Is "The Road from Hell" as Bad as They Say?? (SUV Camping/Vanlife Adventures)

[@SUVRVing]

Regarding my question in the video, people in the comments here have said wasps, bees, worms, cicadas, beetles, crawdads, and ants, among others. I don't know what to believe lol

[@bob.w3984]

Sounds like a description of Nature. Wow have we turned into that ?? Embrace those places.

[@TheDude1776]

Worms are the only culprits that leave a "cast" that is clumpy and not dune-like because of their mucous membrane. Ants, wasps and other beetle type creatures leave a dune around or near the hole. Wasps and Beatles kick out the debris leaving a pile to mostly to one side of the hole. Ants carry out the debris and make a conical structure around the hole. Worms make a clumpy mass with a hole through it sometimes filling the hole with a cap. I guarantee these were worms.

[@tinarankin9290]

I think if they were ants 🐜 there would have been some activity Maybe cicadas?

[@tinarankin9290]

You have been to some fantastic places in your travels My kind of adventures Does your wife not like travelling ? Love from Down Under ( Australia)

[@TomLentz]

Not bees. We have the ground dwelling bees in nearby eastern WA and the holes are small (pencil size or smaller) with just a small usually solid "lip" around the edge, not a pile of loose dirt. The bees are endangered so there are some rural roads limited to 25mph to reduce windshield kills. Voles, maybe?

[@fritzkabeano1969]

A really "bad" road is one with tons of tourists! That one looked like a great road!

[@turkey4957]

great point

[@k9er233]

The "road less traveled" is always the best one...

[@conniewojahn6445]

Agreed! Too many humans all over the world. So many have to be wherever I'm at. Sigh!

[@wirebrush]

Amen!

[@fritzkabeano1969]

@@wirebrush It's like Yellowstone. I went there once in the fall and it still sucked. I go camping to get away from people/crowds.

[@jefflunt9615]

Good to see a young man doing life affirming things with his time. I'm at the far end of that journey and all I can say is do it all while you can. Happy Adventures.

[@norsefalconer]

Second that. I didn't think I was near the end of my adventures. But, an unexpected turn of health has brought that foward. One just never knows.

[@joybeekingston6472]

I so very much agree with you!

[@eddymahon1503]

Couldn’t agree more

[@GF-pc5bt]

@@norsefalconer you will be okay …bless you friend

[@norsefalconer]

@@GF-pc5bt Thanks.

[@SolzeyeJewels]

It's a beautiful drive. Always best if no other Soul is driving it at the same time. The Volvo is a sad story. A 80 year lady who lived in Centerville ( near Idaho City) drove up there, walked into the woods, and committed suicide. She loved that area, had a terminal disease, and was really starting to suffer. The family left the Volvo there, in memoriam. I know this because she was my neighbor and friend. 💜 My daughter and her boyfriend rolled 4 times into the river in right where you filmed in the beginning, looking down into the river. They miraculously weren't hurt. Of course you would have no way of knowing this and no way for me to tell you this before you went up there just passed Atlanta, heading up towards Trinity Lakes, there's a side road and an area called Dismal Swamp. There are beautiful giant smoky quartz crystals everywhere there. I doubt if you could have gotten in there right now because there's still snow but that might be a cool adventure someday. I go up there every year mid July. I've never seen a soul up there, except during hunting season. Enjoy!

[@geezerhull]

My son in Idaho tells me the trinity lakes area was burned up during a forest fire. Used to be my favorite canoe fishing spot.

[@earthangel8730]

I believe as adults with miserable health we have every right to end our lives but leaving an abandoned car to mar such a beautiful spot is NOT a fitting memorial and it is irresponsible and irreverent. There are a million better ways to pay tribute to a loved one. This was just lazy. Ghastly actually. An easy fix though and the laws for illegal dumping should apply!

[@joedadbod8450]

I'm a rockhound and do a lot of rockhounding videos. I would LOVE to go and search for some smoky crystals there!! Are there spots open to the public for prospecting/digging?

