Exploring the Natural Skyscrapers You've Never Heard Of (SUV Camping/Vanlife Adventures)

In this video I explore an area that's been on my must-see list for literally decades. It's a spot that few people know about and even fewer see.
DATE FILMED: Early November 2022
** The book I mention in this video: amzn.to/3POIDAZ (Amazon affiliate link)
► Adventure Know-How: adventureknowhow.com/
► The SUV RVing Website: suvrving.com/
► My online store (SUV camping/vandwelling/overlanding accessories & SUV RVing merch): KamchatkaGear.com
GPS COORDINATES, etc.
** Where I parked: 38.705685, -109.300668
** The Mystery Towers: 38.71842, -109.28091
** Campsite: 38.86049, -109.30614
OTHER LINKS
** Gear I use: suvrving.com/gear
** SUV RVing the Book: amzn.to/2SUrtme (Affiliate link)
** The blog: suvrving.com
** Instagram: / suvrving
** My other KZbin channel: / tenkaraaddict
#adventure #travel #camping

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching! Here's the book I mention in the video. Great read/listen! amzn.to/3POIDAZ -Tristan

[@thelakeman5207]

I'd be afraid to trust those ropes ! What a beautiful area! Love all your videos, keep them coming.

[@deniselarose1695]

Tristan, I can't thank you enough for taking me places I will never see or do! You make everything look easy. Great drone shots and beautiful, wild place.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Denise!

[@leedonehower3112]

Denise, I couldn't have said it better. Thank you Tristan!!!

[@radhavasam]

@@leedonehower3112 Denise and Lee, ditto, I could not go there nor hike around, Thank you Tristan. And thank you both for many others and me, :)

[@geoffmeek2437]

Wow! Incredible scenery. You take a lot of effort to get the necessary shots - appreciated!

[@SUVRVing]

Glad you liked it, Geoff! Thanks for watching.

[@cindi7955]

Searching for the right word to express the gift you have given us to view this magnificent work of creation and they all fall short so a most heartfelt "Thank you, Tristan!" will have to do. As someone who gets dizzy on a four step ladder, I have no idea what drives others to climb such vertically high towers but am in awe of them doing so. A phenomenal video.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Cindi! I appreciate the kind words 😁

[@kiwirose4196]

I know someone says this every hike you do - but the drone REALLY gives perspective as to the scale of things is a way that a hand held camera just can't do justice to. Absolutey incredible!

[@SUVRVing]

Agreed! Having a drone is amazing.

[@maryanich3828]

WOW! Just wow! I'm a 70 year armchair traveler and I love where you take me! Thank you!

[@dirtyrottenhikers4972]

Spectacular. Hiker hat trick #17 use a convention neck tag, the ribbon with your name on it, tie it to your backpack connected by the clip to the hat. Then laugh at the wind. 🌬🤣

[@jackrobinson4463]

I really love it when you show areas more off the beaten path that are spectacular but not crowded. My bucket list is ever- growing and you are adding to it.

[@MickAstoria]

Utah never ceases to amaze me. Great drone footage. Thanks for sharing!

[@ropersix]

I've done the Fisher Towers hike, and it is spectacular. But the extra effort required to get to these makes them seem so much more special, and makes for a very memorable video-watching experience. I mean, I admit I don't remember all the places you go, but I will remember this one!

[@hgj2019]

As a young man, my climbing adventures in the eastern US took me to amazing,beautiful places. I always wanted to climb in the west - Long’s peak, the Tetons,Yosemite valley, and others but the opportunity to travel in the west never materialized. As an old man I have been afforded the opportunity to SEE those places in person, even though I’m long past climbing them. Thanks so much for all your videos. They give me an opportunity to vicariously enjoy many more wonderful places than what I have seen, and they give me ideas for future traveling.

[@StanParker99]

I really enjoyed this video. I've been around Fisher Towers many times, but I was never a rock climber (super impressed by those who are) and started exploring much too late in life to learn. You're right, I was not aware of Mystery Towers, although I've driven many miles on Onion Creek Road. The clip of you climbing what looks like The Corkscrew reminded me of Katie Brown making that credit card commercial. But the most impressive thing about your adventures is how you intentionally leave your GoPro behind to record your hike/climb, knowing you have to retrieve it.

