Nevada Desert WILDERNESS | Backpacking Alone!

Hi Campers,
I make an over night solo backpacking trip into the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Desert near Las Vegas, Nevada and backpack/explore the red rock valley called Bowl of Fire with it's massive cliffs and strange red Rock formations. I hike and discover the wonders ( petrified wood/ arches/ deceased :(desert bighorn sheep ) of a solo over night trip into this desert paradise!
"Keep Hiking!"
Base Camp Chris
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm
Travel Nevada
travelnevada.com/
America's First National Recreation Area
Swim, boat, hike, cycle, camp and fish at America’s first and largest national recreation area. With striking landscapes and brilliant blue waters, this year-round playground spreads across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys and two vast lakes. See the Hoover Dam from the waters of Lake Mead or Lake Mohave, or find solitude in one of the park's nine wilderness areas.

[@TheCoolProfessor]

This is my idea of relaxation.

[@basecampchris]

Thanks CoolProfessor - It was a fun trip..I love wide open country and no trail.

[@infinitylambofmariah7987]

Same

[@christinaturpin9464]

This is our backyard! I'm so glad you featured it! 🥰

[@securityteam1697]

Southern Nevada is my home. I spent untold hours exploring the desert where you were. It's been over 30 years since I have lived down there and miss it a lot. thanks for "taking" us along.

[@basecampchris]

Awesome, I lived there.for 10years- harsh but great country...glad you enjoyed tthat ... I will go back again.🏜☀️

[@phoneone1371]

Born and raised in northern Nevada ,moved back in 02 ,i told my kids to dump my ashes over it when i die ,spent the good part of my life sleeping under the stars and metal detecting and prospecting here ,better to be broke and happy than rich with a anchor chain around your ankle

[@darualid]

Love Nevada and vegas. Lived there 7 years. I'm gonna move back I think.

[@pellelindbergh4455]

i'm going to hike most or all of nevada ,via the american discovery trail .most of that route is on rt 50 there are large gaps where there no water is the right?i think when near a city it okay but after fallon .there almost nothing.

[@JavierBonillaC]

Chris, I don’t know you but your desert camping trip is one of the best videos I’ve seen this year. I had such a good time I had to see it again.

[@basecampchris]

Oh Thank you Javier! love the desert.

[@DTRBrianMallard]

Great video! I love how you show the desert. Many videos will show a long video just getting there, then a quick snippet and its over. But you take the time to really allow the viewer to see what you are seeing. Thumbs up!

[@basecampchris]

Thank you...appreciate the comment! Hoping to be in the Utah desert next month.

[@DTRBrianMallard]

@@basecampchris Awesome! I look forward to seeing it

[@InfiniteWanderlust]

This is the kind of videos I like. Always been fascinated by Nevada deserts.

[@basecampchris]

Nevada has some hidden gems!

[@runningwater7873]

Chris that was a fantastic adventure. I love your photography and learned about the sheep having no water. I love the colors and your hiking/camping adventure. This is the best channel out there.

[@esterherschkovich6499]

Wow what views!!

[@Mac40581]

I'm constantly amazed at the picture quality your camera produces.

[@basecampchris]

Thanks Curt, I'm enjouing working with The Canon M50 and the Rode Go Mic works great! Thanks for watching my hiking trip!

[@joshsingleton3352]

Yes

[@jayjacobs4092]

Great hike and campout. I'm going to share it in my Facebook lake mead campers group ok.

[@basecampchris]

That would be fine...thanks for asking. Lake Mead national rec area is a very under rated hiking area.

[@idid138]

The painted desert 🏜️ I really want to spend more time there. Thanks for sharing!

[@IAmTBrad]

What a fun trip! I love the desert it is such a vast and beautiful landscape :-) Keep up the great work, and always have a fun and safe time out there!

[@basecampchris]

Thank you T. Brad - It was a memorable trip. "Keep Hiking!"

[@sheilayoung6590]

I’m a rock hound and man oh man that place looks amazing!!! That pet wood is fabulous!!!

