Out of this World Adventure in Trona Pinnacles and Alabama Hills

On this TrailRecon adventure my son Jordan and I hit the dirt in Trona Pinnacles, an out of this world looking location, with the intention of camping right in the middle of it. But our adventurous spirit gets the best of us and we end up exploring until we are more than 100 miles away in Alabama Hills by the end of the day. Join us as we journey into one of the most stunning and otherworldly places in California for one of the most epic off-road trips we’ve done in a long time, enjoy some quality father-son time at camp, and give you a tour of the huge new modification we've made to Jordan's Toyota Tacoma.
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0:00 Introduction
1:24 Trona Pinnacles
14:25 Alabama Hills
21:21 Camping in Alabama Hills
26:50 Four Wheel Camper Project M Review

[@RentFreeMTB]

The father/son videos are my favorite so far! I lost my dad a couple years ago, and I feel like this fills a bit of a void in way! Thanks guys, keep them coming!

[@nicolafigini6346]

Bless you. Wishing you well from England.

[@TrailRecon]

Sorry for your loss, I hope our videos bring back some good memories for you.

[@OmarRodriguez-km7xk]

Same here seeing them both enjoy the outdoors and with your loved oneds warms the heart💪🏼😎

[@dannydean8355]

me too man lost mine 10 years ago and always wanted trips like this

[@1gx619]

My thoughts exactly! I lost my Dad shortly after COVID started. I have really been missing him a lot lately. I’m glad to see this family enjoying time together in the outdoors😊

[@Googladesh]

As a Tacoma owner same model and generation as the one videod i am very happy about this addition to the channel

[@flyfisher530]

That Project M cab is really nice! So nice for a basic setup you can expand on over time! I am sure Jordan will enjoy it for years to come!

[@TrailRecon]

I think its going to be something that will be in the family for a long time.

[@kph220]

Living vicariously thru Brad and friends

[@1971puffy]

Which GPS is in the Jeep? I’m sure it’s been covered I just can’t find it on the website..

[@chadprice5718]

I'm not going to lie I was disappointed you didn't go with a jeep lol but now totally understand.that thing is awesome I love that it's a blank canvas and you cab truly build it your way.

[@jcaff6963]

That snow covered peak is Telescope Peak. From there you can see the highest point in the lower 48--Mt. Whitney--and the lowest--Badwater, Death Valley --in North America.

[@jcaff6963]

@writemeontele_gramtrailrecon1 You might try going up to Mahogony Flat-- (4X4) especially if recent snow. It's the trailhead for Telescope Peak with a great view down to the floor of Death Valley--reached via Wildrose Canyon and Emigrant Canyon rd. Along the way, charcoal kilns still remain, once used to fire mining ops. Alabama Hills has many arches and one natural bridge. Views thru the arches feature Mt. Whitney, Keeler Needle, and more. Not to mention a petroglyph-pictograph site that even the BLM rangers don't know about. Oh my!

[@beckycastillo1411]

That truck looks good with the camper. Looks very strong. 🙂🥰

[@joeeasterling5652]

I was working on a pipeline a few years back outside of Big Spring, TX. It was near Abilene, TX which has an Air Force base. We happened to be on one of their flight paths and being someone who loves aircraft it was a true joy to see one of our military jets scream by at a couple hundred feet of altitude. There are some beautiful places in California! I need to return for a visit again soon!

[@missingremote4388]

In California there are ice glaciers /year round. Just 1/2 hour north of this campsite. Off HWY 395 Drive up canyon atr Big Pine or Lone Pine / independence. And the trees are huge Jeffries and redwoods

[@shanerobinson6776]

The Toyota is looking good the new head lights and now the camper spot on 👍

[@norkisserrano]

Jordan finally got his Project M camper, I love seeing you wheelin’ it with the camper to test its capabilities. Excited to see your route on your future interior build.

[@TheShowtime85]

Can’t beat Tacoma reliability!

[@carlpickins106]

That is an awesome little camper Jordan! Take care of it and it should last you for years!