[@charlieswearingen500]

I lived & worked out of the Atlanta Guard Station during the summer months for over 30 years. I worked on horseback traveling by trail from Atlanta to places like South Fork Boise River/Skeleton Cr Guard Station, Grand Jean, Stanley, Alturas Lake, and Smiley Creek Lodge. A beautiful country with hidden gemstones, cabins, fishing, wildlife, and sawtooth peaks. Bears, cougars, wolves, deer, elk, moose, and goats. Once I witnessed wolves killing and eating goats near their mineral licks. I have had horses injured by cougars, had bears and wolves in camp, and I've seen the Elephant, the Rakers, and the elusive sasquatch... ;-)

[@mattc1026]

…horseback….that would be an experience. Been on many an overnight horseback riding trips but only in Ohio.

[@magicmutts1]

The elephant? Enquiring minds…

[@australianwoman9696]

That's quite a resume Charlie! On horse back? That would make you well over 70? If you don't mind my saying? I've worked with a gentleman who told me similar personal testimonials from his glory days & he was in his late 80's. This gentleman also built his own home by baking every brick by hand, cutting every beam, hammering every nail! I had the privilege of looking up the address on Google for him & we were able to do a virtual tour together, bringing tears of joy to his still sparkling eyes! (Through previous sales) People aren't as hardy as the last great generation (1920-30's) Nor are they anywhere near as clever! Blessings to you in Jesus Christ's name Amen 🙏❤️

[@charlieswearingen500]

@@australianwoman9696 - Yes, I'm 74 years of age with a lot of broken bones plated and bolted together, LOL.

[@BrandonSimmons-do6jq]

Would love to sit with you and hear some stories......

[@annejestadt3045]

My family had a cabin near Atlanta and I spent many hours of my childhood traveling with my dad on that road. the cabin burned down in a 2000 fire, and my dad has passed away, but your video brought back many wonderful memories of the river, trees, hot springs and the peace of wilderness. Thank you!

[@rh4791]

I have been watching you for at least a year or so. I love all of your videos. When we were young, we were so busy creating a business raising 3 boys, that we never got the hiking in while we did travel many places. My legs, ankles and hips won't let me hike now but we can watch your channel and pretend we are right there with you. Thank you for your wonderful content.

[@anitamitchell3452]

Favorite part: The cherry on top falls at the end. I can only imagine how good that felt standing under the falls. Beautiful road trip.

[@larrydraper4451]

I so look forward to Saturday mornings for my breakfast tacos and a new video from SUV RVing. I've watched your videos for a over three years now and have enjoyed each one. This one is one of my favorites. I love the scenery and the history lessons. My favorite drive is thru canyons and this one was beautiful. I need to visit Idaho. Thanks for taking us along.

[@wildeescape]

Epic views! The drone shots were amazing. At first, I didn't think this would be a fun road to drive, but seeing the campsites and hot springs might have made it on the never-ending list!

[@SUVRVing]

It's definitely worth doing! Thanks Eric

[@sallyfromthevalley9724]

💕💕AWESOME 💕💕

[@kathym6603]

Your magical place looked magical from here!

[@lawdom]

As a native Chinese speaker, I just realize you are absolutely right, Tristan. In many Chinese dialects, we can’t pronounce “r” and say “l” instead. Thus “Rhode Island” becomes “Lhode Island”, “Romania” becomes “Lomania”, and “Robert” becomes “Lobert” in the official Chinese pronounciation. As another viewer commented below, we probably would call it “Gley Lock” mountain back then😂 Never fail to make interesting discoveries from your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@thewanderingtraveler8984]

you always have amazing videos and I love to see the places you go to.

[@jennstuart2031]

Really great trip! Thankyou for highlighting a journey as the main character. My favorite part is that you are always upbeat and happy.

[@jennstuart2031]

...

