This Much Snow in June!? - Stuck in the Fish Lake National Forest

Exploring the Fish Lake National Forest was a pure nature experience that rejuvenated our souls. That is...until we got our truck stuck in the snow!
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We are home in the forest. A sense of familiar calm washes over us the second our rig rolls under the canopy of trees at the entrance to a National Forest. But we can't merely sit and exist here, an urge to explore beckons us to rumble down the dirt roads and see for ourselves what the forest contains.
We are camping in the Fish Lake National Forest near Capitol Reef National Park in Utah. After having to leave our pets behind to explore Capitol Reef we are excited to bring them along for a National Forest adventure!
We all pile into our truck Helga and attempt to ascend from our campsite at 9,000 feet elevation to Fish Lake Hightop at 11,500 feet. Then we check out the Pondo Aspen Clone, possibly the world's oldest living organism at 80,000 years old, then spend the evening at the shore of Fish Lake splashing around with Sweetie and Alice!
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[@Thesaltymedic36]

Chains. Those plastic traction ramps. Maybe a come-a-long too. Great video and glad you got out with not too much trouble.

[@xxshevilxx]

And this is EXACTLY why I'm getting a VW Touareg. 15:40 or it was a large cannabis grow and the water was used for irrigation.

[@BillUtah]

Carry chains! You would be surprised how well even the cable chains work in that situation. I wouldn’t take my shorter 4x4 with a locker up that trail! But the chains would get you back out of that and back to safety. Welcome to my back yard. Fish Lake is around 100 miles from here and very popular place to head for a great weekend trip! Loved the video! Thanks and take care, Bill in Utah

[@davidh5009]

These are the days that renew. Thanks for sharing.

[@JuhaLehtinen]

You could get an electic winch and use that to pull you out, instead of shoveling. On 4x4 truck you just get stuck much deeper :)

[@warty2200]

True that. However 4X4's are much better at backing out when you stop making headway. As a Utah resident that travels forest roads, I firmly believe having to back track is always a better alternative to getting stuck. Snow and mud can be a very dangerous mix when on the side of a steep mountain.

[@JuhaLehtinen]

Well.. Good thing about electric winches are that you dont have to mount them permanently. Just quck attach it to tow bar, and you can pull backwards, and even to sideways, what is sometimes handy, since normal wehicles back wheels wont turn. :)

[@ricklockhart8111]

Just watched the Fish Lake story, my mom and dad ran the KOA in Cedar City and my son would go see grandma and grandpa in the summer they would fish at Fish Lake and Otter creak. Watching this story and seeing the lake made my eyes tear up ( in a good way ) as my folks have both passed away... Thanks for the great memories, Rick

[@regenagroen4631]

Sweetie is so BEAUTIFUL furbaby!! & she was having sooooo much fun in the snow!!!! LOVE IT!!! BEAUTIFUL drone shots too!!! GREAT JOB!!! LOVES/HUGS TO ALL!!!

[@UncaDave]

I really liked your little trip here. I totally agree, National Forests Rock! You would love the Monongahela National Forest in WV where I do a lot of hiking and overnights. Almost a million acres of dense mountainous rough terrain that gets up to 4700’+. Great trout streams and RV camping too. Hardest part is finding a flat area! Loved the romp with the animals too. Great fun you had!!!

[@richardsnyder9767]

I always carry chains and a portable compressor everywhere. Another thing you might try if you carry a compressor is lower the tire pressure to increase tire surface area.

[@gazelam1973]

I served in the Marines as a crew member of a 8-wheeled Light Armoured Vehicle, They were designed to traverse just about any off road terrain. And we would use chains in many circumstances. Chains or cables are a relatively cheap alternative to off roading until you get a 4×4. Even with a 4×4, chains and a winch are a must, also a more aggressive tire tread would be helpful in those situations.

[@gerhardd1376]

3 suggestions: 1. Get a bigger shovel. Your fordable back packing poop shovel is clearly not enough 2. Get snow chains. At least for the rear (drive) tires. 3. Get a diff-lock. Its a much smaller expense than a replacement 4x4 vehicle and it has no effect on your fuel economy. And it makes a huge difference, especially for the price. Love your work :D

[@rollerpig82]

One thing to think of in a situation like this is to air down your tires. I'm not sure what tires you have but they appear to be an AT type tire. If you are still aired up to 80 psi like for towing, your off road traction will be extremely limited. Coming from a Jeep background, airing down to somewhere around 25 psi would have likely given you the traction you would have needed to back out of the snow. Just an idea in case it happens again. Love the videos and site reviews. Hope to be doing the same this time next year.