[@adventuringoutdoorswitheric]

So awesome that you came to my part of the country and did this particular hike! I've done this hike before but in a day and there is some route finding definitely! So cool that you were able to find all that petrified wood and bighorn sheep remains on this adventure! The sunrise shots of the red rocks were amazing as well Chris! Super cool video my friend and please try to make more videos like this in the future. Thanks for sharing your cool adventure with us buddy!

[@basecampchris]

Hi Eric, Thank you for your generous comments! Yes...had a good trip to LV and The Bowl....The rams were struggling out there this fall...hoping for rain for them! The Lake Mead desert is harsh and yet beautiful...summer is definitely the time to avoid. I'll be back for another hike down there! I will check out your hikes as well. "Keep Hiking!"

[@debramitchell1430]

Oh my this was amazing!! Loved every bit of it.. Thank you Chris!!

[@ThornsandMyrtles]

Thank you for showing us the beauty of God’s creation, Chris! Blessings and prayers for safe travels ✝️🙏

[@marywegrzyn506]

So awesome !!!❤️❤️❤️

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Great trip Chris. That morning shot with the light on the walls was unreal. I had no idea this place existed. Crazy seeing the Big Horn graveyard.

[@basecampchris]

Thanks Cat, yeah very crazy with the Big horn graveyard... the area needs a good rain! I’m liking your hikes...Enjoy your travels!!

[@captaindavidburton]

Yes, I agree with Curt - fantastic quality videos. Beautiful scenery - we don't have anything like that here in the south of England.

[@basecampchris]

Thanks Captain David...heading out today for another shoot!

[@captaindavidburton]

I look forward to watching it Chris.

[@JanStewart590]

What a cool area to camp love the red rock formations too; the area looks straight out of a western. Good grief that's a lot of climbing, plus you're carrying a backpack, camera gear, talking and breathing ~ you take us on some great adventures!

[@Jasonsk908]

Thank you for sharing your adventure! That was a fun one!

[@basecampchris]

Glad you enjoyed it! I had a memorable trip...will be going back!

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

Oh my gosh.......that scenery is spectacular!!!

[@markkulepisto1159]

Spectacular film! I’m in awe of your production quality and of course the great hike and scenery! Makes me want to pack the backpack right now

[@basecampchris]

Thank you Markku! Appreciated. I truly enjoy the desert and it's remote beauty....

[@joshuakalaniparks9084]

Awesome!

[@basecampchris]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mk1604]

I absolutely loved this video and especially the outro music. I really appreciate all your hard work producing your videos Chris. Best wishes from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 👋🏻👍🏻👌🏻

[@TonyStark-or3er]

Love it...I live in Las Vegas and spend a lot of time in Lake Mead NRA. Always good to see people enjoying this beautiful land. Thanks for sharing.

[@basecampchris]

It is a vast area - harsh in the summer...much to explore there!

[@mkrbrtsn1]

Nice one Chris.

[@basecampchris]

Thanks 👍

[@nickreynolds8391]

Awesome video. Loved it.

[@deansmith9232]

Love your content thank you beautiful location well documented!

[@basecampchris]

great area...Thank you.

[@dynahmaranatha2954]

Delightful!! I love the light. I love all the Shadows and all the different formations. Thanks again, Chris.!!🆒🎨🏜☺

[@chadroberts44]

Nice, I love that you found petrified wood

[@basecampchris]

Hi Chad. Yes...very cool find out in the desert! Thanks for watching.

[@lindawarrell4281]

Love love love your videos! Can’t wait to see the next and the next one! Whoohoo! How fun! 😎👏

[@lorikquiin6700]

That morning view looks amazing.

[@basecampchris]

It was! Thanks.

[@robnoodle1]

Thanks for the sharing your trip I love the desert 🐫

[@basecampchris]

Glad you enjoyed it! "Keep Hiking!"

[@AtwoodThreads]

Good stuff Chris! We lived not far from there for over a year and hiked around the LV desert as well. We miss it but not the city lol. That marker I believe is for location if your lost or the like. Thanks for sharing.