[@samanthadodd8112]

I've never seen a hot water fall. Thanks for taking us along.

[@carolyndennis4201]

Our family has camped in the Atlanta area for years. Thank you for making this video. Brings back many memories.

[@billpfau1317]

I don't comment on many videos but this is by far one of your best!!!! Scenery was great and that last hot tub was amazing. Thanks for letting me live my life vicariously thru you. Your videos just keep getting better and better.

[@mytinyjourney]

I love a good mountain stream drive. One of my favorite videos of yours !

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!

[@johncole3010]

Thanks for sharing your outings. I car camped in Idaho, Montana and Wa. . The hot springs were really what made the trip sustainable in the winter.

[@sharondavis8003]

😈road was beautiful! WOW the scenery you showed us! Love the last hot springs/waterfall spot. Great trip 🤗

[@SUVRVing]

Yeah, that last hot spring was amazing. Thanks Sharon!

[@reggiebald2830]

Nice tour. Once again you've proven "it's the journey, not the destination"; although the destination's cherry on top was a great one!

[@SUVRVing]

Agreed! Thanks for watching.

[@ontheroadid]

Great video. I've lived in Boise for years and have never made it all the way out to Atlanta. Some of us have theorized that the road's reputation is a ruse by the Atlantans to keep people away. As you noted, it's not a bad road. However, people do have fatal accidents on it from time to time, so it does merit some caution and preparation. Perhaps of interest to you, Tristan, is that 2 of the 4 peaks in the Boise Grand Slam are accessible from that road as well. Thanks for exploring the area!

[@livingontheapex]

Haha...I drove that road for over 10 years to pick up the 9 County dumpsters. I first had to drive nearly 90 miles just to get to the start of that demonized road. I actually was more willing to drive the James Creek Pass. There is a ghost town on the other side of the pass. Also got stuck in an avalanche in the middle of the winter on that road. Anyhow....Love your videos!!!

[@shilohandme3697]

Wow! That last hot spring alone is worth the drive. Wonderful video.

[@kristigail]

You just popped up on my feed and I'm so happy you did! You just added to my bucket list! I have a Honda Element and a newly found love of camping, and you Tristan, have a new subscriber! Thanks for the wonderful tour!❤👣

[@rgilbert92]

Such a beautiful part of our country. Thank you so much for sharing. I loved all the hot springs and the river.

[@eveostay]

If that's hell, I may have to look into behaving more poorly :) You probably know that there's a Mount Greylock in Massachusetts as well. I've just learned that that one is probably named after a Native American chief, Gray Lock. Thanks for the video; happy travels.

[@chuck8664]

It's also the highest point in the state at around 3500 feet and the center of a large conserved area.

[@markg3025]

I love the series of trips in Idaho. I fly 1400 miles to get my Idaho Zen fix. If I could I would move there to take day trips to explore nature. Have you done the drive from Boise to McCall great fun. Or the drive to Stanley is amazing. The Sawtooth mountains are impressive in Stanley. Keep on exploring and documenting the beautiful state

[@drivennomad7889]

Hi Tristan, Really wanted to thank you for the timing and the content of this video. We are currently in Eastern Oregon and heading towards Boise and were trying to come up with adventures in Idaho when we get there. This video took care of that, we are going! I met you last summer when you were picking up your new rig at Grady's place. I had the black Suburban and we had emailed 3 years previously but had never met before. It was great meeting you then and have always enjoyed your videos for years now. You do a great job, especially with the drone. Very few youtubers make me want to visit the spots they cover like you do. Keep up the great work we're enjoying it out here. -Rod

[@alanaugust8853]

This was really nice to see. I really enjoyed the ‘dispersed’ conditions lending to great campsites. I have a tear drop trailer with fairly equipped off grid components that would be perfect to camp with in this area. The sites and scenery are beautiful. It’s definitely on my list, thanks to your efforts.

[@loribrasseur4562]

I loved seeing the warm water coming right out of the rocks. That last pool you visited was lovely! Great find!