[@Malc664]

The bedrug makes sense now. America has a lot of magical places on a grand scale. Thanks for sharing these great videos guys. 👌

[@1971puffy]

That’s been our route to Lone Pine every year since 1997.. sometimes on adventure bikes sometimes in Jeeps and Toyotas.. never gets old..

[@robertyoung8289]

For reference my TRD PRO weighs 6150 lbs. That's with typical bolt ons and a loaded decked system. 4.88 gears and stock size tires makes the difference.

[@JoelBebo]

Yeassssss! This channel is really coming together as an automotive channel and not just a Jeep channel

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I've loved all vehicles for as long as I can remember and Jeeps are just one facet of my passion.

[@ramiromontoya9357]

18:43 great choice of song; was waiting for the lyrics. God bless you both. Great video.

[@mikes3448]

As a father of two young men, I really enjoy the videos with you and your son(s) exploring and experiencing life together!!! Thanks Brad!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I'm pretty happy that all three of my boys love doing this.

[@y.t.5880]

Jordan an Icon II 2.5 lift and some 33s is a really nice addition you might want to try.

[@OutOfOfficeCamping]

So great so see Jordan out wheeling in a stock Taco 🙂!!! We're really excited to follow along on the M-Project. Congratulations. Wonderful product with lots of room being a square top. The Bed Rug is amazing with an R-4 insulation. The tail gate is a no brainer when crawling in and out on your knees. We love ours! We are big fans on modular systems. I see to many folks do build outs which just equals LBS. Not to mention every trip or season may requires different gear/systems. While we have a Bluetti AC200 for over 2 years now, we plan to do a Victron system in our rear seat delete. Tried and truel we are going Blue - not red... Mark (& Teresa) Hampstead Maryland - Ford Ranger ~ GFC Camper V2 #1919

[@AndyYourBrother]

That camper is so cool! Love it

[@Chris.starfleet]

12:00 A surprise visitor ... the sound of freedom ... 😄

[@autotek7930]

Just got home from work. Sitting down to have some coffee brewed in my French press and watch some overlanding videos by some good people. Not too bad

[@user-vi3lx5mn9f]

So enjoy your adventures!!!!!!!!! Makes my day more enjoyable...... Still dreaming of one day getting a Wrangler. Keep on Wheeling!!!!!!!

[@JasonSnailer]

I love this area also. I was just there thru hiking the John Muir Trail in October.

[@roymenke1909]

I’m really impressed with how good Jordan has become in front of the camera. You might be out of a job Dad!

[@JeepTJ1999]

Happy Birthday Brad!!! I’m just getting into overlanding & I’ve been learning a lot from you & this channel. My best friend was a IDC for 24 years. He was on a sub most of his career. He’s a true bada$$ when it comes to roughing it in the wilderness. I’m getting remarried 4/1 & my fiancé says she is excited about our new adventures in overlanding. Hopefully she stays that way lol. Man, I hope to meet you one of these days either at an event or possibly on the trail. Stay safe

[@overlandingsmith]

One more awesome video 👌🏻 I really like the camper on the taco. These pop up campers and tents are pretty cool. Quick to pop up and down in morning and you don't get too cold and wet fingers when it's raining

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! I think Jordan is really going to be happy with the simplicity of it all.

[@rehansiddiqui5780]

Nice to see your son on the trip. Give my regards to him

[@tonyk1amt806]

Cool topper! No snoring allowed dad, lol. Looking forward to the future of the build. Cheers!

[@gorongo4202]

The offroad gods know I've spent way too much myself on "Adventure Gear". As a long time overlander I am still amazed at how much money people spend on gear and how much time and energy is invested before an experience. I just want to say that a good time can be had with a great attitude, a sense of adventure and fewer gadgets. I enjoy watching these productions and am inspired by them, I just feel that we need to remind ourselves that great adventures are accessible without the high pricetag. Just go, already!

