redemption.

[@jeffreybischof315]

Watching this video I need to go through there this year. I love the heat and was stationed in Yuma so I am one with the heat

[@timm6438]

I agree with the others; this is the type of video we have come to love. You have a great eye for the shots. Hope to see you in Flagstaff.

[@goingoverland6403]

Great episode and I am looking forward to trying it out myself.

[@sco3592]

A very nice enjoyable adventure.

[@brianwilliams8756]

Well done. Thank you.

[@vince4316]

🔥A real OG venture4wd vid!

[@JoeTheChicken26]

Fantastic video! Makes me excited for my trip this summer.

[@rustyharvey3481]

Wow what a video

[@derekhart944]

Amazing video Chris. Thanks for sharing your experience and for inspiring. Heading out with NBX on the July trip, can't wait.

[@Honkytonk1425]

As much time that I spend at oasis coffee, I’m surprised I didn’t see you Without knowing anything back in the 1980’s, I drove it in my two wheel drive Datsun pickup

[@Benjamin-David]

Great video! Old school Classic!

[@tdg0101]

Great adventure thanks!

[@leftystrat62]

This was great Chris. cheers

[@flannelshirtdad]

"...replaced it with a Winnibago." Lol.

[@azcojpg]

Love the area and we have been a few times over the recent winter but we do the southern loupe into or starting from Organ Pipe. If you enter or exit in Wellton there is a date farm (Naked Dates) that has really good food and they make their own beer so that's a plus after many days exploring! Another great video!!!

[@HappyDogAdventure]

Great video, made my day. Thank you.

[@jbf5030]

Loved this one. The music integration was perfect, quiet roaming. And the adventure continues! Makes me dream man

[@waterdog94]

Lava taking it's toll on my chucks...😆

[@venture4wd]

That gash is pretty dang big 😒

[@roverxe7894]

I watched 11 minutes, knew i was into something special and came to the comments, I will return after i say thank you. I held off a couple days watching this when i saw 45 minutes cause i knew it was probably good but, well... wow. The cuts, the framing, music, tone and mastery are unbelievable. This blows away any travelog one may come across anywhere, simply beautiful and heartfelt. I've been with you since the beginning, so from a kindred soul in AZ that got to say howdy once, i just want to say thanks for the healing vibes all these years and for providing joy to us all. This is going to be remembered, now on to the rest, grilled cheese incoming

[@venture4wd]

Howdy back at you! Thank you so much for the kind message. It means a lot to inspire exploration and love of the craft.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

I've watched a lot of your episodes over the years, and this has to be one of the most visually stunning one's I've seen. The colors, the contrast, the composition, the audio and video quality, the scenery, everything being in bloom, the shadows and clear skies, the sunsets. Everything about it I loved. I wanted the road to just keep on continuing. I'm glad you were able to make this trek. I recently watch Matt at Ozark Overland Adventures, run this route. He does a great job and I like his content as well. But you have a special way of telling the story. And just knowing your story and your history. It's like touring the backcountry with an experienced tour guide who's seen it all.

[@Famagogo]

Thanks for taking me back to the Camino in this episode. It reminded me of just how wildly amazing it is back there.

[@bkbroiler8069]

Great episode Chris! Most overlanders love the selfie stick so much they forget to get out of the vehicle to set up their shots. You do a great job letting us see where you are.

[@southhillfarm2795]

You take such good care of this Jeep. I hope you keep it for a long time. It’s testament to good vehicle ownership.

[@thebrownthomascrown917]

Second that!

[@OverlandCitrus]

Hi Chris just finished Fallout was good but some of the music OMG LOL, Great camp sites and video stay safe out there

[@coobyraccoon]

I see news reports out of the US about concerns with the southern border and the world seems crazy. I watch V4wd travelling that same border and the world seems calm.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

It was fun watching this and seeing the difference in now and when we were there in February. You had LOTS more color than we did. I was surprised you didn't hike up Tinajas Atlas and see the water tanks.

[@marcinwojciechowski9350]

Amazing

[@cjdave9615]

Chris, This is one of your best video's I've seen. I like the long format the great story telling. Keep it up.

[@Gunnutz71]

Great video!

[@evan13]

Great video as always! I mountain biked the Camino with a friend in 2021 over 3 days. I was worried about the flat wide section "smooth sailing" before Tule Well also. That section was "improved" by the Feds to permit access for border wall construction in that area. The entire route used to be primitive jeep track. Not sure why a wall is needed in that remote area, dozens of miles of inhospitable desert has proved for centuries to be an effective (and deadly) barrier.

[@harveyhagar]

Thanks for this Chris, just like the old days. 😂

[@ntsms69]

Good to see back to the original format, Jeep (JK) adventures and great exploration, scenery and editing. Not a fan of the campervan stuff!

