Exploring Secrets of The Most Beautiful Landscape In The American Southwest

In a remote region of the Utah desert, lies the most stunning landscape full of mountains, rivers and canyons. This beautiful wilderness contains ancient as well as modern history. A place that has been favored by Native Americans, and Hollywood directors alike. I ventured in to explore more of this region via hiking and off roading. Thanks for joining me on this adventure
#history #ancienthistory #exploration #roadtrip
// Outdoor Gear and Clothing I Use
app.rockporch.com/llink/HFZJw...
// Camera Gear I Use:
Sony a6700: amzn.to/49gsBb8
Camera Lens: amzn.to/3xf5wIl
Insta 360 X3: amzn.to/3U6PXvP
DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone: amzn.to/3uaDo80
Camera Clip: app.rockporch.com/prdlink/R6s...
DJI Microphone: amzn.to/429gHOa
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product with the provided links I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content!

[@AngelofCruelty]

Being unable to hike and explore myself, I find watching your videos very important to my mental health. They allow me to see areas I've longed to explore and travel to but are physically unable to. Everytime you post I feel such a rise in my spirit as I travel an area of the US I have always wanted to go. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I look forward to every new adventure you take me on.

[@Desert.Drifter]

Thank you for watching and supporting the channel. I'm glad there's something deeper you find in my videos than mere entertainment. Nothing wrong with entertainment, but I strive for something deeper in each video :)

[@elsathal7359]

Same I appreciate you taking care to get deeper helps lift spirits higher for those of us who are unable ✌️💞🤟

[@mjohnsimmons]

Yes more !!! Thank you. One of the BEST things about your presentations is you never pan the camera too fast !!! THANK YOU !!!

[@Desert.Drifter]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@wildwoodsoundshouseconcert8324]

Thank you. I try not to miss a single thing while filming...

[@user-jw9lq5ib6g]

yep, agreed..

[@user-ri2ee4qg7k]

Literally my backyard for 30 years. I know every spot in this video intimately well....even some of the individual trees, plants, and rocks. As impressed as you are, you have no idea how awesome, inspiring, breathtakingly beautiful, and precious it truly is. And filled with more stories than you can possibly imagine.

[@BreakOutOfTheAlgorithm]

Where you in Moab or LaSalle?

[@user-ri2ee4qg7k]

Castle Valley

[@Cnsalmoni]

How lucky

[@shaynejenkins446]

Pretty sure he has an idea as he is a local.

[@Desert.Drifter]

It's a stunning place. I hope to have many more years exploring it and continuing to delve into all the depths it contains. Many layers of human history, up to the present!

[@tomtaylor9150]

I'm a fifth generation Moabite and just love this video! My great-great-grandfather Norman Taylor was amongst the first permanent settlers here. The big sandbar a few miles this side of Dewey Bridge is a great rockhounding spot for agate, jasper and other rocks. In the 80's and 90's I hunted mule deer in the draws right below Castle Rock (Castleton Tower). No hunting there now, for good reason. There's so much great scenery and history here! Thank you.

[@shanemwood]

If you want to explore this area. Start at Cisco Utah on I-70. Head south on Highway 128 down to Moab. You will not be disappointed. It's one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

[@FarginIceholeful]

Noted. Thank you. One of my personal favorites is 93 from around Arco, ID to Missoula, MT. The highway skirts along the entire length of the Lemhi Range, home to Mt. Borah, Idaho's highest point at about 13,000'. From there is Challis and Salmon, ID where it skirts the Salmon River for miles. THEN.... The Bitterroot Valley. Enough said.

[@AndrewGrey22]

@@FarginIceholeful North out of Boise and then up to Riggins along the Little Salmon River is another good one.

[@Gail-ux2ly]

The Dolores River Canyon from Shiprock NM north to Fruita colorado is also unforgettable.

[@lynnnorthrup8914]

We done it multiple times and never fails to amaze us!

[@cg2710]

Headed to moab area next week from Colorado. Been to area before, but want to explore some off the path spots (like first hike in video). Open to suggestions, will be car camping and trying to avoid humans, mostly. Driven through 128, but never stopped to play.