[@oldboater]

Once again, you have taken me places I didn’t know existed. Very interesting.Thanks for taking me along.

[@Ostrom38]

Awesome find Tristan! Last spot, turned out to be amazing. I enjoyed the trip and all of the footage with the drone. Lot's of work, but it turned out awesome! Looking forward to more!

[@phyllisbonner8900]

Another beautiful place with hot springs all over. If I was younger I would be considering moving to Idaho. Thanks again for sharing.

[@davidgodley521]

Just be careful to keep your eyes on the road lol. Beautiful river scenery with a mountain on one side!

[@charlieswearingen500]

Without being there to see the mounds in person, I would guess they are made by the Cicada Killer Wasp (Sphecius specious). I'm retired now and have these on my property in the Owyhee Mountains of Idaho, and the Cicada Killer wasp is a native of Idaho. They lay their eggs in the holes and then stock them with dead grasshoppers, insects, etc., to feed the larvae when they emerge. Even though they are a little larger than a yellow jacket and are called killer wasps, they typically feed on nectar.

[@drakereed9537]

Actually the Cicada Killer delivers a paralyzing sting to the victim so the when the larvae emerge from their eggs they will dine on a fresh, albeit living food source.

[@sherrymuzykazekestravels6793]

Very beautiful video. Really enjoyed the scenery and can just imagine how awesome those hot springs feel. Thanks for sharing.

[@handleyjackson5490]

Mt Greylock. In 1972, 4 men from Mtn Home AFB went to camp at Atlanta. For some reason they tried to climb Mt Greylock with zero ropes or equipment. They nearly made it to the top, when the pair of pistol belts they were using as a climbing rope broke, and Airman Ed Myers fell to his death. A damned shame as he was a good kid. He worked his last shift with me.

[@kristinegoodman7534]

My Dad was stationed at Mtn Home AFB at that time. I wasn't born yet but my parents decided to stay in Idaho and I still live here.

[@DrJohn493]

Enjoyed this windshield tour of the Middle Fork of the Boise River. Better than some I've driven in Colorado and Wyoming. Thanks for the intro to this area.

[@ross7684]

Apache Trail Road north of Phoenix is a challenging drive, also, and I would recommend you take that drive and record it. It is a very scenic drive as well.

[@52887130]

Don't know if it is open. It was closed after was outs due to forest fires in 2019 and 2020.

[@garretlewis4103]

We enjoyed the dam video in the beginning. 😀😀. The road looked like fun. The last hot spring was awesome.

[@BeefNEggs057]

Don’t have to curse about it 😂

[@Gmar69]

You and Jon Conti really have the beautiful Idaho touring going on right now and past videos of course. Keep up the good work! I live just north of Idaho Falls. Thank you!

[@AustinGotLostIn]

The road is graded in early spring. Gets way worse throughout the year, especially in winter. I love going out there. The sketchy part for me is driving along the reservoirs on those steep hillsides with no guard rails and tons of blind corners. Also I would say high clearance is required just because of one place: There's a privately owned hot springs "resort" along that road, and they have made massive speed bumps. A normal car would bottom out or scrape. This is a fantastic road and I'm glad Tristan is sharing. Beautiful area to camp and soak relatively close to the city. Remember folks, Leave No Trace (fire pits are not trash bins!)

[@deborahm6036]

Really enjoyed the video. Loved your hot springs hunt. Thank you for sharing this stunning adventure. Your last hot springs seemed to be the real winner.

[@bobbeckman3735]

Thanks Tristan. Another great video. This trip is going on my bucket list.

[@TheCabrooster11]

What a great video just enjoying the hot springs along the “not road to hell” what a wonderful area to see

[@lindasteinbrenner8065]

That was such a lovely ride. Geez when I first heard you say Atlanta and driving I thought, “oh yeah they have bad traffic.” 🤦🏻‍♀️ i really appreciate your mountain videos.. I live in a very flat state. My favorite part was the end. Thanks!

