A Journey on Arizona's Historic Williamson Valley Road

[@fergalohearga9594]

It is a bit odd to me how much I like Steve's videos, being someone in a country far enough away from all of this ... but the combination of history, landscapes, music and his smooth, intelligent voice is extremely comforting. A real favourite of mine.

[@socalives]

Yes, he’s one of our favorites

[@BenWilson24]

No kidding. I always tune in because he gives me lot of new places I want to explore or nostalgia of places I know and want to revisit

[@mealien0808]

I like his videos too, and I'm from the horn of africa.

[@mikel917]

He comes across like family, no matter where you're from

[@Tbigum]

You are not alone, i`m from Denmark and love watching Steve`s videos 🙂

[@lpettet1]

The folks in that lost grave yard aren't forgotten because YOU visited and showed us. We forget that there are huge swatches of the USA that are empty and that emptiness has history. Thank you for traveling the 'backwoods' of America.

[@jackieellis219]

very sad

[@explorepikespeak]

You know when you're addicted to this channel when on Tuesday you find yourself thinking, "Tomorrow's Wednesday and time for another great video from Steve."

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I appreciate the addiction!

[@conniewojahn6445]

Once in a while, Tuesday is the release day, so watch for that.

[@minichols5472]

I totally agree!

[@kikufutaba524]

I am Japanese and now live in Sapporo Japan. I spent two years at the University of Arizona. I love your programs which makes me wish I spent more time exploring the area. Thank you so much for all you do and share.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I appreciate it. I've been to Japan a few times but haven't made it to Sapporo yet. I've always wanted to see the yuki matsuri.

[@petehealy9819]

Greetings from a guy who lived in Sapporo (Kita-ku) in the 1970s! I hope things are going well there. 🙂

[@kikufutaba524]

@@petehealy9819 Wow I was not born until 2001, and I have only been here for 2 years. I grew up in Soma and Yokosuka.

[@Wearespurstv]

In ASO Japan there is no volcano and to much volcano all at the same time

[@alanhelton]

Yes! That Granite Mountain. The one our 20 proud boys were named after. To Brendan McDonough and his 19 brothers… May we never forget.

[@alanhelton]

RIP: Eric Marsh, 43 Andrew Ashcraft, 29 Robert Caldwell, 23 Travis Carter, 31 Dustin DeFord, 24 Christopher MacKenzie, 30 Grant McKee, 21 Sean Misner, 26 Scott Norris, 28 Wade Parker, 22 John Percin Jr., 24 Anthony Rose, 23 Jesse Steed, 36 Joe Thurston, 32 Travis Turbyfill, 27 William Warneke, 25 Clayton Whitted, 28 Kevin Woyjeck, 21 Garret Zuppiger, 27

[@888junkcarsbuyingteam8]

Heros!

[@seanbrooks1825]

Hey sidetrack adventures do a video of the hotshot memorial

[@bobseneff6115]

There are many Mountains named Granite Mountains This one is hundreds of miles away from this reference. Yarnell is to the west as far as I know. Please correct me if I am wrong

[@retireglenat75]

@@bobseneff6115South

[@bloodyeyeful]

Excellent adventure and video. Back in the 90's I was a wild-land firefighter. We fought a fire on the Hualapi reservation, protecting the airport on the Grand Canyon successfully. The Hualapi elders named us honorary Hualapi warriors. Thanks for the memory.

[@RaoulThomas007]

What a cool Honor!

[@derekzimmer6335]

With all of the anger and hatred we face everyday, your KZbin videos bring so much peace. Thank you!

[@k.b.8412]

As always, a great presentation of little known Arizona history. Thanks, my Wednesday is made!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@JeffGloverArts]

I'm so glad I discovered your channel and haven't missed a single episode since then . Thank you!

[@OffGridBackcountryAdventures]

I travel this road on a regular basis...I live near Williamson Valley Rd and usually drive that route to go into Prescott. Love this area of AZ.

[@zapcodeknock4503]

Do u carry a tire repair kit Or a spare?

[@jme36053]

Where the pavement ends… sounds like a story worth retelling again and again. Thanks Steve! Your travels highlights the Southwest like no others do.