[@gerileewhite3590]

I grew up in Colorado Springs in the 60’s-70’s. I have always loved the mountains. However, when I experienced the high deserts of western Colorado and Eastern Utah I felt the age of the earth. The desert is like the emperor who has no clothes. She is bare and shows for all to see her beautiful wrinkles and scars. The silence in the remote desert is something that many never experience. The sound of an occasional hawk or raven and a distant rock falling. That silence leads one to reflect , appreciate those who came long before us and the wonders of this planet. I can’t do the hiking like I used to but when I watch your videos I am instantly transported back to the sounds ( or lack of ), the feel of high alitude sun and even the smell of sage. Thank you keep exploring I will keep watching!

[@kathyp2197]

I’m so glad you represented the desert with such respect. The area around Moab is precious. Thanks for sharing its beauty respectfully.

[@Desert.Drifter]

Thank you for watching. It is one of my favorite places in a region filled with so many special areas

[@westho7314]

Sadly precious enough to tear apart with off road vehicles challenging the terrain with their conquering mentality of domination over all.

[@destob9586]

I just started watching Andrews video's. His respect for the land and the history is the best part

[@phyllisbonner8900]

Southern Utah is the most spectacular landscape in the world in my opinion. Andrew your articulation and presentation are excellent. You are so well spoken. You keep things slow enough with the camera that we can soak everything in; like the petroglyphs. Thanks for what you are doing. Enjoy your videos so much.

[@tubecoatue]

Great drone footage. Editing in general is top rate. This on top of excellent content is a winning combination. The channel just keeps on getting better. Congratulations!

[@KimberlySparks-wr6bh]

I agree 100%

[@Desert.Drifter]

Thank you for the feedback. I try to improve the videography and editing with each video. I'm always my toughest critic, and still want to see it improve, but it's good to hear that people enjoy it as is

[@toddincabo]

@@Desert.DrifterNice job. Yep, keep it simple is your best bet. People watch for the mellow content, not to see a million over edited cut scenes stuck together. A little criticism would be just don't get too sappy and poetic, sometimes sounds like you're trying too hard, we just saw it, we get it. Nice work though and thanks for sharing.

[@healingmagichands]

@@toddincabo I get what you are try To say ButI have a much more cynical view of the sensitivity of a lot of folks. Considering the amount of graffiti, vandalism, and littering going on, there are a LOT of folks who absolutely don’t get it at all. Personally I welcome poetry into my life.

[@toddincabo]

@@healingmagichands I saw a bird land on a turd ... what up bird?

[@tomesplin4130]

I’m from Australia. Have been there twice and it’s definitely my favorite spot on the planet. Spectacular country

[@Marshall-mt1fu]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I am almost 70 years old and live in,and,have explored, the Canadian wilderness. I find myself fascinated by your wanderings. You are a great narrator. Please be safe and may God bless and watch over you and reveal himself to you.

[@coryshook7648]

I love it! Thank you dude! I somehow feel like I shed stress and toxicity when I watch your videos.

[@markgibsons_SWpottery]

These places are exactly what we are looking for! Thanks for taking us, Man! Great footage!

[@Desert.Drifter]

Thanks again for watching Mark!

[@tonamiller6850]

Love to see more of this!!

[@DavidDCD999]

Absolutely beautiful there.

[@thomasdaum1927]

Your videos keep getting better and better , editing , music and cinematography ! 100,000 subscribers is just around the corner ! Thanks again for sharing your adventures and bringing the beauty of the South West to the world !……… please do more in this area .

[@Desert.Drifter]

Many thanks for watching and commenting! It’s a little different than some of my other treks, glad you enjoyed it. 100k is closing in quick, crazy!

[@annetterobinson2853]

The land I was fortunate to live in and around as a child and teenager. Beauty that is unique in North America, if not the entire world. We are blessed that you shared with such a respectful and loving video. Thank you.

[@Desert.Drifter]

You're very lucky to have grown up in that area. I'm grateful to have found it in adulthood and hope I have many more years to learn more of its intricacies

[@purelightlove8888]

Thank you for naming the location and the name of the rivers and creeks…! ✨Sasquatch Rock ART for sure!!✨

[@KarenSmith-pc8ji]

This is such a gorgeous area! Your choice of background music was perfect for the landscape and history too. Thanks for all you do to share your experiences with everyone.

