Leavitt Lake - a Balanced Adventure!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

BREAKING NEWS - All National Forest Land (NSF) in California will be closed for Labor day weekend (8/31 to 9/14/21)! Violators will face up to a $5000 fine! sierranewsonline.com/usda-forest-service-temporarily-closing-all-california-national-forests/ "To better provide public and firefighter safety due to the ongoing California wildfire crisis, USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region is announcing a temporary closure of all National Forests in California."

[@rondre3]

Jon these videos are a double edge sword, although its great to see these places in your videos, people are going to go and want to see them for themselves. This is one of the reasons why these places are getting more popular and crowded.

[@the_bencredible]

I think it’s awesome when people share stuff like this. Gives others an opportunity to explore the world we live in. Nothing worse than people trying to be all secretive the the stupid urbex community. Imagine trying to keep a public place to yourself 😂😂

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Andre and Ben, I see both sides and hopefully I hit a happy medium with this video. I made sure not to geo tag it under location, I just used a general area, and I try my best to show off the obstacles so people can determine if they want to send their vehicle through. There’s certain places that are too too popular. Too many places that people focus on too much. Imo, this causes a funneling into these popular places. The over crowding I can deal with, but the disrespect to our public lands is what disappoints me. Broken beer bottles, trash, and smoldering fire pits is what needs to stop. We need more leave no trace educating and reporting of bad behavior. With all that said, I totally forgot to talk about how to poop in the woods and not leave toilet paper behind. Dammit!

[@510_jk5]

@@the_bencredible i personally think there's more to it, it's not about wanting to keep a place secrete at all. Speaking from experience, the more people that go, the greater the chances of a trail being closed off because people start leaving trash behind, and toilet paper, broken glass, shooting trees, garbage floating in the lakes, etc. Sadly when these trails get popular, it's almost always the case.

[@510_jk5]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Jon!! apparently your boy Con's is our boy too! We wheel w/ him all the time. Check out my videos to see his rig in action. Small world! haha

[@the_bencredible]

@@510_jk5 I tend to agree, but to an extent. “Normal” campgrounds and flat fire roads tend to get ruined because any idiot in a passenger car can go there and party or whatnot. When you have to drive down a rocky trail for hours in a built rig to get to the camp spot you tend to get away from the riff raff. I have yet to come across a trashed spot in the middle of nowhere. People who spend $30k+ on a rig, plus their gear, that’s capable of overlanding have better things to do than ruin the spot they’re trying to get to.

[@TheInfiverse]

I've been sitting here all day watching your videos. There's a sense of serenity when I watch them, love it.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks for binge watching! 😃 This video doesn’t have that many views, it’s easily one of the most underrated destinations.

[@deputydog640]

We ran across a brand new 200 Series on some trails in Eastern Kentucky last summer. They joined in on our trail ride with their stock tires going up some pretty serious trails. They did awesome!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Nice! It’s too bad we didn’t get the more affordable options over here in the USA. No doubt we’d see more on the trail.

[@robbergstrom943]

Great trip! Fun to see a land cruiser 200 in its element. They will become more common in the outback as they change hands in the coming years to more adventurous folks.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Seeing a Land Cruiser 200 on the trails in the USA is like seeing a unicorn :P

[@roderikwarhamar5540]

Few people are brave (and rich) enough to take a $85k+ tax vehicle off road.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@roderikwarhamar5540 seriously, a 2021 LC 200 has a $45K markup right now! So make that $130K.

[@trailrunnah8886]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring there's a couple people in the group I belong to in New England that wheel them. I was talking to a group that had recently been on a trail run, and they told me that the 200 was the problem child, because it kept getting hung up on the more difficult obstacles, LOL.

[@04JALD]

Really great and fun video Jon. A few built up rigs including yours. Very nice. Glad most everything went smooth.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks DJ, this was such a fun trip. Beautiful place, and lots of things to do out here.

[@aznmonkeyfu22]

Hi quality video, thanks for sharing it with us.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Mr. MonkeyFu! This was such an awesome trip! Thanks for the comment.

[@drujhm2542]

Did that dude on the left at the 20:18 have a camper????