[@brucejohnson412]

My grandfather is buried in the cemetery at Whipple Barracks. He was being treated for tuberculosis there but later passed away

[@bradleyjanes2949]

Amazing thank you for sharing 🙏

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Oh wow. Its amazing how long its been around as a veterans hospital. It predates the VA.

[@brucejohnson412]

@@SidetrackAdventuresFranklin Pierce Townzen, passed there in 1924, only 27 years old. My mom was 3, and my aunt was 1.

[@DW-qe7qe]

Interesting. My Grandfather, a veteran of WWI, was treated for TB at Fort Whipple in the early 1920s. Afterwards, he built a home in Phoenix where he lived the rest of his life.

[@cdd4248]

Beautiful old houses - are those veteran's homes?

[@TheSteveBoyd]

The cemetery, with its monuments in disrepair, its names faded and lost to the quicksand of time... it is an unsettling reminder of how fleeting and ephemeral is the nature of existence. Its residents undoubtedly thought there would be, at least, a small corner of the earth that would serve to keep alive the memory of a life that was lived; the simple proclamation to the ages: "I was here". Yet time is a thief, and in her cruelty she has robbed them of that, too. It occurs to me, then, that the only lasting monuments we may leave behind are built from our own deeds, not chiselled into stone.

[@MarsJenkar]

If nothing else, Steve has given one of those names a bit more time before it, too, fades out.

[@RaoulThomas007]

I think this cemetery and its restoration and the compilation of its historical records, would be a great project for AmeriCorps. 13:37 Such an undertaking, coupled with a video like this one, could really spark interest in the endeavor.

[@ArtamStudio]

Beautifully said.

[@ScottDLR]

I truly appreciate all the research, hard work and resources you put into these. That, along with your reverence makes the viewer take pause and really think about the people involved. Thanks for another great story, Steve.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@OffGridBackcountryAdventures]

23:00 - if you are able to hit Williamson Valley Rd in the spring when it's all green or during monsoon season then I think you'll rank it up there with some of the best scenic routes in the State. It's stunning when everything is green.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I'll have to try it then. I certainly preferred Williamson Valley Road to 89.

[@allanbeamer7110]

After a certain distance from civilization, never underestimate a dead cow as a landmark for navigating! My great grandfather and great aunts spent time in the 1880's just north in Ash Fork before eventually moving on to San Diego. Thanks for another great video Steve! 😊

[@SueUTube]

"Past the dead cow" is the best direction ever. Even if you don't find it.

[@stevehilliard1495]

When my parents moved from Kansas to Missouri my mother’s directions were turn right at the beautiful oak tree 😂

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah. I wasn't expecting to find it when I got the directions, but once I came across the cow I knew we would.

[@CarsandCats]

I see why he died. His leg fell off!

[@MarsJenkar]

And it's even better when you do find it!

[@RichardCasto]

The sign he passes is for the trailhead for "Juniper Springs Trail #2". I did my best to look for the dead cow on satellite view on Google maps, but couldn't find it. ;) The cemetery is marked on Google maps and you can make out the path Steve took.

[@Lynn-r8h]

Thank you for remembering Native Americans in your videos.

[@ELMS]

Thanks so much for this, Steve! My mother had a house for decades at 6050 Williamson Valley Road and it looked out onto Granite Mountain. When she passed she asked that her ashes be scattered over the mountain. I had no idea the road had any of this history. Great content.

[@periwinkle-dragonfly]

I like that you like looking around old cemeteries, too. There's one in Cherry, AZ where a couple of local cats will show you around. They are very friendly.

[@CarsandCats]

What kind of cats are they?

[@douglaspierce7940]

@@CarsandCatsWildcats, no doubt…

[@larryaldrich4351]

I miss Arizona road trips with my dad so much I could have a melt-down watching these videos. Beautiful work.

[@revvyhevvy]

Keep your phone handy in case that melt down...oh, wait...never mind! But, my interest in SA comes from a similar place!

[@AlphaZuluPhotography]

It’s amazing that I’ve lived in AZ for 24 years now and my wife and I have traveled all over but you still show up spots we need to explore!

[@john-aaronbaumann7464]

I live in Prescott! thank you!