[@TrailRecon]

Agreed 💯! I remind folks all the time that the most important thing is to just get out there. When we started, it was with our stock Jeep and our backpacking gear. That was it. Start small and figure out what you truly need, then add what you want to enhance the experience. Part of what I do with my channel is show folks all the options and cool stuff because there's something different for everyone, and the best setup is the one that works for your individual needs. And yes, attitude is everything! Thanks for watching!

[@StephenMarceau]

Great video, reminds me of Endless Summer the first adventure film I ever saw which helped form my whole lifestyle, or On any Sunday about motorcycle lifestyle, and the whole Warren Miller collection about skiing.....I love living the adventure lifestyle when ever I can ...biking, skiing, hitting the wilderness when ever we want ....thanks

[@kjweinstein]

OK, who else skipped the "build" segment and watched it before watching the entire trip? Thank you for your great content Jordan and Brad.

[@CAAAAAish]

Started watching under 10k and the XJ brought me here. So happy to see it grow to a point you can incorporate your children! Hope this keeps blowing up.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much! I'm grateful that my family loves this too.

[@ajr5195]

So cool to see the Tacoma build progress and you both getting out to explore together! What beautiful scenery. Can’t believe how capable that bone stock suspension / tire size Tacoma is. Oh, and I guess the 392 is ok too 😉. Glad you bought it in Red. The contrast to the landscape is fantastic for videos!

[@currentlyhd7649]

Loving the Tacoma build!

[@e.c.8668]

Yep. I loved being in the Alabama Hills. It certainly does get busy. Loved the instrumental of Josh Baldwin's "Stand in Your Love." One of my favs. Last time I was there we headed north through the Hills all the way by Moffet Ranch coming out just north of the Alabama Spillway. if you do this, don't underestimate how long it will take to do that Moffet Ranch Rd. It wasn't crazy, but was certainly not maintained so it was slow going. We ended up just finding a wide spot in the trail since we ran out of light. We did it in October and was cool, but really pretty, although not nearly as much snow.

[@RyanMarcyesOutdoors]

I totally agree Jordon about “roughing it”. Being in the Army for 20yrs (16 in the Infantry) I can totally relate 😂🤘🏽👍🏽. Great choice for the Taco!!

[@saev55]

Ok Jordan now I am really jealous, the Tacoma looks amazing with that camper👍👍

[@purleybaker]

Tremendous video. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@glenfdoss]

I hear a lot of we when your dad talks I think he is more excited then anyone

[@xsailor1970]

Love the father son adventures. I just came back from a weekend with my boys. We are really loving the Taco addition and hope to have something like the alucab or one of the 4-Wheel campers maybe even the flat bed model. Keep it coming!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@GATORADDAM]

Awesome video once again!. As a Tacoma owner and as a tall person (6"10") I'm enjoying watching Jordan and his Toyota build.

[@markhcreech]

These are the types of adventures I’m looking forward to with my boys. Being out East we have much less public areas though. Great videos. The more I watch, the more I’m hooked.

[@FBCTrona]

Brad the next time you go from the trona Pinnacles to Lone Pine try driving through Panamint Valley, through Panamint springs. Much more scenic.

[@TrailRecon]

I've been that route before, very scenic! We just wanted to take the most direct route for times sake this time.

[@sonsoflibertyoverland]

Congrats Jordan. I love the excitement of playing with new gear and building out your stuff. Enjoy!!

[@NaturesChild]

that pop-up topper with the carpet kit is real nice... plus he has all that room in the cab with the rear seat delete! awesome... looking forward to upcoming add-ons. 👍

[@billwaterhouse5894]

Just amazing guys, love these father son trips. Congrats on the new camper.

[@brunnie]

What a great trip, and good to hear Jordan's ever changing plans for the camper. Until next time... Wheel safe.

[@vancemyers4095]

Brad and Jordan, Thank you for taking us along on the maiden voyage with your new Project M Four Wheel Camper! What an amazing option, available now. Beautiful scenery and time spent together, Dad and son. Happy belated birthday also Brad! V.

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you!

[@ThatOneDudeNick]

I know these areas are extremely popular and every overlander with a social media account has a picture there, but it really is awesome. I ended up adding a day to my last 395 trip when I realized I was passing near Trona Pinnacles on the way home and I just had to stop for another night.