[@T4T556]

I love watching your adventures. This might be corny but you guys remind me of my husband and I thirty years ago! Especially the getting stuck part. Lol. We got into a similar situation with our Dodge conversion van in New Mexico. We were towing our first “RV,” a very small pop up trailer. We had to unhitched, turn the van around and drive it down the hill out of the snow. By hand, turn the pop up around and using huge logs as brakes, we guided it down the hill. Luckily it was a very small one!!!! Did I mention I was 8 months pregnant? So many good memories. Keep making them for yourself.

[@raymondschneider5217]

So fun watching Sweetie and Alice having fun in the snow and water. I was so pleased when I "finally" saw you had leashed them both; was afraid they'd take off into the woods, etc! You guys looked like you're really enjoying your time; am pleased. Y'all Be Safe!

[@networking732]

0:43, you guys never cease to amaze!

[@n1spirit]

Love the drone footage; beautiful country! Safe travels...

[@janiepeavey6506]

Love the drone shots.. beautiful views!

[@Shalako1946]

David, here's a little trick I learned a number of years back, when all I had was 2 wheel drive. Gently depress your 'emergency' brake while the truck is idling. This should "lock" the differential preventing the rear wheel slip, thus allowing you to slowly pull out. Okay, so when I did this it probably a BD time.....(before David) and I've had nothing but 4x wheel drive since. Hope this does help you until you are able to get your own 4wd, and please let me know if it does. Be Safe, Have Fun, & Happy Camping. v/r, TS

[@CartersTrail]

This was my kind of video; love our National Forrest and Aspens are one of my favorite organisms. I've owned 4x4s forever and I wouldn't have gone any higher; you learn it never gets better once you find that and it's just not worth the risk. Mother Nature is unforgiving. Great looking area that I definitely need to explore. Thanks.

[@1020LAStep]

You guys make the best videos. Professional!

[@ricardostravels3265]

WOW - Alice has grown! Remembering back to your "Falling for Waterfalls! " Video last September - Alice fit in the top of your backpack as you hiked at Goose Creek Falls.

[@3ForTheRoadRV]

Fish lake has always been a favorite of ours when we were tent camping years ago. Haven't taken a trailer there yet. Thanks for the reminder of the epic views.

[@christinekilar502]

Oh my goodness you guys... I love that yins take Alice on hikes. 🥰

[@AlliChuckAdventures]

OMG EPIC drone shots! So jealous! We wanna go there now so bad! Great great video!!!

[@FateUnbound]

Thanks! Yeah it was a really pretty area to camp.

[@7jimtemple]

Beautiful area. You guys are living the dream. Enjoy.

[@brendap9425]

Your cat Alice is such a sweet and chill cat. I have a soft spot in my heart for Rottis. She's beautiful! I love that you take them on adventures with you.

[@benlance5904]

You guys always have such good video quality! Your drone footage is amazing! Love following you! Thanks for sharing!

[@donedennison9237]

It rarely snows here on the Oregon Coast and our cat jumps around in it like a rabbit. After a bit, he gets used to it and goes exploring. Kitties prefer to not be cold so he comes back inside after a few minutes.

[@FateUnbound]

Hahaha that's hilarious! Our other cat enjoys snow and will paw at it for a but before going back inside.

[@lorirugato6463]

I lived in Nederland CO drove a old Ford pickup I used chains it worked great I even pulled out a few 4wd vehicles out of ditches.

[@Dallas88888]

Love you! Love your videos! Thanks for the happy moments you just gave me!

[@214steveg]

Funny, the ad that popped up while you were digging out was for a local Jeep dealership with the Summer Jerp Event.....timing. 😅

[@FateUnbound]

Hahaha yep, dang advertisers know how to place them hahaha

[@wellsonwheels457]

Most high mountain roads are impassable till July sometimes aug. this year in Colorado we had so much snow some did not melt 😳! We are in Gunnison national forest watching this. Its a wildflower super bloom year and we are mesmerized! Thanks for sharing the National forest with us!!

[@OurNationalAdventure]

That my friend is a TON of snow! Your cats are too cute. We travel w our kitty also

[@Lex10999]

Wonderful video. Awesome animals you have.