[@tacder1]

Thanks. Makes me homesick. My grandfather was born and raise in the shadow of Granite Mountain. It was great to see the old road again

[@rondolan6457]

My wife was born in Prescott.

[@tacder1]

@@rondolan6457 As was I and a lot of my family

[@rondolan6457]

@@tacder1 we move to Oregon but her family still in Prescott. I'll be in Prescott next weekend. I kinda of Miss it it' going to go back and see friend again.

[@Buckshot9796]

Another great video! The cemetery seemed to be a nice place to spend eternity. It also reminded me that in 100 years our own family will not remember us.

[@williamevans6522]

Rocks are sharp. Running stock, street pressures on a dirt road asks for problems. Been there done that, too. I drop 10- 15 psi on all four corners and try to keep it less than 40mph.

[@RaoulThomas007]

Apparently they use crushed volcanic rock, which as you pointed out can become quite sharp, for automobile tires.

[@williamevans6522]

A rock can be laying flat, then be kicked up to impact / stab the rear tire . 25psi is a a good, average pressure. 30 mph is a better than average speed. Falken has several great A/T tires. Have them on my Forester and Scion. Both have seen low psi duty in the Weaver mountains of Arizona. I wonder if we will ever delve in to Stanton, Aridzone. ...wild and woolly were those days .

[@williamevans6522]

@@RaoulThomas007 Or some schists ,odd shape rock.

[@thesarge4457]

I like listening to the history you talk about; I learned something new today. Thank You Sir. THE SARGE

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@thesarge4457]

@@SidetrackAdventures Absolutely. THE SARGE

[@johnganshow5536]

Where the pavement ends, we usually make a left and go to the Diner in Bagdad for an excellent cheeseburger & road trip..

[@MoHobyDick]

Through Las Vegas Ranch and Camp Wood.

[@gus473]

One of the best parts of AZ! Getting built up around Prescott, for sure. Thanks Steve! 😎✌️

[@RickMangel]

I live on WVR. The video went by my home around the 6:34 mark. I have taken WVR to Seligman a couple of times and have been to the Walnut Creek area many times, including the graveyard and Camp Hualapai. Just past the iron bridge, there are ruins on top of the mountain / hill to the east. It is a beautiful and scenic drive. Thanks for the video.

[@jefflunt9615]

What I admire about your videos is that you don't do a lot of talking head shots. You narrate while showing the sights. Many videos out there enjoy showing themselves talk with nothing to look at except their faces. I've been doing what you are doing since 1990 when I got my first video camera. Mine are family vids and not nearly as professional as yours but they are welcomed keepsakes. Your family must treasure them, or they will when you are gone. Keep up the good work Steve.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I figure people want to see the places not me. I'm not that interesting.

[@gilbertkohl6991]

Ah, but you are irreplaceable, Steve. Thanks for the videos!

[@cherylpeterson2289]

My son just moved there. I've never been. I have been to Seligman. Just stared watching, I'm sure it will be great like all your videos.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Prescott is great. A lot of history there and the downtown area is great to walk around.

[@paul9156c]

Very few things in life that I still look forward to. This channel is one of them.

[@toymaster5464]

Hey Steve. I've downloaded this video to watch later today....probably as I'm having lunch pst. I already know it'll be fascinating and informative. Thanks!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks. Enjoy your lunch.

[@af-np4pg]

Bleak, barren and desolate was how I imagined Arizona all my life. That is, until Steve came along and spoiled everything!

[@elainefarr3155]

Thank you for pronouncing Prescott right! I'm from a Prescott ranching family, and used to visit friend's ranches up Williamson Valley, but haven't but through there for years. Thank you for your road trip and reminding me of old memories! I'll have to drive up there again, looks much the same once you get on the dirt road.

[@MrTCB1975]

Your videos are awesome! Love the lost history you come across!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you very much!

[@cowprez]

This video REALLY defines the term 'in the middle of nowhere!'. Steve, your image stabilization is AMAZING! Just miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles of nothing!! GREAT relaxing video. Thanks so much for what you do.

[@sandragorin8622]

What can I say more than Wednesday is my favorite day of the week because you have a new video playing. I lived in Benson, AZ for 3 years only and didn't get to explore more than the Grand Canyon and Tombstone! Oh, what I missed! Thank you, Steve, thank you!