[@Desert.Drifter]

Thanks Karen, I love the western theme of it all, I'm glad you do too ;)

[@KarenSmith-pc8ji]

@@Desert.Drifter It’s perfect. I keep half expecting Clint Eastwood to come rambling up from down the creek. Anything is possible… haha.

[@Gail-ux2ly]

I was born in Moab several decades ago. Those rocks still speak to me, and the spirits of the Ancient Ones still inhabit the canyons. If you sit in silence and allow your mind to open you will feel their presence.

[@judybennett6444]

The desert SW ...there's no place I'd rather be. I'm so glad I found your channel!

[@robwarren5744]

Wow, thanks for the video. Stunning videography, excellent narration which was informative, the editing skills are equally impressive. Thank you for taking me on the journey with you, it was fascinating. Rob, Cardiff, Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿.

[@cindytappe6486]

You always have great videos. The history is great too America is a treasure.

[@Desert.Drifter]

It sure is. I'm grateful to be an American with places like this all over our country

[@Graybear78]

You are becoming an excellent storyteller. Thank you for sharing your wanderings.

[@luciamartinez9110]

I lived in Moab Utah when I was a kid in 1973. We often went on hikes with our mom and went rafting down the river with my teenage brother camping also along Fisher towers, and in LaSalle mountains, I recognized those right away when the video started. Lots of memories there.

[@desertshadow6098]

I've been around the world several times and find the serene and soulful red rocks around Moab Utah to be the most restorative and energetic locations to explore.

[@ursulanikolaou8737]

Wonderful filming and inspirational description of the history and beauty of the Southwest.

[@garysmith1178]

Absolutely superb. I'd love for you to explore more of the area and share. I'll be visiting that area next year from here in England

[@markg3025]

I liked this newer format you tell a good story it is informative and compelling. Well done

[@Desert.Drifter]

Thank you. It is a different format, with some similarities from my previous videos. I'll probably continue to do a variety, to keep things from becoming stagnant and boring

[@RaeC5280]

So beautiful! I love how rich the color of the ground is, the red and orange. ❤

[@suechristy363]

What a beautiful experience you shared with us. You are such a gift. Has anyone ever told you, you have the same sweet sound in your voice and countenance as Mr Rogers? What a blessing you are. I look forward to watching more of your beautiful videos

[@outdoorjohn7945]

Love your videos! Great drone work. Keep up the good work.

[@bernicezappala7958]

Utah is VERY underrated. I was stunned by the spectacular beauty.

[@mrj10101]

Thanks for bringing us along

[@wanttogo1958]

I recognize much of the area you showed. It is very beautiful. The La Sal Mountains with snow cover was a nice addition from when I was there. Your drone footage, narration and editing were top notch. Yes show us more of areas like this. Nicely done.

[@sevenirises]

WOW! I love the production of your videos. The perfect balance of insight, info, music and stillness. What a remarkable place. Thank you for bringing us here.

[@Desert.Drifter]

Thank you for the feedback. I try to strike a balance between all of those, and it’s hard to know sometimes if I hit the mark or not

[@johndemmink3539]

Yup that’s a forest giant or in this case desert giant. My wife and I drove from Moab to Zion across the southern end of Utah. It’s the most beautiful, lonely, quiet place I’ve ever been. Love the content.

[@poowg2657]

Kanab Utah is another great movie set locale. Great video, thanks much!

[@Desert.Drifter]

Beautiful area there too! I have passed through many times, but need to get out and about more

[@Dealer23Golf]

I love the southwest! There is so much more than the ruins. Vistas, culture, food ,etc. Love your videos! Keep up the good work!

[@2007166]

Thank you for creating this channel and sharing your utterly amazing walks. climbs and discoveries. Inspiration oozes from your words and the vistas you share hold me spellbound as I watch each episode.

[@Desert.Drifter]

Thank you for watching and offering insightful commentary. I always enjoy reading the comments from my regular viewers

[@RobAddie]

I don't live in the US so I really appreciate following your journeys. Amazing landscapes and historical content. Thank you,

[@douglasgish4809]

I love when people outside the US leave a comment. I hope you can visit here sometime.