[@terrimccain9697]

snow is fun sweetie loves it you can tell Alice not sure but fun to watch

[@Joe-fj9kw5bg1v]

It works with fords put your parking brake on a little and it might activate both wheels.

[@dzymslizzy3641]

One word: Chains! :-O Very interesting about the Aspen trees! I did not know that! Like your sweatshirt, Jen--Lassen is one of my all-time fave parks! ;-)

[@bitworkx6028]

Chains on the rear tires will get you through the snow you got stick in. However, they can be a pain to put on just for one spot.

[@klouism1]

Great video, beautiful country. Wishing you all the best. Safe travels.

[@alanburke4699]

I love your adventures!!!! I am so jealous, keep the videos coming !!!

[@DJR5280]

That's a nice truck! You getter better MPG with 2WD. I'd hang on to that truck as long as you can. Get some chains and you'll be good.

[@scottjames3609]

Great video

[@FateUnbound]

Thanks Scott!

[@SNOTT8417]

The truck is great. You got a great deal.

[@FateUnbound]

Haha thanks, we did get a great deal on it, but still would love a 4x4. Ours has a locking differential which REALLY helps, but still 2 wheel drive.....

[@ForgottenWinter]

Another grand adventure! Great drone footage! Bad ideas make good stories!

[@1RodeoMom]

LOL! Thats what I thought that you two needed a Jeep... Welcome to the northlands....Cute how you played in the snow melt....make the most of the journey...that is what we plan to do. Beautiful area! ~ Debi ~

[@WanderLost]

Beautiful drone footage... can’t wait until we get ours!

[@bruceh3786]

Beautiful area. It looks like some of the areas in the White Mountains of Arizona.

[@ajones7271]

Amazing video guys

[@MickeyMouse-bo5hj]

Looks Like Jesus Put You Where You All Needed To Be! Give Your Fur Babies A Hug For Us!!

[@michelleekins1406]

We love Fish Lake srea!

[@chadsteele1]

A set of chains and put a locker in the rear way cheaper than a truck trade. It's amazing how much further you can go with a locked diff.

[@amyhenderson812]

We had a tiny fold up shovel like that that we had to dig our jeep out in the mountains of Colorado. We now carry a bigger shovel 😁

[@carlaivey9806]

TiggerS got soooo excited to see his sweetheart!!

[@mikedebralambeth2636]

Frolic time for Sweetie!

[@gdavischick7004]

That might just be my favorite video from you guys 😊

[@Joe-fj9kw5bg1v]

I have and like my 4 wheel drive but as many times you guys got stuck it is a lot cheaper to run a 2 wheel drive

[@steves3688]

In areas like that that have water troughs they might be moving livestock in and out of the area at different times of the year...Ive seen it being done in areas of Colorado...and sometimes things like that are created to assist wildlife as well...

[@alanj7306]

4WD is all relative to where you live and where you plan to go. I live in Las Vegas now and there’s just no need for 4WD. You will never need it here. Even when we had a flash flood, I went through 10-11 of water in my 2WD Expedition no problem, as I had enough ground clearance. I had a 4WD Chevy Trailblazer before that I bought in East Tennessee. Had it for almost 2.5 years and never once put it in 4WD. The old Ranger I had in high school had BFG All Terrains out back, which would plow through 6 inches of snow without a problem. I only ever used the 4WD when I went mudding or was ripping through the snow. In your situation, I’d probably still want the 4WD just in case. My current Mercedes SUV is 2WD and it’s still a beast. Be smart, know the limits of your vehicle, and you’ll be fine.

[@michaellepore7940]

Welcome to Utah.

[@dljackson58]

She's beautiful!

[@rvboondocker2559]

So let’s make it clear.....those were pretty perfect pancakes! Batter was spot on!

[@SuperEarth009]

You need to KZbin the Jeep “trail ready” ! I was a rural mail carrier in North Dakota and the Jeep “trail ready” is the only way to go.

[@michaelwalker74]

You should put in an elocker rear in. It will make a big difference

[@FateUnbound]

Our truck has a locking differential already, while it definitely helps we still get stuck hahaha

[@jaygonzales7198]

might invest in some maxxtraxx they are a little cheaper than a 4x4 take care be safe

[@Formaldehydex]

When you do your "drone following truck" video segments, do you control the drone from the truck? Or is one of you driving and the other one controlling the drone? Never mind, you just answered it in your video. LOL. Love your videos! Keep up the good work! Thanks to you and others I am planning to sell my house and go full-time RVing soon!

