Motorcycle Camping Alone in the Desert

The Desert Southwest is my home and I spent some time camping in the cactus under a full moon with my BMW R 1200 GS motorcycle. It was one of the most beautiful and mystical experiences that I ever had in the desert. Travel with me to Ajo, Arizona as I explore the desert, meet an authentic icon of the region, and cook over a fire under a naked sky.
Note: this video was filmed in February 2023 (not 2022 as the video indicates).
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[@defaultuser3410]

Well, if there's a more calming and relaxing motorcycle video for me to sit back and watch with my coffee on a snowy Sunday morning, I haven't found it.

[@markust8904]

I've had my coffee already for the morning, i am now on my first beer, its calming, and relaxing too on a snowy morning. Found it!

[@len9483]

Snowy morning? I'm here in Scottsdale. Balmy 65 degrees here. Lovin the desert life! Just got back from a Razor ride on the east side of Roosevelt Lake a couple of days ago. Been out here since '71 and that was the first time I've been out there. Highly recommend it to anyone.

[@dannyjamison8337]

@len9483. Go Sun Devils! Scottsdale is a beautiful place, that's God's country! I lived in east Phoenix for a year then a few more months with some friends in Glendale. Spent a lot of time in the superstition mountains photographing some real cool reptiles. Can't wait to get back out that way.

[@smilinkyle]

I would consider a conversation with a "Desert Rat" like Sterling to be quite the honor. Definitely one of my heroes,

[@fredmeier3515]

Its a small wonder that you feel humbled in the overwhelming vastness of the desert. You are in one of the great studios of our Creator. His near presence is supposed to take our breath away. Thank you for sharing your musings this morning. Cheers.

[@timcisneros1351]

“most of my wandering in the desert I've done alone. not so much from choice as from necessity - I generally prefer to go into places where no one else wants to go. I find that in contemplating the natural world my pleasure is greater if there are not too many others contemplating it with me, at the same time.” ― Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire

[@Uts9000]

can you imagine, some people don't like the desert........ thanks for taking the time to share

[@wanderlustjohn]

Perfect Sunday morning, sitting by the fire, sipping my morning coffee content...AMAZING Sterling. What an absolute treat from you! Thank you Sterling.

[@user-gk4qr8hu3u]

That gentleman walked away saying that he just past a desert legend named Sterling Noreen.

[@backcountry4life]

Nobody talking about how he had a drone follow him for these shot? Crazy and amazing!

[@rosssagun9402]

Sterling, thank you for that much needed period of peacefulness. Beautiful in all respects and much appreciated.

[@Motodoggo_]

How are you not scared of creepy crawlies sleeping without a tent

[@ridgetop8161]

I always carried a leatherman tool for pulling out choya thorns. Those things are evil. Great place to camp. Nice.

[@maxw576]

I was just riding out in the Tucson area from NY. I visited Saguaro Park West. Beautiful area. It was windy when i was there. The only concern i had regarding camping was being unfamiliar with the wildlife, such as snakes, scorpions, etc. I wish I had seen this video before I was there.

[@Porsche996driver]

Wow Sterling, this is why you're the best at ADV motovlogging ha. You had this beautiful photography and video sitting in the can somewhere, and pulled out all your best editing to create a dreamlike 15 minute video. I have to admit I did about 10 screeengrabs to maybe make a background on my Mac. The Sonora desert BLM and cactus are just indescribable. Thanks for your gift to us! Enjoy the ride all!

[@randalltom9750]

Sterling... loved the video. I ride a Harley so I stay on the pavement. I too camp off the bike. I keep it simple... a plowpoint tarp shelter tied off the bike, a tyvek ground sheet, GoreTex bivy, air mattress, and down bag. My mess kit fits in a titanium mug... foil, a spork, p51, granola bars, and Medagalia d'Oro instant espresso (highly recommended!). I prefer to eat in town at some local eatery. What adventures I've had! I'm looking forward to riding this season... Thanks again.

[@SterlingNoren]

Hope you have a good riding season!

[@richardvarnold6245]

I've always enjoyed getting out at night and watching the moon and imagine what primitive man thought as it went across the sky. I'm ready for our midwestern riding season to start. again, enjoyed your video.