[@basecampchris]

Thank you aka_threads! Yes ery under rated country compared to southern Utah or other places. I used to live in LV as well... dont miss the city either...thanks for the info.."Keep Hiking!"

[@marment4506]

The Bowl of Fire is a beautiful spot to explore. I have hiked there a few times since I live out in Henderson, Nv. I had an interesting hike west of Las Vegas near Sandy Valley. Back in 2001 I was into Geocaching and planned a quick geocache search after work around 3pm for the hike. I gathered up my GPS unit, loaded in the latitude, longitude of the geocache and raced out the door with a day pack and water. Driving out of Las Vegas towards Pahrump I turned off onto a wide dirt road towards Sandy Valley. Halfway to Sandy Valley there are two small rugged mountains that I need to drive to onto another narrow dirt road to the base of one of the mountains to park. From my GPS unit it shows that the geocache is somewhere on top on the other mountain peak. I was so eager to find the cache that in my rush I failed to set a waypoint to identify where my car is located. After a hour of hiking up the mountain side I ponder about not placing a waypoint for the car, but I can easily see the car from my present location. But all that confidence changed when it took longer than expected to find the geocache as the sun was starting to set. As it was getting darker and darker to see what I was trying to stumble over I felt there was no way to return by the same way back over two mountain ranges. I figure to just head down the mountain side and walk around the base to the car. Now i am bushwhacking through the desert vegetation,. The moon is not out, it is totally black, the only light i have is from the GPS unit. I finally stumble around to discover a dirt road, but now which direction to find my car? I figured this in not the main dirt road, way too narrow, but hopefully it might lead me to my car. After about a half hour of walking on the narrow dirt road I paused to get a drink of water. Just as I am finishing my drink, a loud blood curdling scream pierced the darkness not far in front of me. it took me a few second to make decision to turn 180 degrees from that scream. I walk very briskly, trying my best not to trip over anything. I am lost, I can't even make out the mountain in the darkness. Suddenly out in the distance I see a car head lights shinning in my direction. Appeared a car was turning around, which gave me directions to the main dirt road. Eventually I saw the distance lights from Sandy Valley. At that point I would be happy just to walk the distance to Sandy Valley if I couldn't find my car. Luckily I found my car. I was so happy, but my wife wasn't too happy since this was before I had a cell phone. She was about to call the cops because of my disappearance. Weeks later I drove out in the morning to actually find the geocache. On the return to my car I saw a sheriff vehicle park next to my car with the sheriff checking out my car. He noticed me approaching and asked if this is my car. I mentioned that it is my car and then he asked if I had any weapons that I am carrying. I was surprised by that question but quickly answered that I had no weapons. I asked him about the weapon question, which he informed me that this location is a place where people commit suicide...Oh, then I asked about my incident with the scream that I heard when I was wandering around the base of the mountain. He informed me that that scream is from a rabbit being killed by a coyote . After that I mentioned maybe i should have a handgun to protect myself from animals, but he said he would recommend a handgun for safety, but it is not from the animals you need to be worried about, but the people you may run into along the hike.

[@maggsbufton1969]

Chris, I love your vids ; they’re so much fun; You are an excellent videographer and commentator and it’s just so much fun tagging along with you! Super interesting. Be safe. Addendum: What no meat? No steak? No pork chops? No salmon and veggies . Oh well. 😉⛺️😂

[@user-uk9ry9gt9z]

i like the desert like this thank you for making this video

[@basecampchris]

Very welcome! "Keep Hiking!"

[@wildweasel8564]

Actually the sheep were probably ambushed by a mountain lion. I've seen similar accumulations sheep carcasses and bones in Joshua Tree near water holes. You could have ended up a snack...

[@leefarrar2240]

Knowing my luck, I’d walk all the way back to find my car had been stolen😆

[@basecampchris]

LOL...I always have extra water waiting for me/ food too.

[@red1able]

A quick Los Vegas travelog at the beginning. Interesting area with good camping.