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Good question. Looks like a RTT

[@tpseeker3367]

Nori is a Madman & one Hell of a teacher. Hope your soaking up & filming as much knowledge from him as you can. So much thought going into the vehicles to the lines he puts them on. 29:26 more injuries & incidents happen between the TWO legged animals than the 4 legged ones

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yeah, absolutely! He’s taught me so much! Left foot braking was game changing. The lines he‘s able to see is like something out of the matrix (where Neo is staring at a screen of 1s and 0s) LOL! I’m definitely more worried about the 2 legged predators. I don’t have a CCW license because it’s so hard acquiring one living in Los Angeles county, so on hikes I just bring the bear spray and hunting knife. At camp it’s a different story 😃.

[@thetrailoutthere]

@25:36 I'm hearing some Santo and Johnny "Sleep Walk " . That's what's up! Great video btw!

[@StephenGomez21]

The jeep is king because of it great articulation. Keeping all 4 wheels on the ground is key

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yeah, especially with the Rubicon models with the front disconnected sway bars. I wonder what’s better. Bronco Badlands with a disconnected IFS or a Jeep Wrangler Sport with a Solid Front Axle and no disconnected sway bar. 🤔

[@StephenGomez21]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring hard to tell right soon as more people get them we find out. In my opinion I think it make a better desert race truck than rock crawler

[@ntnspcl_jku307]

Disconnecting the sway bar on a wrangler sport is no big deal. Just spend about a hundred bucks and get a pair of JKS quick disconnects. If you get the sport just throw in a rear locker and you’ll be able to go pretty much anywhere you want. And a quick question…was the waterfall at the end also near the Leavitt lake?

[@BernonCars]

Every video just gets better!!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks Bern! I’m having fun with all this! Overlanding has truly become a lifestyle for me, and KZbin gives me the opportunity to show off my passion.

[@D2TV]

I have a newer Crosstrek with a/t tires and full skid plates but no lift. I've done quite a bit of easier off roading in Anza borrego, big bear, and out by trona. Do you think I could make it with my limited skill? Thanks for the video!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

The rough section is “moderate 4WD” level, but definitely doable with the right line. A wrong line can lead to a your vehicle becoming stuck, so I’d recommend that you go with friends that can spot for you and pull you through if needed.

[@gearlist]

Awesome trip, looks like y'all had a blast! Loved seeing all the rigs 👍

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks gear list! Are you that guy from the outdoor adventure expo?

[@gearlist]

​@@JonDZ_Adventuring We are not! We actually haven't been out to UT for a while - hopefully next year!

[@Amanda-dv5nh]

200 series land cruiser! In my family, my dad has a 200 series land cruiser and my brother has a 100 series, they are amazing vehicles. If I had the money I'd love one lol. I am content with my FJ Cruiser though, I absolutely love my rig. Hope to get to use it as much as you use your Honda for all these adventures soon!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Your Dad has a really special vehicle! They going for $90K (new) but the dealers are marking them up another $45K. That's a $135K overlanding. Wow O Wow! You're FJ is a pretty penny as well, I believe it's the #1 most sought after used vehicle. Keep it! FJ Cruisers have so much character and packed with so much OEM capability. Enjoy your adventures Amanda!

[@nickt9467]

That was a XK80 Sequoia. You guys really lucked out with the road. Went up in 2020. They’ve gone in and filled/leveled a lot of it out. The left hand turn where you straddled that big rut was 6-7 ft deep before and much wider. Love that lake tho

[@gabrielnavia1129]

Hey Jon the last part of the video with the water falls is that leavitt falls erea.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yes it is! We actually pulled over to the side of the road and Nori walked over and we found this random spot with the water falls

[@roderikwarhamar5540]

Looks like a great adventure!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yeah it was. This was a week after our 5day Colorado trip. My friend Sam and I, planned this trip back in the Fall, and as much as I wanted to take a break from all the traveling, I don’t Flake on people. I had low expectations because I thought Colorado would be a hard act to follow, but I was blown away. This place is awesome!

[@bradenb]

Land Cruiser 200 Series! Sweet rig. A bit big for my tastes, but I'd still totally drive one.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Apparently they’re only 2.5” wider than my Passport. I’d totally rock one of the newer ones. Probably gonna be $120k with a Lexus badge tho!

[@bradenb]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring wow that looks like way more than 2.5" *smirk*

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@bradenb it’s because the Passport is wide down low, but slimmer up top.

[@scuzzyfpv]

That's me in the black shirt @21:05 and my Black JK with roof top tent next to the water crossing lol

[@scuzzyfpv]

For what its worth, I did the trail in 2wd in my JK on 35s for anyone that is curious with a similar setup to mine.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Awesome! Thanks for chiming in! I remember your comment on another one of my videos, but I forgot where to find the comment.