[@sandmanpls]

Congrats on the addition to your Tacoma!!! Enjoy, and thanks for the video. Great content!!!

[@edwardsimmons3721]

Great to see you getting out with the family.

[@bruceklassen8261]

The hilarious part is while I was watching your video I too, was excited to see how that camper looked

[@harvmac69]

Cool Camper! Thanks so much for your service Jordan!! Love the Father Son trips!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you for watching! I'm loving the father and son trips too!

[@taurota1554]

The Tacoma is turning out to be amazing.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@digitalcamera3237]

Life don't get much better! Thanks for sharing!

[@nativetexson]

Looks like a fun weekend. The camper looks pretty spacious! Impressive.

[@steveleuschen4525]

Absolutely awesome to go out with family and explore. You guys have inspired so many people with your videos. I love seeing the trona pinnacles every time I go to work. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@marcusjones4060]

Great video have enjoy your sons videos can't wait for a collaboration with Marco and the boys.

[@CraigG21]

Congrats to Jordan - the rig is really taking shape! 👌

[@211Gus]

Jordan's face when hearing the Taco scrape a rock is every single one of us 😂That oh crap look.

[@backwoodstherapy]

I did some real wheeling over the weekend on a decent trails and hit _something_ on a rock. I'm in a sport with no extra underbody protection and I was definitely like "oh crap." But I got home and I don't have any oil leaks in my driveway so it's all good lol.

[@211Gus]

@@backwoodstherapy The first couple miles back on pavement are always stressful. Listening for any new noises has me on edge

[@BrandonSmith-yo4kb]

Videos keep getting better guys keep it up!

[@mithrandir1313]

camping trips with yer adult son is almost as much fun as camping trips with yer pre-teen son!! he he he he Well Done!

[@tmcblane]

The Trona Pinnacles are awesome, we spent 3 days out there, great spot! We were there last year February and drove our Class A rv back there. Took us an hour to go like 5 miles lol, but was well worth it. We towed our Jeep back there and the winds were 50mph the first day! The RR was being used when we were there, or at least an engine and a couple cars,

[@Enjoytheinbetween]

Love it!! I wouldn’t mind having one like that.

[@jeremyoliver]

Love the videos and really glad to hear the Jordan is 6'4" (as am I) so we can learn the challenges he encounters for us taller folks!

[@pierre-alexandrechassin7811]

Génial ! Comme toujours ✌️

[@phillipsmith3750]

Loved the video you and your son put together. I agree with your son keep the camper module. I know weight will be factored in on the build. Well done guys !

[@Shanecohen]

its pretty cool seeing Jordan get very involved and intertwined with the channel.

[@TrailRecon]

Agreed!

[@putmeoutdoors]

Great stuff man. Love the family time you guys share and of course wheeling. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@skysurfer5cva]

Funny you should post this video today. Just last weekend, I spent three nights in Lone Pine for the purpose of exploring the Alabama Hills with a photo group I belong to (we were partially limited by snow), then two nights on my own in Death Valley. On my way home to the Central Valley, I spent a couple hours checking out the Trona Pinnacles. My Grand Cherokee is nearing its end, so I took my wife's Mazda CX-5 instead (it did fine on graded dirt roads). On the plus side, I ordered a "mid-spec" JLU Rubicon the day before I left for my trip. 🙂

[@trailrunnah8886]

I love that these videos are released on Saturday mornings, all winter I've been starting my Saturdays with a cup of coffee and Trail Recon and living vicariously through your adventures. That camper is absolutely terrific, I would love to have something like that if I didn't have an SUV. I think that's definitely one of the better setups I've seen as far as weight and space utilization. So many possibilities, so much room for activities.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@yourdailyblockchain]

Super cool - there is a Meetup this weekend at Trona PInnacles - might just have to head out there after watching this.

[@johnguanci2316]

Another fantastic video and really loved the camper debut...looking forward to how it's going to get built out and adapt to needs over time. Super cool, love the father/son connection, so awesome!