[@basecampchris]

Thank you Art! Great area to explore and camp!

[@markexpose175]

HELLO. GREAT. CAMPING.

[@basecampchris]

Thanks Mark!! Keep Hiking!

[@rickless169]

that's awesome man

[@basecampchris]

Thanks Rick! Amazing desert country.

[@aspire9360]

The night sky views must be amazing out there! Awesome video!

[@basecampchris]

It really is! Thanks

[@koam66]

Awesome exploration. My idea of hiking/backpacking.

[@basecampchris]

Thanks KOAM66...I'll be back out there when things cool down!

[@christopherhall406]

Great video brother looks beautiful

[@basecampchris]

Thanks for the visit

[@YoungOorah]

Very wholesome of a video

[@basecampchris]

Thank you! More to come.

[@SunshineSkys]

What's up Chris. Thank u for sharing this adventure with us. The Bowl of Fire is magnificent. Perfect videography.

[@yusufmohd7388]

Wow fantastic video, Chris. You made me hike along with you albeit through a Saudi desert landscape; So similar to Saudi. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[@basecampchris]

Glad you enjoyed it, Yusuf!I will be going back when the weather cools. Much to explore.

[@ADVNevada]

another awesome area!

[@basecampchris]

it's very extensive area....may go back and explore some more!

[@callie187]

Thats beautiful out in there

[@pinatajuju4471]

Excellent adventure.

[@basecampchris]

Thanks!

[@Foundinthewoodsbushcraft]

Your snake story was so funny I couldn't stop laughing,. Thanks for the adventure.

[@basecampchris]

LOL...Thanks for watching. It's a great area.

[@johnavendano9869]

Awesome trip, congratulations for the beautiful adventure, regards from Las Vegas👍

[@basecampchris]

Thanks Alma.

[@Mr8888X]

Enjoyed your desert trip!

[@basecampchris]

Thanks for watching Gabriel- that was a very memorable trip for me....I’ll be going back.

[@Mr8888X]

Base Camp Chris awesome! Hope I can do that too one day ☺️

[@kevingibson1771]

You are awesome man. My new backpacker channel. Always enjoy. Currently on the A.T. In NC watching your videos in spare time.

[@basecampchris]

Awesome! Thank you! AT sounds like an Adventure!

[@ConquerYou]

Great video! Thanks for making it.

[@basecampchris]

Very welcome...amazing place.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 Chris, thank you. By sharing your informative videos, you are saving me a lot of gas ⛽ money 💰. You did another superb job of filming. Always stay safe out there. 🤗

[@basecampchris]

Thanks Ronald, I do love the desert hikes.

[@vegasrider2246]

I grew up in the Vegas area. When I saw your caption Bowl of Fire. Made me have to watch. But, years ago there was a rest stop off of the Lake Mead road called bowl of fire. They changed the name of that stop, not sure why. I thought that is where you were going. I never knew there was another place out there called Bowl of Fire. Love your content and narratives.

[@KoneHeadGamingUK]

This so awesome. Currently up here to hike and camp during foliage season I vermont, but hoping to do some dual sport motorcycle camping in the deserts out west in the future. Hope you’re doing well and keep adventuring!!

[@basecampchris]

Have fun! Thanks for watching...

[@realpainrealdesire5772]

Hi Chris cool video 👍

[@basecampchris]

Hi Dad McGee- Thank you! Love the desert!

[@pateduardsalut9830]

Awsome video. -Love from Philippines 🇵🇭

[@basecampchris]

Thank you! Keep Hiking!

[@mikewatts3615]

Great video

[@basecampchris]

Thanks! I love the desert.

[@trailtreker7002]

19:10 / 25:51 Always beware of Rattlesnakes in carcasses of animals , they tend to den in them at times. Always inspect the area before approaching . Personally i would be wearing snake chaps if i was there.

[@basecampchris]

Trail Treker, Yes...good point....total food source in which they would protect...I will look into some protection for myself. Thanks.

[@wasefashrafTheranger]

Have a nice time fellow...