[@monicajernigan1581]

Great question. I wonder the same!

[@erikl8841]

@@monicajernigan1581The drone follows the controller at the distance and heightyou set. It's called, "follow me mode"

[@chrisfrank9938]

Hi, I love your channel! I have a RWD drive truck as well. Just wondering what do you do differently as far as planning out trips and places to go based on time of year? Do you avoid certain areas of the country different times of year? Or are the roads pretty safe in most places? I'm from FL and I keep reading online it's dangerous driving up north with RWD so wondering if there is any truth to that.

[@carl2591]

just wondering if you have at least a limited slip rear end.. MOST 2wd do not. Short of a full 4x4 you can have the rear end changed to a "locker" which will give both wheels drive vs the one with traction or the "spin the one with no traction". it's a "cheaper" option than a costly 4x4. matter of fact a lot of 4x4 owners find the factory limited slip is not a lot better than 2wd so they get the locker or if ordering a new truck (money money money) get the locker option now available from a lot of manufacturers. Snow in june.. WOW.. but you are at 9K + !!! have fun..

[@FateUnbound]

Our truck thankfully has a locking differential which is why we were able to even get out of this situation, and you can really feel it engage. Still not nearly as good as 4X4 though.

[@Mrnjolsson]

How do you ensure your pets are not overheating in the RV when you leave them alone? Do you run your A/C off the generator, or do you only leave them when it is safe to open the windows? I have two puggles that I want to keep safe in the RV when I hike while boondocking, and I live in Texas, where it gets hot!

[@FateUnbound]

We do only leave them behind when it's a nice comfortable temperature outside. If it's going to be a warm day then we stay home with them to ensure it's comfortable inside for them and us. If it's going to stay hot then we leave the area for more comfortable temperatures

[@chalenagowdy9863]

Hey guys. I recently found your channel and would love to see an updated pet tour. My fiance and I are moving into a trailer and we also have a rabbit, I'm at a lose of where to store hay, cat food, litter. Any help would be great appreciated. Thank you for making great videos and safe travels.

[@cookeatloserepeat]

If you still had 4 miles to go, I don't think 4x4 would have made it up there either! That camping spot is absolutely gorgeous! Do you guys scout out your spot ahead of time without the trailer or do you just find a spot with the trailer in tow? I am going to be travelling by myself this fall and am nervous about getting myself into a situation I can't get out of alone (like a forest road where I can't turn around!).

[@hamey]

So glad you left that sweet girl out to play. She wanted to so bad. 😁

[@alanhester9984]

Actually a 2 wheel drive truck like you have is really a 1 wheel drive and a typical 4 wheel is only 2 wheel drive because of the differential only powers 1 wheel at a time. But you can have a Posi Track differential put in for a thousand dollars and it will power both rear wheels instead of the on that slips easiest. Still not as good as a 4x4 but almost as good, I have a limited slip dif in my truck and it is better but you have to jump on the power to get it to grab in some places it is not alwasys what you want to do. Check with a 4x4 shop as a PT would make a huge improvement in getting around with a standard PU. .

[@fourtogo8033]

Sweetie is sooooo cute.

[@timothybrown3558]

So Intrigued by pets on the road especially cats. Was Alice raised on the road? I think that would be the only way with our cats who only associate a car trip with a vet visit. High Drama. I commend you for having such well adjusted four legged family members. Love your videos.

[@kimmarvin3558]

When are you guys going to trade that in on 4x4 truck. If you’re going to continue to travel you NEED it.

[@stephaniehenley1234]

Two things: 4x4's also get stuck/bogged down, and Sweetie is out there living her best life!

[@Joe-fj9kw5bg1v]

sence you are sliding sideways a little both your wheels might already be activated.

[@terrimccain9697]

Nice you guys

[@sow9880]

Those pancakes looked perfect. Mine are always burnt and shaped like the Michelin man .

[@katiepuckett573]

Was there any camping spots near the lake?

[@FateUnbound]

There were no boondocking sites we know if, but the RV park is just off the lake

[@gilmoreramona8193]

How do you fly a drone and drive the car?? Wish y'all could show "How it's done"

[@learnitfromwilliam]

He was sitting passenger while flying the drone. He mentioned it in the video.