[@morgonerlenstar]

Stunning landscape

[@ecmarks438]

❤😮 what a stunning landscape. Thanks for showing its beauty. The contrasting colors are awesome.

[@G_R_3]

Moab, and arches national park might be one of the best places I’ve ever visited.

[@susanalbone5101]

It certainly is an amazing place, vast and somewhat barren but beautiful at the same time. Not a place you would want to get lost in! Thank you. Take care, be safe. ❤Dorset, UK

[@stellarform-9440]

I'd give anything to go on one of these hikes with you. I spent every summer growing up in AZ, and would solo hike the deserts around my dads house for days. I couldn't think of a more wholesome person to spend the hikes with than you. Your energy is as humbling as the canyons you explore, my friend.

[@lilbird4198]

I love that red rock, red earth, various greens, and golds of the desert brush, and the blues of the mountain, and sky. All of those awesome colours together, breathtaking! Thank You for another great video, DD. 😊

[@bighornriver1648]

I was thinking bigfoot right off the bat!

[@Howard-bj1jq]

The native American Indians have known BF, all over North America, for thousands of years.

[@Desert.Drifter]

Hah! He's been leaving his mark for centuries

[@michaeldowson6988]

It's likely bears. They rise up on their hind legs regularly.

[@mrblueskynm3968]

Sweet! Thanks for taking me there!

[@kenc1800]

Nicely done, well researched and excellent drone footage! Yes, yes, yes MORE PLEASE

[@jimchristensen965]

An all around outstanding production! The commentary, the history & research, the editing, the drone and the rest of the footage was perfect and of great quality. Thank You and more in this area is welcomed. For me I prefer the shorter videos 15 minutes give or take. Nice job.

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Andrew, I would totally love to see more of this area, I grew up with all of the cowboy's and Indians films because my Dad loved them so we would watch them together, I was born in the UK and in the 70's us Brits couldn't get enough of the movies back then that they would repeat on television. Thank you so much for sharing this stunning area and a part of it's awesome history with us, much love. xx

[@Maevelikeschampagne]

this was perfection. I love this part of the country. a week on a raod trip slowly driving thru the area was life changing

[@annaleebliss4618]

What a beautiful place! 🏜️🏔️🏞️

[@leopardwoman38]

Gorgeous landscape! Thank you for taking us along! 😀💕🌸👍👍👍👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 🥾

[@Desert.Drifter]

You're welcome!

[@magicphilip6880]

This may be one of my favorite videos of yours. You did such a great job portraying the landscape and adding such a great vibe.

[@Desert.Drifter]

Thank you for watching again. I definitely tried out a bit of a different format/style with this video. Gotta keep things fresh and experiment a bit :)

[@Matt_H2O]

Such a captivating landscape. Your story telling is first rate. I would love to see more, though I'm sure wherever you take us, the story and landscape will be amazing too.

[@katenickels617]

wonderful video

[@TheShornak]

Hello Desert Drifter. Absolutely love your video's and your narration. I very happy to see your channel growing rather quickly. It's great for people like me who really dig these area's but can't do what you do. Since you're real good at hiking and rock climbing have you ever considered searching the Superstition Mountains in Arizona? I bet you can turn that into a multiple video feature. Also get into the myths and legends there. Anyway, just a suggestion.

[@twohawks7884]

GRADE A+ ...Once again, you have succeeded in creating an inspirational video. The ancient rock art is stunning. The Native American pictographs speak with a profound wisdom. I just bought a copy of GRANDMA'S TIPI for my young niece. She loves the Lakota pictographs that adorn the pages of this new children's book and decorate the grandma's tipi! I recommend it for kids 7-10 yrs! Keep on filming.

[@davidhuth5659]

Yes please! More of this stunning landscape! Thanks for sharing!

[@BigBlue1026]

Your videos are stunning and never fail to please. Thank you.

[@JimCockerham]

Beautiful location!