[@SUVRVing]

I remember that commercial too! Thanks for watching, Stan 👍

[@mccallbecca]

This gives me a deeper appreciation for your craft and expertise. The climbing and drone shots were my fave, next to your ability to highlight nature’s Gems.

[@pixelpeter3883]

Utah never disappoints! What a scenery! Loved the intro sequence with the view over the car-hood.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!

[@hamlinsondra]

Many older viewers might recall their first sight of the Fisher Towers from a Chevrolet TV ad in the early 1960s. They placed an Impala atop one tower with a helicopter. Lovely to see this part of Utah again. And again, I appreciate all the backtracking and drone shots that help make your videos superb.

[@GregOttersbach]

Castle Rock 1964

[@GregOttersbach]

Another comment on my comment. Being an old-timer I know that most younger folks call the spire "Castle Rock" that was used for the 1964 Chevy ad. Old-timers sometimes call it "Castleton Rock or Castleton Tower" which I've heard was the original name of the tower used in the ad. Names of trails and arches around Moab sometimes change over time with two or more different names.

[@AndrewSkalak]

@@GregOttersbach that tower is still called Castleton. It is nearby, but a different formation.

[@GregOttersbach]

@@AndrewSkalak

[@GregOttersbach]

Before the 1980's (maybe today too) is was clear that the names of many features around Moab were not agreed on among the BLM, Park Service, pamphlets at the visitor center, various maps or found in books about Moab and even the local signage and inscriptions carved on some of these features. The old Chevy commercial added to the confusion about Castle Rock because the car was placed on one tower but also showed other towers in the commercial. The ad agency named the commercial "Chevrolet atop Castle Rock" when they promoted the commercial. I did rock climbing during the 70's; sometimes with Eric Bjornstad and Fred Beckey and I climbed it too. Eric called it; Castleton Tower/Castle Rock in his book Desert Rock. I agree with naming it this way as the best for most people. I used to own 5 acres in Castle Valley and a business in Moab so it sometimes depends who we are talking with, that is, locals or whatever?

[@vresor]

Such a beautiful part of the world. I love Utah 128 along the Colorado River. Always thought it must be right up there, but as usual, getting off the beaten path really ups the intensity. Great stuff as usual. Love the third person tripod work. Thank you.

[@beach3girl459]

Your standing on the ridge really gives perspective of how magnificent these towers are. Truly amazing!

[@therookeryvanlife5612]

Wow! This was exciting! The towers were beautiful. Some of them look like the Segrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona, Spain. Your drone footage is also awesome! Glad you found your hat!

[@jennyriede5372]

Wow. I drew these type of towers when I was 18. I am 74 now. Amazing to see they really exist.

[@samanthadodd8112]

I want to thank u so much for taking us along on ur journeys. I'm not physically able to do most of ur hikes, but it is so beautiful to see these from a hikers point of view.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching, Samantha!

[@Carnicrazy]

That was GREAT! Loved the towers, esp the Gothic Nightmare . I'll bet there are few historical photos of the towers that capture them as spectacularly as your drone footage did! Wowie Zowie

[@davidnapper8097]

I thoroughly enjoy every video you post ! Stunning scenery from places I'm unable to explore myself . Current health issues keep me from traveling right now but as soon as I'm able I intend to see more of our beautiful country ! I encourage everyone to get out even if you just do a day trip . Thanks for sharing another awesome adventure 🙂👍👍

[@lindahopson5003]

Stunning scenery in Utah... thanks for taking us beyond the beaten tracks. Glad you got your hat back.

[@proehm]

I like that final campsite. It falls into the category of "It's not the end of the earth, but you can see it from here..."

[@280zone]

Amazing part of our country we never know about...beautiful. Also take a bow for exceptional camera and audio work. Just the right mix of camera types (standard, action, drone and 360). Also you audio is always spot on, you are always audible even while dealing with challenging winds.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for the kind words! It always makes things easier to have the right tool (camera) for the job.