[@BorderlineExplorer]

That was so fun to watch!! We need to revisit that egg white and chorizo though. What do you mean you had low expectations of Leavitt?! Aha mine were through the roof.. or maybe it was just honeymoon phase with the MDX. Great 👍 trip but we needa hike more and get back in shape.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Colorado was a hard act to follow, but Leavitt Lake delivered!!! I love all the activities we did!

[@suba_ruski]

Need to get my dang suspension fixed. I miss these trail runs so much. Great vid Jon

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I miss adventuring with my OG overlanding buddy . Good to hear from you Man! I’ve been trying to contact you, haha! Yeah… car parts are hard to come by nowadays. It took me 2 months to source all the parts to rebuild my suspension. Finally going to central tire this coming Wednesday to get everything put in. When you get everything sorted out, let’s go to Leavitt Lakes!

[@leonardlorenzana8368]

To get there, are the roads tight next to drop offs ?

[@余越崎]

Nice video man! We went there on memorial day weekend, the whole lake was still frozen and got bunch of snow on the road. A lot less people though. If anyone is driving there from the other side of sierra instead of 395, better take some rest stops on the way up. Several of my friends got pretty serious altitude sickness(dizziness, vomit, bad headaches, etc) when we got there from bay area almost no stops.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks 🙏. When I hiked ski lake I wondered… “why is it called ski lake”, I guess people actually hike up and ski down. Woooo

[@senderoverland]

Heading up here this weekend. Love your videos! They always help me gauge how paranoid of breaking my truck im going to be on the trail😂

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Hoped you enjoyed the place! I really want to return sometime this year.

[@robynbanks7110]

Did you go yet? Is a stock truck tacoma able to traverse ?

[@zerokool-2058]

I need to find places like this in the east coast... What apps you use to find trails ?

[@IAmThePrepper]

Do you have riding group together in regular schedule? Are you in northern calif or LA/OC?

[@CrazyGreek80]

The family in the jeep were like yeah good luck with that.😁😁😁

[@zerokool-2058]

Any rig walk around?

[@nita6495]

Love the mix of multiple activities. Great idea for a trip (and a video)! How do you like the inflatable canoe? We had some buddies use one on a river float, but the water level was low and it didn't go well. It looked happy on the lake though.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Hello Nita, the Wife and I love our inflatable kayak. We purchased it more than 5 years ago and it's still holding up. Actually, my first ever youtube video was about this kayak. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHfdqnynhtahfrs The reasons we purchased an inflatable kayak is because: 1.) easy storage - it rolls up into a 75L back packing bag 2.) more stability on the water. It's hard to tip over 3.) light and easy to maneuver 4.) tracks well I would say the bad things about are: 1.) it's wide, so not as efficient as a narrow hard shell kayak (those are really tippy) 2.) no hard mounting points like D-rings (the more expensive inflatables will have them) I want to buy a higher end inflatable, but it'll cost me $950. I'm looking at this kayak: www.seaeagle.com/FastTrackKayaks/385ft You can also get electric motors that insert into the keel. If you ever get a kayak or canoe, you should check the Lower Antelope Canyon. Such an amazing experience kayaking through the slot canyons. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaq6aoOGa9SkiKs

[@mm8436]

I'm all for protecting yourself as long as it's within the law. I know some people who go to national parks with bear spray (I too would like to bring bear spray but don't because it's no allowed). Love your videos!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Absolutely! I obey the law as well! That's why I didn't bring my gun with me :P

[@filipinovegaslife70]

Why did the beginning remind me of Bugs Bunny hahah! I love it man!

[@lignas]

Man...I need to take a trip there from Sactown.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yeah you do! Not too far away from you either!

[@lignas]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring yah man!

[@freedom_foz_6337]

Sooooo many people aren’t prepared for the ABS crunches when off roading with open differentials in AWD. It sounds like hell lol but I’d you’re ready for it, not so bad.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

That crunching sound goes for everything! Especially Toyotas A-trac system :P

[@freedom_foz_6337]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring yes!! Lol A Trac is the worse. The first time my abs pulsed off-road with my wife she thought something was broken lol

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@freedom_foz_6337 I remember my first time using xmode to do hill descent. I thought the same thing 🤣. Now it’s music to my ears 👂. I love the sound!