[@charleshicks3492]

Coming together, loved the camping spot 😎😎⭐️⭐️🤩🤩❄️

[@Otownoverland]

Great video! Happy Birthday Devil Doc! Semper Fi !

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@J.Young808]

Ok I went looking for the video where he went over the Camper, and then you said you guys would go over his new addition. I thought I had missed a video. Phew 😮‍💨

[@ajfarson]

Smittybilt has a nice "adventure box" that would fit nicely right under the window in the bed. That, or some other chest would be my first choice for additional storage. The swing out wheel well storage boxes would be nice too if they would work with the bedrug. Thanks for all the great content, guys!

[@maxattacks25]

That’s the exact setup I want for my taco too! Very nice.

[@robert5712]

Good video thanks Brad and Jordan.

[@ranarch]

Really enjoying watching you guys. Adding this new dimension of a new build is going to be fun and interesting! Looking forward to it.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I'm excited to get my boys more involved.

[@carlosnsosa99]

Love these longer videos and the father / son love is real.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@jamesp6283]

I just saw your sons taco today on the 15 by Rancho Bernardo, so cool! The camper definitely looks awesome in person, I was in my 2nd gen single cab Tacoma with a gfc in the back, your son and his lady friend waved as a I drove by

[@richierich408]

Damn Jordan! Awesome build!

[@arbshaw73]

It’s great seeing the channel expand with your sons adventures. Great video. Love the fun you have with the boys out on the trails.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I'm pretty happy they're joining in the family fun!

[@terryvaughn677]

Very nice setup... great for regular overloading in comfort... I went modular on my setup and it's a good way to go ... Thanks for the enjoyable video....wish I still lived in Diego...!

[@MSconsultores507]

😍😍😍😍 love it!!!

[@markhamm5756]

Looking forward to see what you do with it Jordan.

[@user-sg7rl4ez2q]

What a great adventure! 👍

[@DixieOverland]

Awesome video and great that you're getting that father son time in! Happy birthday!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much! We had a great time together and I'm blessed to share this with my sons.

[@bobbysmith7528]

Wow. Super rig setup

[@lyndonhamby7432]

Epic north camping spot 👍👍

[@MarioLoco03]

I know that spot in Alabama Hills!! indeed a good camping spot. We had a group of 7 vehicles up there. ;) Also, that camper is so cool! I hope my 1 year old son is into this stuff when he is a young man so that we can do these trips together. Love to see this father son content.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I'm so grateful my boys love hitting the trails with me!

[@cbrucesbiz]

You make owing a Jeep so much fun. Now,... after seeing the video I must tell you and everyone watching about the rocks and how they look. This look was called by a massive plasma discharge. Notice the blackened rock, that is caused by an electrical discharge. The rounded shape of many rocks are due to the massive heat that melted the rock. Think water is to blame, yes to a degree but lighting (plasma) and massive over pressure created a stacking of material that show's up as triangles stacked up to make mountains, as well. It also formed the grand canyon here on earth and the same on Mars. That's it on that. Now, I love to the highest your web site. I have a 2015 Wrangler Sahara Unlimited and your site has given me so much great information that I feel like I own you. I pay you back by watching, subscribing, and giving a thumbs up. Also tell other and sharing. You the Man!

[@robertyoung8289]

When I added a similar camper to my 2020 Trd PRO I was pleasantly surprised it actually took some of the body roll out of it and gave me close to a 50/50 weight balance. It definitely improved off road performance as well.

[@SixOverland]

Great adventures guys! Love the areas off the 395 :)

[@bigtime6837]

I ended up chaining my semi on Rogers Pass in my home state of Montana. We have a different idea of cold my friend! Funny how we all can find beauty in our surroundings. The colors and formations has their own majesty even when I compare it to the pines and steep snow covered mountains here! Love the vids Brad and thanks for sharing your family time!!!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. There's beauty all around if you only look.

[@Clarksadv]

Awesome video thank you for sharing

[@carlosnsosa99]

I’ll give that Tacoma a chance just because it is your son I love jeeps