[@willar7179]

That was a beautiful road! My favorite place was the warm waterfall at the end.

[@ytubechannel997]

What a beautiful area. Love the last hot spring. Great video, Tristan!

[@chuck8664]

The hot spring across the river at around 16:00 emerges from a tufa mound. Tufa is precipitated calcium carbonate which was dissolved as the hot waters came up from depth through rocks containing calcite, like limestone or marble. Tufa mounds are usually tan-colored and crumbly. The Atlanta hot spring at about 23:00 also looks like a tufa mound. And the type of gold mining done with dredges at 16:00 is called placer mining. This ecologically-destructive process collects gold flakes and even nuggets which are washed down a stream valley and lodge in the sediments. The source of the gold is a mother lode somewhere upstream. I'm a retired geologist and used to hike out West most summers but am too old now. Thanks for taking me hiking vicariously!

[@RK-kj8di]

I really enjoyed this blog; it was my first time watching and hearing from you. Many thanks, I subscribed!!

[@autumnl5127]

Loved the hot spring at the end. The scenery was beautiful and peaceful. I want to travel there one day. Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@c.alcazar2584]

wow Idaho is a beautiful state, the road to Atlanta was beautiful 😍 this has been one of the most beautiful ride next to the rivers.

[@mikegupguthrie-futurenomad7866]

First time watching a vid of yours, I plan to go full time, sometime in the future, with a truck camper and marked my atlas to make sure I check out this area when I finally begin my venture touring throughout the US. Thank you for sharing your adventure(s) with us!

[@barbarar.7833]

I've just discovered you!. Your vids are GREAT! You seem very knowledgeable and include a lot of detail. Thanks.

[@lorrainerobison6623]

Just as in your last video, this one was super enjoyable. I always learn something from your journeys. I'll never get to all those places so it's nice seeing them through your eyes and your lens.

[@tpseeker3367]

This is a Fake Account & SCAM @Telegram me @officialsuvrving

[@lisad6106]

Just when I think I've seen it all you find another absolutely gorgeous place I've never heard of😍

[@clintstinytrailerconversio5560]

I found out Idaho is sort of a hidden gem back in 2017 and hope to get back one day. Specific information that you provided really helps. Thanks for sharing.

[@kiwicutie770]

We had a gold claim up at Atlanta at the end of the road just past the camp ground and the ranch on the other side. There is some nice hot springs up there. We have taken that road with a RV before and we have come in from the other side with a trailer and stayed for weeks. My husband and brother got caught up there in the Summer with a flash flood and took the road out. It is so beautiful, we do not have the claims any more but miss it over there.

[@ScottyD0578]

I think the dirt mound holes belong to a type of ground wasp or something like that. Not a dangerous bug usually lol. Nice video.

[@kim79710]

Crawfish holes

[@ScottyD0578]

@@kim79710 no not crawdad holes. Cicada Killers. Look it up.

[@irenepartridge5465]

Fantastic video!! Such cool hot springs, I’ll definitely be checking this place out! Thanks !😊

[@longbowken]

Safety tip...You should carry a thermometer on a string to check unknown hot springs. Could be. "ok" close to shore, but will scald you a few feet out. Awesome trip!

[@OB17358]

Great tip. The thermal activity throughout Idaho is always changing. A warm spring one visit can become a scalding one next time. Another tip is to keep pets on leashes until you know what’s around. Also I’d rinse off with running water after soaking. There are hot springs that have been closed because of bacteria found in them.

[@fracturedfauve]

Gorgeous scenic country. I love river side drives in the mountains.

[@StanParker99]

Excellent video, especially the last hot spring, just enchanting. I've visited that general area but was not aware of Atlanta or the road. Would love to explore it. Reminds me of Jarbidge, NV, a great little village no less remote. (Add it to your list.)