[@freedom_foz_6337]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring you could say “it’s the rhythm of my life” 😅

[@trailrunnah8886]

@@freedom_foz_6337 and crawl control is even worse! If I hadn't known what crawl control sounded like from videos, the first time I used it in my 4Runner I would have freaked out. My girlfriend actually did, she was like what the hell is wrong with this thing? LOL

[@pnw_element9822]

Always awesome always enjoy watching ur videos jon it’s always damn awesome and what part of California are u from brah

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thank you GZ562! I always look forward to your comments! Thanks for the support 🙏. I live in Cerritos, but a year ago I lived in Long Beach for 6 years, in Bixby Knolls.

[@pnw_element9822]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Ooh ok yeah Cerritos mall hahaha I used to play basketball at liberty park Man U be on a hella journey getting to ur spots then man I love this channel cuz u doing it in a Honda!!!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@pnw_element9822 oh dang, I can’t remember there being basketball courts at liberty park. I still go there to ride my bike down to seal beach (9 miles).

[@jebussbf]

do you still have the plastic film over the face of your infotainment system?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

LOL, no, but I do have a screen protector

[@mauriciorodriguez2954]

Hey man! Do you have a video explaining your left braking technique with Honda’s I-vtm4? Great video btw!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

hmmmmmmm, In my videos I tell people that I left foot brake, but never actually video recorded me doing it. You just gave me an idea to actually make a dedicated video about it, thanks! It'll be on the to do list!

[@roon101k6]

land cruiser 200?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

GJ!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

An LC 200 is so rare to see on the trails. Honestly, I’ve never seen one on a trail in person except for this trip.

[@BorderlineExplorer]

You got it! LC200 is usually babied and not off road. Maybe the first one I've seen in the wild!

[@tonystarks3-11]

I’ve been wanting to go here. I wish I went, again. 😫😩😔

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Let’s go! Gotta being the kayaks and paddleboards. You kids would probably really enjoy this place. Let’s set a date.

[@OverlandPriority]

Great spotter+driver’s trust to the spotter=harder trails becomes easier

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

💯 💯 💯 if it’s wasnt for my spotter (Nori) I wouldn’t be doing harder trails. His knowledge has been invaluable. I relearned how to drive my Honda and I’ve been going further.

[@allenm8182]

In my opinion it is not the amount of people that visit places, it's the mentality of the people that visit these places. Either they are pigs and don't respect the land or they are not. I have been to a few places that were not overrun with folk and they were still left a mess.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Exactly! So let’s start using our smart phones to video record offenders. I saw this Facebook video clip that went viral of this group in the “triple J Jeeper club”. They spray painted their Jeep club on the side of the mountain. Some guy video recorded them and called them out. The video went viral, but I guess Facebook took it down due to “harassment”. We need more of this! If people know that there could be a camera on them at any moment they disrespect our public lands, maybe it’ll stop.

[@sitiwrattz]

Ball sweat counteracted

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Cold filtered nut sack

[@robh6854]

Ball Sweat 🤣😂🤣😂😂🤣

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

That ball 🥜 dip was so refreshing 🤣. It really was!

[@robh6854]

Would have been funny if you had a cigarette while u were breathing hard and hiking 😂

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

That would make more sense as to why I’m breathing so hard 😖 🤣🤣🤣

[@robh6854]

Maaaaan been there and done that. I know it is!😂😂😂😂

[@kimpeter7934]

mmmmm mango carts

[@t.o.f.t.s.]

Fun video...but, you need to step up your camp cooking😂. See Marco Hernandez Overlanding cook book and youtube channel😉

[@kyletalbot284]

KZbinrs are ruining the outdoors. Haven't been up there since 2019, just went up last weekend and now its packed with "overlanders" and broken glass. The difference between 2019 and now? A LOT of youtube videos on Leavitt Lake. Go explore without posting, leave KZbin for what its best for, mechanical "how to" videos.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

KZbin has been around since 2005. Overlanding in the USA started picking up in 2017. Covid happened in 2019 and outdoor activity increased. Despite all that, in July of 2020 when I went, this place was pristine. Just remember, it’s an immoral and disrespecting person that is going to trash a place. Not a KZbin video. I would think that more blame should be put on the parents of the offenders. There’s a lot of things that go into overlanding. Going in prepared with the means to throw trash away is one of those things. Breaking glass isn’t. Now that the world has opened back up and gas is expensive, hopefully the overnight overlanders, the people that can’t even put a shopping cart away in a return receptacle, have moved on and sold their truck.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Btw, nowadays people have an attention span of 15 seconds. How is someone going to sit through a 32 minute KZbin video??