[@jeffMinnesota952]

A very nice video, loved the drive up the canyon, and the hike up the canyon, and strange rocks. You are becoming more adept at the camerawork, (I spotted your use of the 360* camera at 5:18) and the mix of your selfie, goPro and drone cameras are telling the story very well... thanks for sharing...

[@timwolfers7880]

Just when I think I've seen most of Utah's scenic wonders, you reveal yet another one! Thanks for the great views. 😎

[@richard_n]

The Moab region is in my top 5 for most beautiful places on earth, and I've been to 48 states and around 40 countries worldwide. That shot at 12:54 is absolutely incredible. Also, for a book recommendation, Into Thin Air. One of the best you will ever read.

[@Mark-cg2bg]

Fisher Towers is one of my favorite places to visit. The last time there, I took the road along the La Sal Mts and approached from the east. I'd never seen the other towers shown here, but that's definitely a stop on my next trip. I know Tristan knows this but to help orient others who may not, there's a shot at 16:07 where you're looking west and see the Colorado River as a slim green belt at the foot of a high mesa. On top of that mesa is Arches NP.

[@lnbjr7]

I support this sort of claiming is easier for a 6 foot + dude… I’m 5’7 and would have a heck of a time keeping up with you either walking or climbing… you are blessed!

[@rhinofist1]

That drone shot at 10:50 is stunning. I absolutely loved this video.

[@rogerbmcdaniel]

In a word: Spectacular! Sometimes the stuff less planned turns out the best. As always, thanks.

[@SUVRVing]

Very true! Thanks Roger.

[@carlbrown8830]

Tolkeinesque - I can imagine the gates of Mordor and the city of Minas Turith in the spires. Spectacular!

[@westoasis7062]

The path less travelled ... maybe we'll meet there one day. This is the type of adventure that calls my name.

[@littlefireball44]

Tristan, just finished watching, one of our favorites. We live in Grand Junction, so making trips over there is pretty easy. We are 78 and 86, so we don’t do much hiking, more driving and looking, lol. We love your Vlogs❤

[@jeffreymorris7827]

I'm 64 and hoping to retire in a year or two, move into my car and travel the west. You have added SO many places to my bucket list.

[@SUVRVing]

That's great to hear! Thanks for watching

[@anthonyserba9866]

Tristan, Candice Millard is a wonderful writer. She has done a book about Churchill's adventures in S. Africa when he worked as a journalist during the Boer War. Also, she has a great book about Teddy Roosevelt's explorations in Brazil in 1913-14 . Highly recommend both of these.

[@kathleenhoward7070]

Thank you very much for taking me to places I can no longer get to. Love the 4 corners, UT, all of it. Lived in WY for 6 years in my youth so still consider the west home. Thank you!

[@louisepotier2784]

Thank-you, what beautiful scenery - I will pass this video on to my niece and her husband. One of my favorite scenes - the flying hat, of course! :-)🤭🤭

[@heidihill2361]

Incredible place...

[@dianahurt4398]

I loved driving Onion Creek trail! It’s so awesome to see the canyons beyond the road. Thank you.

[@kenuber4766]

I just love that country! Most of because there are less people back there. Thanks for bringing us along!

[@gracecrane254]

Thank you for your terrific videos showing us amazing angles and glorious views we would never see without you!

[@sharondavis8003]

That road is something else!!!! 😱 Spectacular Mystery Towers 😮

[@SUVRVing]

It was a great drive, for sure!

[@rosettathompson2283]

My heart nearly stopped with the opening of this video! That road!!! So I will enjoy this area from the safety of my armchair! The rock formations are absolutely STUNNING! So HAPPY that you found your signature cap!!

[@peterfreidel7721]

I was wondering what if a car was to meet you coming in the opposite direction? 😥

[@SUVRVing]

Really fun road to drive! 😁

[@sherilgreen7495]

Amazing awe inspiring scenery! Thank you for showing us this incredible place

[@earthangel8730]

Spectacular, Tristan! Perfect music choice too. I was glad that you were able to locate and retrieve your hat. 👏

[@timmccaffery4826]

Wow, definitely named accurately, Gothic Nightmare! The drone footage showed a glimpse of them with gaping maws and heads can easily be imagined!