[@ladyslipper4647]

Thank you for sharing such historic beauty. ❤

[@wildwoodsoundshouseconcert8324]

This is where I have spending many days every spring and fall. I can't stay away and always look forward to my next adventure which will be soon. 3 to 4 hours from my home in southern central Colorado. My next visit will several beautiful overlooks, camping on the edge. Keep it up my friend, you will be amazed! Raven Trails / Truck Camping Exploring the South West

[@BlazinRiver1]

I live south of Monte Vista Co......Capulin.....CRAZY landscape out here

[@georgelord7643]

As a Native Arizonan growing up in the 1940's and 50's I remember the western cowboy focus in our lives and the western cowboy movies so prevalent in that time. Your video stirred up long forgotten memories of journeys with my father and brothers to remote areas to the work sites of my water well drilling father. Thanks for sharing the research information embedded within the video such as the John Wesley Powell references. Well done!

[@IceLynne]

It's so beautiful it's hard to fathom.

[@danbunge9787]

Great production! Dialog, video, edits, presentation, music, historical, environmental awareness, pace. Its all there. Very good young seeker, your future is so bright, we need shades!

[@grantsmythe8625]

This is a fine video of surpassing beauty. Such scenery and stories too! One can only gaze in silent gratitude at this landscape, giving thanks to those who had the foresight to preserve it. Otherwise, we'd have had oil wells, malls, feeding and watering holes and litter and road signs galore. May God Himself preserve it. Thanks for making this video and for the choice of music. Very good.

[@douglashoppe310]

Thanks for sharing this. I love the area around Moab. Everytime I visit I drive up to Dead Horse Point to view the Colorado river from the heights, snaking through the canyon for miles.

[@psalms125selah]

Yes, I would love to see you explore this area more! It's surprisingly still pristine and breath-takingly beautiful!

[@user-ej2uz7fl7n]

Love your free spirit and your willingness to immerse yourself in this wilderness. You will always carry these memories.❤

[@pamb.7753]

Thank you the intimate peek at the expanse and beauty of the area.

[@anotherblonde]

This trip reminds me of travelling from El Quseir along the Wadi Hammamat to Luxor in Egypt. Vast areas uninhabited, high mountains, stark history, inscribed petroglyphs, ancient Egyptian heiroglyphs, ibex footprints and silence. So spiritual. Thank you for sharing.

[@k.scheer5to1]

Hi Andrew.... your video brought me to tears, and I think you will understand why.... please allow me to explain: -- It makes me very happy, indeed I felt deeply privileged, to know that back in the middle 70's and early 80's I too was magically enchanted with the E. Utah Canyon country. I made lots of SOLO EXPLORATIONS all over into the "Canyonlands" and into the "Arches" (in my old Pick-Up Truck, sometimes riding a 250cc Enduro MC, or on longer Camping Hikes), including in the same areas you show in this Video. Those Treks led me to the purchase of a 5 acre plot in stunning, magnificent Castle Valley near the base of the Manti-LaSal Mountains. There I "dream-planned", "dowsed" and drilled a succesful well (where many other's' wells were either unsuccessful, or dry-holes); I built a shed, and was planning for a "Retirement" Residence there. All of those distant activities are now some of my most cherished memories! -- I loved the remote, un-populated aspects of the region..... along the River drive between Cisco, Dewey Bridge, Fisher Towers, Castle Valley, and on into Moab, one would see perhaps only two or three other vehicles, and quite often NO other vehicles! That was back in the days long before "Mountain Bicycles", "ATV's", and hordes of people!! The only Trekkers" around were mostly a few local residents, or ranch-hands, etc., who used rugged 4WD pickups, a few Jeeps, and a very few "Trail-Type Motorcycles". Everyone I got to know in the Moab vicinity became like close-family, it seemed that everyone knew everyone else, and were hospitable, helpful friends! I am proud to say that I knew the region and the gentle folk who lived there, BEFORE the Human Bomb exploded!! -- In a very few years the whole region was over-run with people and their infernal machines who had "Discovered" the Canyon country, they would come and play briefly, make a mess of the environment, then quickly disappear!..... Moab went from being a quiet little Hamlet to a bustling City in only about 10 years time. In discouraging disappointment, after five years of work, I finally sold my property, and bailed-out to get away from all of the encroaching, ensuing Madness. These days virtually ALL of the remote, secluded, wonderful camping spots along the River Canyon, as well as the nicest Hiking Trails, have all now been "Regulated" to the point of "Reservation Only" or "Permit Required" access, and the region has been infested with "Mountain Bicyclers", "ATV'ers", hordes of "Jeepers", etc.!! Most of the "Trails" are also now "Over-Regulated", "Vehicle Restricted or Banned", and now it is becoming a well-known fact that even the floods of Mountain-Bikers and Hikers have been creating irreparable damage to the sensitive "Canyon Ecologies"!! The Region bears scant resemblance to the Enchanting Region and the People I once knew intimately, enjoyed immensely, and took great pride in caring for, to conserve and protect that environment, as best I could..... I cannot visit there any more without feeling huge pangs of shock and sadness!!