[@1962clarky]

Well, that was fantastic. I love the peace and tranquillity out in the desert. You covered that brilliantly Sterling. Thanks for taking us along..

[@SurfingTheMentawais]

Thanks for the lovely video man. I really enjoyed your camping trip...AND the wine!

[@gregc6661]

Thanks for the beautiful video Sterling. We truly are blessed to live in Arizona. Nice to see you on the big bike again, hope your hand is healing well

[@christurla4464]

A separate reality and desert solitude, you’re in the thick of it❤

[@michaelmarkin1532]

Hopefully you can get back out on the GS soon once that hand heals up. A really beautiful place. You help the viewer really connect with the landscape. Thanks for this great production.

[@liberals_destroy_everythin2497]

Yeah, you & his notes above just reminded me that this was before his hand-destroying crash. If I remember right, he crashed while riding with the BDR group. Left to his own preferred pace of traveling, that crash would likely have never happened, deer or no deer.

[@cabanamike274]

Beautiful. I would love to ride that area

[@kenzi.h]

The silence ❤

[@joachimsommer4262]

Sterling, what a beautiful Landscape...the Sonora Desert is one of finest Places on Earth. Enjoy your Time with the GS...Joachim ,Greetings from Germany.

[@guyellison1038]

Watchd all your videos you inspire me just bought 2024 BMW F800 GS adventure bike, not on bike for fifty years, will keep watching,Guy

[@dennismckee7934]

. . . Sleeping under the stars . . . I'd be afraid I'd get cuddled by a snake . . . I'll work on that - beautiful video. Thank you

[@joshtacker9531]

Snakes, scorpions, tarantulas, desert cheetahs...

[@jwfinley7808]

14 days per camp site. 28 days per district.😮

[@theflyingkiwi4803]

Lovely video! Thank you! Greetings from new Zealand 🇳🇿 🌞

[@jonnyrountree851]

You've been one of my biggest influence in the last year. I've re watched your long ride many times. Hoping next year my videos will become half as good as yours. Jonnys gone again.

[@SterlingNoren]

Wow, thanks! Good luck making the videos and hopefully it will be fun for you!

[@wildwestexplorations8097]

That was a beautiful ride thanks for sharing your experience

[@GSAirTherapy]

In the most selfish of ways, I wish you’d be able to publish weekly! Of course, economic circumstances, and KZbin revenue is likely not letting you break-even. But the emotional ROI for all of us…man…so unbelievable valuable!

[@mojoriden]

Does this mean your hand is better? Great video. Dig the vibe of exploration and calm which I think for a lot of us is the reason we love this sport.

[@keithmoule4154]

What a superb shot at 13.07. Must have taken a while to get the lighting just right. Thank you 🙂

[@theelephant2887]

Beautiful images. I love the desert and camping in general, but I must admit that camping by myself is not my thing.

[@JohnDoe-xm9ql]

Solitude and peace

[@hrmacdonald4471]

Beautiful imagery, content and narration.

[@Hallnadventure]

Thanks for a good story of your adventure. I tend to wander the backroads of Minnesota on my 850gsa with the same mindset of not having a set destination. I find an out of the way place and stop, walk, eat and soak in my country surroundings.

[@seewaage]

Cool video! I find it hard to sleep while camping with a full moon too. It's very bright when you're sleeping outside.

[@kdhyde1980]

Not far from where you camped is a spot called Sierrita Mountain and it’s full of old mines and some breathtaking places.

[@randyhanlon4746]

Hard to beat Arizona sunsets. Well done.

[@hoagiesherlin7732]

I've lived in the east all my life i have been west twice i find those landscapes breathtaking yet so foreign something i need to experience again before i die

[@charlesbradley2943]

Where’s the mini bike ? I immediately think of snakes. How do you deal with them ? Thanks for the adventure.

[@JimStone2]

Power places! Wow! I haven't heard that since the 70's. Two of mine: from the 70's, the bluffs at San Gregorio Beach, and from the 80's, the bluffs at Oswald West State Park.

[@Hogdriver88]

Love these desert camping videos. But I’d be sleeping in a tent - I’ve seen tarantula spiders in the AZ desert!

[@liberals_destroy_everythin2497]

Tarantulas are our friends.....

[@len9483]

You won't see them in February.