[@lnbjr7]

Incredible rock formations! Thank you for sharing this adventure!

[@bkbland1626]

Fisher Towers! I climbed The Kingfisher and Ancient Art a long time ago. The base jumpers love that area. The Mystery towers are cool, too. Down the Onion Creek Rd. Twenty something crossings, like 22 or so. Doric Column and The Citadel and a couple others.

[@dianecampbell184]

Thanks to you Tristan, I can sightsee through a state I’ve always been fascinated with, but haven’t seen. 🌈🐲💖

[@annieyahu676]

Boy that wind was something fierce! Amazing that you found your hat !! But looks like the wind was making it pretty inconvenient to try and retrieve it. Stay safe and thanks for Sharing another great adventure. Blessings ❤️

[@timoeland6159]

At first I thought your hat was a little animal that you startled running away from you down the hill! Glad you found it! Thanks for the spectacular scenery!

[@robertphillips3893]

Yet another amazing place that I would never see without you taking us along. Thank you!

[@davefalls6703]

Thank you so much for this excellent video. You find the coolest places to hike. I want to hike the Utah trails so much but I am in Missouri and still working at age 67 but I still have it iny heart to walk some of the cool trails you show on your videos. Again thank you for very well done videos.

[@PatricesProjects]

I went down the Onion Creek trail in April of this year with 2 of my sons in my son's Suburban, and my daughter and her boyfriend in her FJ. That was a beautiful train. Loved all of the creek crossings and plant life down there.

[@michaelsonleitner5724]

WOW! Incredible scenery. Glad you shared this with us. Stay safe Tristan!

[@rosebud3466]

Wow, what a fabulous video. Those rock formations are spectacular. I've seen videos claiming those formations are the remnants of giant cedar trees.

[@myjourneysinfaith]

Wow. Awesome hike. Loved the pictures. I enjoy watching your videos because it's always beautiful and interesting. I'm older and will never make that hike. Thank you for sharing your adventures.

[@rememberthesabbathdayexodu1185]

15:17... that is cool. Really enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@BettyBearsNomadicTravels]

If your trail is 3 miles you must walk 6. I love your channel. It is amazing how you can document all of this.

[@JaguarFeatherStudios]

Glad to see you back in the Utah red rock country. Some of your best drone work yet. I know how challenging that can be there with the wind and the rugged terrain. I've visited the Fisher Towers area once, but always concentrated my time in the main Canyonlands/Arches complexes. I'm intrigued to hike in to see the Mystery Towers, and especially that Gothic wall with the hoodoo gargoyles !

[@billermanthegreat]

Stayed across from Fischer towers a couple years ago. What a cool place, with all the climbers and base jumpers!

[@duncanchaboudy4187]

Been a fan for years and watched you channel grow. Your photography chops are LEGIT! 🔥 📸 🔥

[@tenkaraintheiowadriftless]

Glad you found your hat. I know it’s an old friend. Breathtaking scenery. Thanks for dragging us along.

[@janiceconnett3192]

Beautiful climb & trek! Thanks so much for taking us all on this special trek.

[@amyhughes151]

Awesome scenery loved the music accompanying the drone shots. Tristan great work!!!

[@jimchristensen965]

Thanks Tristan! It's hard to beat Utah and it's also hard to beat your really good work/fun(?) on this great adventure. Happy you got er done. Very enjoyable!

[@jenb.6440]

Beautiful video! We really loved the footage, great job climbing up and thank you for sharing; our dogs enjoyed it too! My husband's favorite part is that you got your hat back and we often wonder what kind of hat it is ... Best wishes!

[@rhondalyn100]

Amazing drone shots! Beautiful! Perfect music to accompany the shots, as well.

[@johnd746]

Another great adventure with wonderful scenery. Thanks Tristan.

[@josephgeffrard6934]

Beautiful spots , thank you for sharing. I liked your intro music, you took me right back to a Clint Eastwood western. Respect the environment and enjoy camping.