[@darlenemoak63]

It is so nice seeing you enjoy yourself in those hot springs! So glad you found 2 good ones!! And the "road form hell" didn't seem that bad to me personally - might be worse if it had rained a lot & was muddy. I really liked this video! Thanks, Tristan!

[@michaelsonleitner5724]

Thanks again for another great video! The road looked a lot smoother than say Grassy Lake Road going from Ashton to Flagg Ranch. Your drone footage was amazing. Thanks again for sharing your adventure and continued safe travels!

[@joedadbod8450]

@6:15 regarding your question, in the midwest and south, they could be crawdads, wasps or cicada killers, but I have never seen so many so close together like that. Very interesting!!

[@Kevin-qb4rn]

Looks like a fun drive. I recently moved to Washington and since watching your channel I've been excited to get out and explore Idaho this summer, can't wait. Thanks for sharing all these awesome places.

[@SUVRVing]

Awesome! I need to do more exploring in Washington. Thanks Kevin.

[@lucindaturnis6605]

Indeed magical! Especially that last hot spring ❤️

[@nightlightabcd]

The mounds with the holes on top are crawdad holes! They are rather common in the country in some places, usually in low lying areas!!

[@cboyle707]

I absolutely love rivers. Gosh what a beautiful, beautiful river road.

[@pamengland7863]

I was super excited about that last hot springs. I live in Oregon & I hear there are “hidden” hot springs in the John Day area you just happen upon. Those spots were great!

[@hamlinsondra]

Such a great channel presented by an intelligent, insightful, well-spoken person. What a relief.

[@ohsweetmystery]

Wonderful to hear a young person who doesn't say 'like' every fifth word.

[@joesariva2369]

Great video I enjoyed all of your great camera work--keep the adventures coming!

[@websterbarstone]

What a great road. I love the mountain stream and all the dispersed camping.

[@mwaynem]

That little cable car over the river could also be for checking the river flow and level. You see them all over western Oregon rivers and they are used by state hydroligest.

[@harlandeke]

Beautiful video...the road reminds of the Apache Trail in Arizona that follows the Salt river from Roosevelt Dam to Apache Junction, not the scenery but the setting..a rough dirt road following a beautiful river through mountains and canyons. You should check it out sometime when you are in that area Tristan. There are also some interesting hikes originating from the Apache Trail up into the mountains.

[@Thesaltymedic36]

It would take me a week to drive that road. I’d stop and camp a night at every spot 😂. Love the hot springs. 👍🏼

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Sounds like a good plan! I’d love to do just that.

[@moretoexplore6736]

Awesome video Tristan! I'm going to plan to visit these Hot Springs this summer!

[@stevearita3267]

This was a great video, thank you so much for all the hard work in producing it. While you mentioned it was too early in the season to do much hiking, that may be true, but it seemed like you were the only one on the road and along the turnouts, which to me, made it a great time to visit. Really enjoy watching your videos, you come across so humble and wanting to share your trips, compared to those who are only doing them to show themselves. Thank you again.

[@brucenorvell5255]

Thanks!

[@Trailrider070]

Once I really wanted to live out west. Idaho was the place I really wanted to live. Seeing these videos is making me rethink the east.

[@amyrodgers9887]

Beautiful! It's hard to say what's the best but I think my favorite part was the final hot springs.n A perfect ending

[@gregoryeaton7266]

The actual "Road From Hell," as far as I'm concerned, as the 17 miles on New Mexico CR 7950 before you reach Chaco Culture National Historic Park. I had to take my vehicle in for an alignment after that one!

[@donfryemustache]

Just did that drive in a Chevy Cruise filled with camping gear. My wife and I were surprised we made it.

[@johnpence8529]

Drive slower. I do it frequently.

[@TheJhtlag]

heh, heh, I tried, in a crappy rental car and the car squirmed at anything over 25mph. only to be stopped by a flooded wash with blue skies all around, I had learned some wisdom along the way so I didn't attempt it and never got to Chaco Canyon.