[@brunobarks6544]

Thanks again 👍

[@patriotmem2645]

The colors are awesome, I love the s.w. and spent a little time around those parts. It has a way of addicting one to the nature, the history, the connection to ancients. It truly is lovely and a one of a kind experience. We do live in a beautiful country... and we are blessed.

[@lindabriggs5118]

The show "West World" was shot a lot in this valley and in the cliffs. I love that area. I once lived only two hours drive from Moab and this valley. Thank for filming this area.

[@benc210]

Yes, I’d love to see more of your trips in that area.

[@marciahynes-hx1xs]

Would Love to see more of this area, it is fascinating. Thank You 🎉

[@muleskinner3224]

Always enjoy your trips and video footage...smooth and well edited. Keep up the good work and I do look forward to the next one.

[@alexgabriel5423]

Poetic loving Commentary! There is no place on Earth more Majestic than what Desert Drifter shows in these shots! At a loss for Words the Scenery drew many Film Producers over many decades! Desert Drifter remains Commendable for his Dedication! 👋 ❤

[@falseteethrealtarotAllRocks]

Magnificent Brother, Feeling The Blessing of cleansing throughout Self… I’ve made it to 60 so far and love Westerns of all ages… Thank You for Your Services, kindness being one of those… Very Special Much Love and Light 💘🌞🦋

[@lindawarrell4281]

Absolutely gorgeous! Utah is such a beautiful place! ❤

[@elsathal7359]

Yes please on the area seems that you are glowing with inner peace in this thank you for sharing ✌️💞🤟

[@deborahm6036]

So inspiring! You are a great storyteller.

[@blevalley1367]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@InvictusAeterna]

I had the blessing of coming to this area and Utah every summer growing up. Still consider it my heaven on earth.

[@Naturegirl55]

Yes pleeze! More would be great! I assumed you would camp there, maybe you have footage of the trip back? THAT was the most AH-mazing place yet! Fantastic music! You really captured the feel of the place, the historic significance & the age of greatness of the film industry. The narration you provide is soothing and respectful of Natures' magnificence. I want to come with you! (said the 68 yr old lady with arthritis!) Thanks for immersing me in a place I will never see!

[@Desert.Drifter]

Haha, thank you Naturegirl, I appreciate the support. You're never too old to explore!

[@kellywilkins8043]

That area is absolutely beautiful! Thanks for bringing it to us!

[@Catherine1151]

Love your voice, love your narrative, love your channel ❤

[@jayejeffries8465]

Man I just recently discovered your channel and it has quickly become one of my favorite ones to watch. Your voice is hypnotic and the scenery is amazing!

[@lucindajennings148]

Wonderful area. Just stunning. Thank you for the hike! Beautiful! Um...I'm running out of words for this. I think it's called being left speechless!!😊

[@mikem201]

Thanks for taking us along, pretty country.

[@puppy2haley]

Another Beautiful, interesting & informative video. New sub & been binge watching your channel on & off today. Keep up the good work & stay safe. 👍

[@russelmoore4930]

Wow! Loved this video. Best yet. So appreciate your sharing

[@SnoMoJoe1]

Your best video so far. You picked a stunningly beautiful area to showcase. I really enjoyed the story telling format of this video.

[@pamabernathy8728]

Breathtaking! Thank you, Andrew, as always. Blessings from an old lady in Southern California.

[@dianehenry6540]

And one in the Texas Hill Country too!

[@dianehenry6540]

More, please! Thank you, Andrew!

[@margaretpugh7579]

Beautiful, extraordinary and beautifully, hauntingly captured by you on film! Thank you!