[@aspeler22]

Wow! Great videography and great effort and sacrifice on your part in all that climbing! At 70 I'd never be able to do that, so thanks greatly! Great to be able to see the glory of God's creation which I would never be able to see otherwise. May you be blessed and safe in all you do. Thanks again!

[@1957Dirogo]

I can't believe he did that road in anything but a side-by-side or a Jeep. Nothing beats Utah ...it looks like Mars. Its prehistoric. We always see him going up but not coming down... That's got to be the hardest part.

[@Maddiehere89]

Beautiful scenery and loved this video. As always great job Tristan!

[@superdave1949]

Anywhere else, the Fisher and Mystery Towers would certainly be a national monument at least.

[@bridgetmuehlberger5141]

That was absolutely STUNNING! It literally took my breath away multiple times! Also glad you got your hat back!! 😂

[@terris6322]

Thanks again for taking us along on your adventure.

[@kimlittleton4943]

Fantastic !!! I wish I were 25 years younger. You find the most amazing places, and I am so grateful you share them. I would be tickled to get to the point of the waterfall climb.....heck....that pretty spectacular for your "average Joe" ya know. thanks again. You do worry me out exploring all these places on your own. I hope you carry a In reach or some kind of emergency beacon with you.

[@phyllisbonner8900]

Utah is so striking. Always love the videos there. Wish I was young so I could check these places out. Thanks for taking me there.

[@loricollins3163]

Tristan this video is perhaps one of my absolute favorites of your adventures. The videography, music, background.editing and overall art of story telling are strong and dynamic while filled with adventure and delight. Thank you for taking us along the journey.

[@Will-Parr]

An excellent adventure. Awesome footage,editing,and music. You did it. Congrats

[@dorispursell48]

Great drone shots…music selection is perfect Thanks for all your hard work.

[@richardrichardson515]

THANKS for taking us to another awesome place with excellent photography, be safe always

[@RicG.]

So glad you found your hat. When it got blown off, it made me laugh out loud. It just looked so funny. 🤣

[@reiaruku377]

Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful!

[@didgegirl6]

Glad you found your hat. Amazing scenery! The Mystery Towers remind me much of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Thank you for bringing us along and for the audiobook recommendation.

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

Awesome Hike. Best Hikes are the ones no one else takes. And it is so nice to watch a video that isn't an Infomercial this time of year. I'm adding this one to the "Get To" list.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!

[@catlovesGod]

Tristan, you ALWAYS do a magnificent job at filming!!! Love your drone as well as GoPro shots... Stunning scenery and you capture it so well! Thanks for sharing your adventures! Another book suggestion... Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey - you won't be disappointed!

[@stphns1737]

My youngest will be going to college soon and I am planning an "Adventure in Tristan's footsteps" trip for myself. Thank you!

[@toddcrum4163]

Never heard of this place. Just spectacular. Another experience to look forward to. Happy travels

[@kdenton9566]

Gorgeous scenery! Thank you for showing me this!

[@janeespasandin1152]

Great scenery, thanks for taking me along

[@awanderingdream2093]

Just THANK YOU! Absolutely EPIC!!

[@paulinemiller4624]

Awesome!!!!! So amazing and thanks so much for sharing this venture!

[@pierreb6860]

Stunning scenery, the alien needles are amazing time sculptures. Your video well depicts the hugeness of the nature elements. Nice use of the drone that puts you in perspective, it helps us to transpose and feel the verticality and hugeness of the nature elements. I liked the few pictures of your previous climbing expedition, it's impressive but I also appreciate that the accessible side of simple exploration is fully valued here. Adventure is often depicted through performance, but exploration is great.

[@wildzenventures]

That scenery and landscape is impressive, I’ve never been to Utah, hope to make it there next spring! Thanks for sharing these stunning places.

[@SUVRVing]

I hope you can make it there too!

[@robertstewart209]

You never disappoint Tristan, thanks.

[@smalliehound]

Thank you for all of your videos. And, for allowing my wife and I to live this adventuresome lifestyle through your many travels. Great work.

[@mohammadyosuf185]

I love the way you go places, I was there two times just a drive through and I remember these names you mentioned. It was so cool seeing it through your experiences. I hope you and everyone in your family are doing well.thanks