[@amynelson9362]

Amazing location! Those campsites and that last hot spring are money. I think I want to visit Idaho now!

[@conniewojahn6445]

How nice that someone has set up the metal livestock tub. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tylerhannah4081]

I’ve driven that road many times even during the winter. I love all that it has to offer. Even the red spider mites at Loftus hot springs🤦🏼‍♂️

[@elcubanito2442]

What an amazing video and what a magical trip. Thanks so much for sharing this with us.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad you liked it.

[@TeodoraTheFlowerLady]

What a beautiful place! Those springs, specially the one with the waterfall is awesome! Love it!

[@ceceliaroberts1475]

Okay, as usual, you have made a beautiful video. Idaho is one state I haven't explored, although my daughter has with her 2 kids. You ask for a favorite part of the video, all of it! Great way to get my Zen on for the day. Thanks!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Cecilia! That's really nice of you to say.

[@gardencompost259]

Thank you for this “Road of Hell” tour. Looks to me that the locals named it to protect their hot pots. Personally I love hot springs, so again, thank you.

[@manathompson7955]

Very nice trip full of hot springs. Love the last pool clean and beautiful. Great roaring river. Love to hear more stories about the Chinese. Thank you.

[@FireFighter1512]

Beautiful area, the last hot spring looked the best. And no other people. Thanks for sharing..........

[@skletke7543]

From what I've looked up, looks like termite mounds starting out small. Makes sense, there's plenty of trees to chew on. Really cool scenery.

[@clintkaster6269]

A friend and I drove that road some 25 years ago in a 4-speed Jeep that had been retrofitted with a tractor engine. It wasn't terribly fast but it would go over just about anything. The real danger back then was that the logging rigs would run the road at speed and it is pretty much one lane in a number of areas. It was a return home for my friend and his grandfather ran a hotspring resort that was frequented by the helicopter pilots working for the logging companies. One of the pilots helped us out by flying in a keg of Anchor Steam (a "less foamy" ride for the keg) and we spent a rowdy night doing stupid human tricks with fire and water. The highlight of the visit was dynamiting a new pool in the hillside above the resort...or maybe the warm water plumbing, in retrospect! Naw, definitely playing with dynamite.

[@bebe60602]

Great video! That last hot spring was a gorgeous spot. I am totally jealous 🤣 I always end-up watching your videos till the very end. 🙏 Looks like you are still driving the RAV 4, such a good little SUV 👍🏻

[@janeblackbird6160]

Hopefully you explore that area more, very interesting! Travel safe

[@marcydobbs1653]

Thank you for the tour. I'd love to see this in person some day.

[@genekied]

Loved my time in the Northern and central Sawtooths, looks like I need to see the Southern end too. Thanks for sharing the journey/day it was spectacular.

[@FreshAir831]

The hot springs at the end was awesome! This was a wonderful video, beautiful views and stories. Fun travels!

[@geraldcosby2744]

There is a much more interesting "road from hell" in that area. Go east from Stanley on 75, then take the Yankee Fork Road. Here, you'll find not only dredge ponds, but the dredge itself. There are signs along the road that give info about the dredging operation. Just at the dredge, turn left. This road will take you past a "gold mine" (they're actually taking the top off a mountain with huge dozers), and on past the Diamond D Ranch. Just after the Diamond D, stay on NF-172. The road goes through the edge of the Frank Church Wilderness (I believe it is the only road that goes through there at all), and winds it's way through some serious switchbacks to Pinyon Peak. (Along the way, you'll pass the access point for the Loon Creek Trail. Loon Creek is one of the primo trout streams in America - catch and release only - and is also home to several great hot springs!) At 10,000 feet, the view from Pinyon Peak is amazing, which is probably why there is a fire lookout there. Eventually, the road intersects with Hwy 21, northwest of Stanley at Beaver Creek Campground. This will take you several hours (all day, if you stop several times), but it is totally worth it! (Don't try this early in the season - I've always done it in late July or early August!)