[@westeagle00]

Stunning video footage! Wow! Thank you for brightening up a dreary day -from a neighbour from the north.

[@martincyr7259]

Amazing video Sterling! You really know how to promote your State. Such calming beauty. Thank you for sharing. Cheers from Montréal.👍

[@EscapeRider]

What a calm and relaxing video. Always love to sit back and watch your videos!

[@Pavementendsexploration]

Living and riding in the Midwest, I find your videos inspiring and aspirational. Great job!

[@kalaharyjones]

Greetings from the south's cossts of pacific ocean.

[@winternimbus]

Great story and journey as always 🎉

[@guy7670]

Oh filmed in 2022 you still had two good hands👍

[@fvdl1972]

Great spot to camp. But aren't you worried about wild life? I could not sleep there just under the stars. Love your video's, keep on posting! Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@larryo2421]

Your videos are so inspirational, beautiful scenery and practical tips.

[@snrmn73]

So peaceful, enjoyed it very much ❤

[@SigmaSheepdog]

It's videos like this that make me feel blessed to live in the desert. Thanks, Sterling!

[@jdflhr]

Another great production Sterling. The scenery and background music were superb!

[@kseth6992]

Impressed with your confidence in taking the GS to a place which can make you complacent into thinking this track is easy . Slow speed manoeuvring can be real tricky here it seems .

[@markpolson2090]

Just got back from a weekend in the desert in west Texas. Seminole Canyon state park. Seeing you out there on your ride makes me really miss the desert already. Love it. Thanks

[@DavideNicosia-so4vt]

Your videos are unique I always like the desert especially the Sonora, hope I’ll meet you one day around there

[@MidCoastAdventures]

Very relatable solo moto camping. Do lots of it here in Australia. Very good therapy indeed 👍

[@gerardcouture6539]

I love moto camping. ⛺️ Every chance I get, I take my CBR1000RR out for the weekend. Of course I can’t ride it off road, but I make up for that with spirited riding on the tarmac.

[@RoadTrekker866]

Sadly, I can’t say I enjoyed, growing up in the Mojave desert, packing the gear at 29 Palms, now living in Pima County Arizona I am so seriously burned out with the desert!

[@MrRickrm]

This was great, Sterling. Grew up going to the Mojave desert. Brings back fond memories. Although I'm not sure now, I would enjoy such solitude. Need One buddy.

[@letitrest4662]

It's good to see you back on the GS.....

[@greglammers9905]

Love your videos. It has inspired me and my two brothers to ride and camp. My wife and I were just in Bisbee a couple weeks ago on our bmw r1200GS . Lovely place. My brothers and I hope to come down next March and camp and ride in the desert a few days.

[@milestogomoto]

I’m not gonna lie that my goal is to make motorcycle videos as good as you do. Just beautifully filmed and narrated. If I get to be half as good I’ll be happy.

[@Lois5650]

Beautiful campsite in a stunning area! Would love to do a bike packing trip there. Thanks for sharing! Happy trails!

[@rolandwheeler4842]

Very nice! And nothing like the aroma (and flavor when you are cooking with it) of mesquite wood at camp!

[@SterlingNoren]

You got that right!

[@JCrozier1]

loving all the content lately. The very first thought was about the bike choice until i saw you say 2022 in the captions. It looks so peaceful. Hope you are healing well. Take care!

[@Me7roiD]

Wonderful to see you in your element. A truly inspiring experience - thank you for sharing!

[@SterlingNoren]

You are so welcome!

[@timvrieling6324]

Thank you.

[@tonycastro5826]

First ride back on the Big bike, Nice!!!

[@paulocarreiro5855]

Beautiful stuff! Thanks Sterling for taking the time and effort.

[@usmcshepherd9951]

Love the way you explore the desert…so many people discount the desert…I think it’s time for a 2nd trip down the Camino del Diablo from Yuma to Ajo!!!

[@ItIsWhatItIsTV-]

Man you are living the life. This to me is the definition of freedom. Shout out form west moroe Louisiana

[@shermanjenne3154]

I know that feeling. It was 2 years ago I ran into you just out of Tucson while I was out scouting for campsites. Many years ago, it was your documentary on motorcycling that hooked me. Also had the honor of seeing you at the Plian Wa rally last year. Thanks

[@SterlingNoren]

Cool! I’ll be back at the rally and Plain again this year.