[@basecampchris]

Thank you Blue!

[@pjf7943]

White light...... It's great for night vision....LOL!

[@terrivelazquez4974]

Great video! I noticed you recorded yourself climbing up multiple sections of that steep rocky incline, which means you kept doubling back to get your camera. That’s so much work and it didn't go unnoticed! I enjoyed this video!

[@thirst4truth204]

Love your positive get it dune but enjoy attitude ! Peace bro 🙏

[@basecampchris]

Thank you so Much!

[@khart5453]

I think I saw some footprints in the rock on your right at 22:12? Beautiful hike❤️

[@ilahiboykot9349]

A canyon/rocky desert. My favorite!

[@basecampchris]

Yes, love the desert!

[@muhammadaddam6790]

When you came across the marker I just thought for a moment that you're in the middle of a Paranormal movie in the desert! Great video man, have fun!

[@basecampchris]

That would be cool!

[@jamesholland1497]

I've never hiked anywhere that there wasn't trees it looks like Mars. It's an amazing video hope to try that trail one day!

[@basecampchris]

Thanks James! The desert is a great place to explore...!

[@joyceadair3003]

I’ve never hiked but I am from the East Coast of the United States and there is not any desert area at all. The trees and forest are thick and green! Very interesting to see some thing different.😊

[@markholbrook3949]

I would be so paranoid of getting lost. Doubt I could have a good time...

[@northtexashiker]

i have that same tent, its pretty sturdy and good for cooler weather because it holds the temperature inside. but its a little heavy at 4 lbs.

[@basecampchris]

Yes the Alps Lynx 1 is a 3+ season tent...works well for fall hikes! A tad heavy at 4 lbs. but very affordable and works well if your doing weekend trips. Thanks for watching North TX!

[@basecampchris]

Hey North TX - fyi...I just picked up and am testing an REI Coop Quarter Dome 1person....at 2lbs 7 oz so far so good. Will be posting a review!

[@northtexashiker]

look forward to a review!

[@ghalielhoumaidi205]

I want to do this, the desert reminds me of my home. Everything about the desert is pleasing to my sould, the silence makes me feel closer to the lord...

[@basecampchris]

Yes Abbe, The desert is a very solitary, harsh and yet beautiful place...Thanks fro watching.

[@rhllnm]

Probably a yellow coachwhip snake. Not poisonous but pretty aggressive and fast, as you said.

[@basecampchris]

Hi Robert, Thanks for the update.....he almost looked fake he was so fast...like CG. Fortunately he went his way/ I went mine.

[@Ferda1964]

Great trip Chris.. I wonder if you have ever seen anything explainable out there in the wilderness ?

[@basecampchris]

Thanks...nothing to strange...although Area 51 is just north if there...

[@boomcrypto8347]

I am new to your channel and maybe saying something that others already have. Always have a GPS beacon when hiking and always tell someone when you plan to be back. GReat videos

[@basecampchris]

Thanks Boom ...yes, always good advice

[@jamsax6915]

It looks like mars.😮

[@dannymeske3821]

Were you were standing is radioactive!

[@basecampchris]

Wow! I know north and west of there is the test site.

[@nickmad887]

thanks

[@basecampchris]

No problem

[@Charsept]

Man, I miss the desert. I went all the time as a kid but now I live in the Southeast. No nice dry air for me here.

[@basecampchris]

It is good country ...hot in the summer though!

[@jacobbrown1768]

Im watching this to prepare for my camping trip next week! Going down south of tuscon Arizona

[@hanaffiabdallah3755]

How was it

[@jacobbrown1768]

@@hanaffiabdallah3755 it was fun thank you

[@maddox7493]

I’d love to go there, I hope one day I will..

[@basecampchris]

The desert is a beautiful place...thanks for watching.

[@Junk_Yogurt]

GRABOIDS!

[@basecampchris]

Yes Tremers!!! Fun movie...I fight them off with trekking poles!