[@james1965]

Fallout is a killer show! Almost as much fun as playing the game

[@horseactual7662]

LOVED this, Chris. Fantastic episode, nostalgic of the old adventures.

[@Bam2Boo2]

Good to see Orangie out and about again!

[@scottb4122]

YES!!!! A proper adventure to watch on a Saturday morning! Thanks Chris!

[@timm6438]

My wife and I as well always look for Chris' post.

[@danmulkiewicz5515]

Love this tried and true formula. I still have Old Smokey 2.0 waiting for you at ursa minor in San Diego. Give Kris a heads up if you are planning to visit. Also get that power steering pump looked at its got the whine our jeeps make when theres air in it. Safe travels!

[@NarleyAdventures]

This was a great episode and took me back to those days of off roading and camping that you did so well earlier in your travels. 👍👍👍👍👍😀

[@singhthe_king9558]

Deserts are not even my favourite landscape but still this episode is definitely one of the best I have seen and I have been (following) subscribed to you for over 4 years now and seen almost all your episodes.

[@4Whopper]

Always great Chris!

[@venture4wd]

Glad you think so!

[@MrSupertim996]

Thanks for making a longer video like you used too. I really enjoy them. The lug nut check for some reason reminded me of when you replaced those old rims because the holes were wallowed out

[@jeffsitka]

One of your better episodes IMHO.

[@garygomer7940]

Excellent video Chris, thanks for bringing us along with you on your adventure…love what you do in your Jeep!

[@scottymac5174]

Nemo should sponsor you!!!! Hahaha! Orangie is looking good after the work you have recently done. No rattles, no squeaks. The Mic does pick those noises up if they are present.

[@niro_110]

Awesome! You shouldn’t put stuff with glue on the gullwing interior, since it’s black and in Australia the glue will melt and it will fall for sure, from experience…

[@jasonarebalos4203]

Great job! This video reminded me of my love for the desert. Thank you for sharing!

[@insaynbcr]

You can pick up an inline digital torque adaptor from QUINN at Harbor Freight that attaches between your lug nut and breaker bar so you can set your torque correctly. Too loose is obvious what could happen, too tight and you can stretch the lug bolt causing them to break when you put enough side load on the tire/rim (like a steep side hill).

[@Twitch37yt]

This was a vintage Chris video…top 5 for sure! You have definitely honed your adventure capturing skills. Loved the mellow guitar music and your narration was informative and engaging.

[@freelodersadventure5346]

Heck yeah!!! Back to the old Venture4wd!

[@spicyken18]

Awesome, now that reminds me of the good old days, going slow with plenty of video, thx

[@DubleRRedBronco]

A great “throw-back” video. Enjoyed the story telling and grilled cheese sandwich! Reminded me of some of your earlier videos. Stay safe.

[@matthewkeen3527]

Haha, "still hot from the eruption.". I would have cut right there. Nice! Great video.

[@eliugonz]

Love the video, Chris! Orangie looks and sounds great! Great to see you back out there doing multi-day trips. Always look forward to your videos. Thank you always for sharing!

[@kencampbell1119]

Great video Chris, my partner and I really enjoyed this one. We have followed you from the beginning of the channel and always enjoy your videos. Great to have you back in the Jeep to. Cheers

[@OCMike]

WOW! Chris, this has got to be the best video you've posted. The videography, editing, music, and even your commentary was perfect. Orange looked to be in tip top shape. And, you even threw in a hilariously stupid dad joke. Hinting at something there? Had to come back and do a quick edit, because I forgot to mention that AMAZING grilled cheese sandwich! Utter perfection. 😀

[@coobyraccoon]

What a treat. Thanks for sharing this trip with us Chris. Stripped the old stickers off the Engel?

[@JohnDoe-xm9ql]

Good stuff Chris...

[@KenReynolds]

What an awesome video, Chris! I've been following you for many years now and you've always inspired me. I love all of your video content, but the longer form adventure shorts, such as this one, are my favorite, by far. As I begin my own journey into video content creation (with the goal of becoming a full-time video editor, initially), this episode provided the spark of inspiration I desperately needed, so thank you! Also, the "Fallout" series on Amazon Prime is amazing and I can't wait for Season 2!!

[@seb2549]

Loved this episode! Awesome scenery! That Hwy 2 looks very much like a border fence?

[@wra3official]

What an episode! We even got a grilled cheese 🎉

[@Introverted_Outlander]

Chris, I’ve always found it quite useful to carry an inexpensive torque wrench or just a breaker bar with me for Lugnuts. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been stuck on the side of the road fixing up flat on my vehicle or somebody else’s and the lug wrench breaks or Bends.

[@venture4wd]

Very smart of you.

[@ettaplace6716]

😄 thanks Chris - nice to see u enjoying Arizona !

[@richbowie76]

WOW ! the desert colors are amazing

[@greghatch6518]

Wow! Great video, one of your best Chris!