[@toddm.3947]

Really enjoyed this! Beautiful filming and just overall great content. I live and ride mostly in Colorado but am thinking a week in the desert would be cool. I love your relaxed pace and being more in exploration mode than go-fast-racer mode. You see so much more. Thanks for sharing!

[@glencanyon7845]

Beautiful video! And a meeting with "Hayduke" too--treated with sensitivity. Nice work.

[@rockymountains9223]

As always, another excellent video, Sterling!

[@BallardBaller]

Doug was the character George Hayduke, I had the luxury of BBQing at his house in MT with Margo Kitter his neighbor ,

[@roncronenwett6545]

saguro catus The soldiers of the night ,protecting the desert

[@OneTakeSunday]

Was so good to see you back on the GS, but then saw when it was filmed!!! Have you been able to get back on the GS at all? Such beautiful scenery, and you always do such a good job of capturing that beauty. Love it. At the Desert Adventure Rally i will try to respect you not asking for a picture with me, like you did With Peacock :). Great video.

[@SterlingNoren]

I’ve been out on the Husqvarna 701 a bit lately, but I haven’t taken the GS out yet. Pretty sure I won’t have a problem doing that.

[@mart7404]

Wow what an amazing coincidence to run into Doug Peacock out there in the Sonoran. If you've not read his Grizzly Years check it out. Thanks for sharing.

[@bryandees8242]

What a treat! This is where I grew up and learned to ride as a boy! I lived in Silver Bell (now a ghost town) in the early 70's, out past Marana. Awesome memories. Thanks for sharing! See you at Touratech this year?

[@SterlingNoren]

I like riding around in the Marana area. One of these days I’m gonna do a video in the Ironwood Forest.

[@scottmiller4516]

"Freedom" yes...

[@derekdevries1284]

I love ajo and why AZ. Wild donkeys and coyotes a plenty.!

[@leayoung3014]

Love all for content and have for three+ years…and I will continue to watch your videos! Thanks for sharing!❤ 18:08

[@Pompomgrenade]

😂 the GS passport comes in handy... For solo getaways, for sure

[@johnmartin7144]

Good to see you on the big bike again. Take care!

[@daftnord4957]

i'm shocked that such a simple video can be so powerful and inspirational.

[@dalewarner4216]

Great video. Makes me homesick. Your videos have me looking for land to purchase in southern Arizona.

[@greglipschitz]

Great to see you back on your GS!

[@1bike2up]

Nice to see you back on the GS

[@Shiplap4]

Nice to see you back on the big bike , great vlog as usual.

[@jrodriguez8216]

This is very enjoyable Moto camping video; your encounter with the “iconic rat”, seeing back on that big GS, (your hand must be feeling better) the firebox cooking is great, but your evening moon images were really very nice. In addition to the Yaqui Indian philosophy is quite a touch. Thank you again!!!!

[@mfranquemont1884]

Video filmed feb 2022; pre-hand injury.

[@jrodriguez8216]

Sorry, thanks for the correction of video date. Hope the hand heals fully.

[@brookmorrison9204]

Hands down ! My favorite channel. Great work. Hope the wrist is doing better.

[@SterlingNoren]

Much appreciated!

[@JacobAnawalt]

Peaceful!

[@tangowiskey4740]

Good to see you back inspirational . The grand canyon would be nice

[@kennethvernonprivate]

Hey Sterling......thank you, really enjoyed that....Winter is starting to break here (Canada). Its time to seriously think about camping now! All the best......😀

[@SterlingNoren]

Thank you!

[@flashg2910]

Another great episode, Sterling!

[@samhill3496]

Great vid. Lots wonderful scenery to behold. You never know who or what you can encounter in the middle of absolute nowhere. That was interesting. Great drone footage. Hard to go wrong with desert lanscapes and the open sky. How did it feel being back on the big bike instead of the Honda trail 125? Safe travels. I'm glad to see this. 3 hrs a day therapy on a CMP nachine exercising my muscles around my new right knee. Much welcome entertainment while the motorcycles take a break in my view.

[@liberals_destroy_everythin2497]

If you read the notes and the comments, I believe this was BEFORE his crash. I could be wrong.....