[@davidlavery8336]

That or some have a follow me mode, where you just set a target for it to lock onto and it'll follow you up to 25mph.

[@uweschroeder]

Well, you have a rather large trailer and probably a limited budget. Personally I'd say go get a Gladiator but that is most likely out of reach for you (and me). Pickup trucks are notoriously bad with traction (and yes, the Raptor crowd will come screaming at me now), but essentially it's the weight balance of a BMW or Merc - most of the weight in the front and rear wheel drive which requires you to bring a bunch of friends to sit in the bed to get some traction. Your tires don't look bad and maybe loading more stuff in the bed for trips like this will make it a bit better. My recommendation: get chains. They're cheap and work surprisingly well in mud and snow as well as ice. The only thing chains are not good at is rocks or any other hard surface. I always carry chains and I do drive a Wrangler. Problem with Wranglers is the low tow capacity at 3500 lbs max and that's a Rubicon or other model with axle gear ratio >= 4. Of course a jeep could tow your trailer - just not safely.

[@elisabethe8055]

In the first segment of the drone footage, when you leave your spot, is there a forest fire in the distance? As always, great content and it is so fun to see what you are up to! :)

[@FateUnbound]

Yes the is actually. It was a scheduled fire though so no danger to us

[@kevinhuss8291]

I recommend mini chocolate chips in those pancakes, makes them awesome

[@richardkoch8752]

You need a 4WD. As far back as you like to get it is a tool. What if you had a medical emergency? EMS may not be able to get to you.....you might have to get to them. Not every area has med helios. You know you have a serious limitation with a 2wd. Big tip: over 1-1/2 million miles truck driver, then to Sheriff's Dept 17 years in a rear wheel patrol car, back county roads...........when you're stuck, put in gear, give it some gas, tap your brakes hard at the same time. Makes rear axle switch sides L-R. Also carry a log chain that you can just simply throw under a spinning tire.

[@dljackson58]

what kind of Rott is sweetie?

[@ru7527]

Love fish lake

[@deltas4114]

You should check out Seek Adventure, he says you should get stuck once in awhile, makes adventure fun. Maybe get the equipment just for getting stuck that he carries. Take care and have a great time in Washington. Oh, and yeah!! I got my Lectric ebike Tuesday!! So awesome, thanks for showing them on your channel and vid. 🚴🚴❣

[@bird10498]

Pancakes, YUM.

[@oruacat2]

Until you get that 4WD vehicle, you really need a bigger shovel.

[@Joe-fj9kw5bg1v]

sheepherders camp??

[@patblack2291]

Given that the last glaciation period ended about 12,500 years ago, how is it possible that the aspen stand is 80,000 years old? Makes no sense to me. Maybe 8,000?

[@FateUnbound]

Don't know, Google "Pondo Aspen Clone"

[@natep1661]

Dude, time to upgrade to a 4wd. And don't go Jeep to tow! Just trade up to a Duramax Z71. I've got 300,000 miles on my 2008 and it is solid.

[@garyreed354]

Posey woundn t be a bad plan

[@VanillaCoke64oz]

I dont know if you've covered it before but what do you use for an ID? You dont live in one state and dont have an address. Passport?

[@dschephigh1]

Why would you even try this without four wheel drive?.

[@FateUnbound]

For funsies

[@FreedoomRock]

Aren't you afraid letting your rv trailer unattached in the middle of nowhere while visiting around?

[@trentbriver]

We leave our trailer in various forest camps all summer long and spend every weekend away from the city. So it's vacant four nights a week. Just like your house/apartment/car. Your not in them the whole time. Lock it up, keep it insured, and hope for the best. Have never had anything taken from our camp.

[@FollowingtheYellowBrickRoad]

I guess Butters doesn’t like to hike. I never see her outside

[@googleuser6635]

The 2WD truck isn't the problem. As the driver, you are responsible for scouting your path. You need to get out and walk the trail before driving it. Where are your chains for the tires? I understand you're from the lowlands where it's flat and you rarely get much snow. You need to learn how to drive off paved roads. Just a tip: ehen traction is an issue, don't gun the engine from start. Go easy on the throttle. When driving off paved roads, you should always be aware of the surface and your vehicle's situation. After you get stuck, it's too late. Ideally, a good driver maintains momentum through those snow patches, but that would probably get you killed. This video, while entertaining, shows that these roads are not for all drivers.

[@backcountryboondockers]

Tire chains