[@davidbreen4727]

WOW! i enjoy your video's (except the spooky stories) this was one heck of a hike. i would be happy just being a mile in, i don't need that bowl of fire. don't get me wrong, that was awesome. that poor animal. what about coyotes? and amazing you set up your tent in the dark. it's 2022 now, Lake Meade is losing water. how bad do you think it will be in 2023? cause i am planning on hopping on the motorcycle and heading that way. gonna be a placer gold miner. crazy right? but i watch for your gear, cooking, tips, all that good stuff. i am a subscriber by the way. you have some of the best camping vids out there.

[@risteardwest3384]

It's a great video I'm sure he found it himself but the problem is you take a chance when you go yourself something goes wrong or your cell phone doesn't work even if it does work chances of fun in your 50/50 the problem is there are rattlesnakes out there they're hard to see mainly come out at night but the problem is even if you're an expert something could always go wrong it's better to go on a tour or what other people and keep close to your car or van so you could get out if there's an emergency and good luck 🇺🇸💯👍🇨🇮🍀

[@yogalandawellnessyolandati7654]

This was my first video of yours I ever saw! Glad to watch it again 👍 Chris how did you navigate in this space?? Also, how did you know where you were going to camp? I’d love to explore space like this but I don’t know how to plan it, and I’m certain I’d get lost! What are your secrets?!

[@bryanhawley3182]

Thank you :)

[@basecampchris]

You're welcome!

[@zachz699]

I live in Northern NV, it’s crazy how similar the south is while simultaneously being a totally different animal

[@basecampchris]

exactly...Mojave vs Basin & Range country.

[@nerdlabstudios7023]

So you Travelled Hundreds if not thousands of Miles, then traversed by foot through a barron, rattlesnake ridden, blistering hot desert to be able to kneel over and hold some petrified wood?......🤣🤣🤣 That is hilarious! (I Am just kidding, it looks very serene, nice, unique in terms of terrain and interesting out there minus the Ol' Rattley snakes + You have a new subscriber 😉)

[@peterfrej]

Thanks for a very nice video. I can se you have a Osprey, which model? /Peter from Sweden (with no polar bears on the streets :))

[@basecampchris]

Osprey Atmos 65 L ( 2016 ) Polar bears must be in...drinking coffee!

[@chadgolay]

What navigation devices/ tools do you use in case you lose your bearings and get lost? Do you take a GPS device with you as well to call for help?

[@josetejada320]

That red wall is a giant petrified tree stump

[@selaa8317]

This is the kind of people you see in (I shouldn't by alive) documentary. good luck bro

[@basecampchris]

Yeah...right.

[@zachz699]

Ha, try it yourself man. Do some basic research first invest in some halfway decent gear you will find it’s really not dramatic

[@josetejada320]

Wow thats Ll petrified wood

[@DrDennis]

Keep hiking

[@basecampchris]

Thanks Dr Dennis!

[@earlofrednecks9533]

You're a more adventurous man that I to go pack camp out in all that. I just moved to Arizona from WA state and I'm used to having the mountains & forest trees all around with vast rivers, creeks and streams, but now if I want to go out for a nearby pack trip I'll be out in barren terrain much like your in. To be honest I'm not finding the prospect appealing with the high temps, scarcity of water, and hazardous/venomous creatures.

[@basecampchris]

it has it's own beauty...but yes very harsh enviroment especially this time of year....when things cool down you may be surprised.

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

Hi Chris as a fellow backpacker. One of my concerns is water sources. How much water did you need to carry on this trip?

[@basecampchris]

2 32 oz bottles and a hydration reservoir with 85 oz. / no water out there.

[@MountainJohn]

this guy walking through nevadas airport with no plans but to enjoy hiking was like an angel walking through sodom and gamorah.

[@basecampchris]

Thank you! Amazing desert!

[@MountainJohn]

@@basecampchris Did you gamble at all? Or drink Spirits, have sex and smoke? Or just appreciate natures beautiful landscape? Id imagine the second. I camped out by Jean / Primm in those mountains on a roadtrip from Alaska. It was astonishing. That sunset will forever be in my mind