[@cdd4248]

I forget how much open country we have in the US. It is only when I watch something like this or find myself on a road trip that I remember what big open spaces we have. It is so troubling that with all of this open land men could not figure out how to co-exist and live peacefully and cooperatively with one another. I LOVED the trip out to the graveyard and because of you, they were all remembered for a moment. Nice Video!

[@33jwill3]

I’m so happy this channel popped up on my suggested pages. 💕

[@garthbutton699]

Thank you very much for your contributions 🤗😎🤗😎

[@susanherman3707]

Great video, Steve!! I am a native Arizonan and love to hear the history and see the scenery of Arizona. Thank you!!

[@JoeBachmann-ry7wm]

Thanks, it was a nice drive with a lot of history

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I really appreciate it.

[@JoeBachmann-ry7wm]

At least something to help with the tire.

[@petecollins4925]

That was the most laid back 25 minutes I've had this week. I really enjoy your easy going narration style, perfectly paced to make me forget the everyday stresses of life. I think that view at around the 20 minute mark where you literally could see for miles was amazing. Was stoked to see an old British car (the yellow Morris) in the depths of Arizona, that was totally unexpected! Pronunciation of place names that aren't the same as they are written. Good one here in the UK that I visit a couple of times every year, town named Hunstanton but pronounced as 'Hunston' by the local population. Another great video, thanks Steve.

[@1984xlx]

Fascinating as usual. I travel from Kingman to my cabin in Payson all the time. This is a route I've never taken. I'll have to try it some time (In my 4X4 truck, LOL, and carry two spares).

[@garypfalzbot]

Great video showing a lot of the diverse landscape and scenery. Arizona is one of those states with endless surprises.

[@connor_snyder27]

I love this. I was born and raised in Prescott. And now live only an hour away. Love learning more history of my home town. You should also look into highway 89. It was the first road linking prescott and Phoenix. Lots of interesting history there.

[@thekenneth3486]

I like you, Steve, and I enjoy your videos. When I first started watching your channel, I wasn't sure, but I have really come to appreciate your gentle style and attention to historical detail. Good job, and thank you for your regular schedule! Your "keep going till you pass the dead cow" story is hilarious; such a country description!

[@Duane-l3f]

Alright Steve you are a true master of western history. Always a pleasure to see your videos every week.

[@skylinegtr-gd2lg]

All-in-all, another very enjoyable trip. Both the paved/unpaved areas most scenic i think - - very nice!

[@sidnzrael2433]

Enjoy your Vids Steve. Visited US back '89. Great scenery, Grand Canyon & other Nat. Parks were amazing. Would be a good idea to have a secong spare tyre and wooden flat blocks to place under the jack. Dont want to over extend those sissor style type jacks. Prone to be unstable sideways... Down Under, across the ditch from Australia.

[@garryferrington811]

Another great video. "Past the dead cow" turning out to actually _be_ past the dead cow is hilarious!

[@fullcustomIan]

Fix a flat, a shovel and a tire inflator …we never leave home without it traveling in the desert 😎😎 great video!

[@StudSupreme]

I was in Prescott in August 2022. The northern half of Arizona, including Prescott, had been experiencing an epic year of precipitation, with a very wet winter, spring and summer. It rained just about every day, and heavily. The area was stunningly lush and beautiful. On the road between Prescott and Chino there's a wide open plain that every day had groups of deer and pronghorn quietly grazing. Absolutely lovely. Even Kingman - which normally is in some of the most horrific looking desert country on the face of the earth - had a tremendous amount of green grass, with the slopes of the nearby desert mountains, normally black, brown and tan, covered in a verdant carpet. I will not forget that trip any time soon.

[@RFToob]

Enjoyed this. Very insightful. Thx. It was scenic. We are going to drive that road and explore it soon. PS to such travelers, NOTE that FLAT TIRES are THE most common way people get STRANDED in the wild. Hands down. And it can happen to all types of terrain tires. Just keep this in mind before wandering off. Preferably bring two well maintained vehicles, tell people exactly where you are going, don’t change from the plan, bring tires, water canteens and a first aid and good survival pack. Hopefully you won’t need them. Anyway, happy trails!

[@Daniel-fd3wp]

Great Videos Steve as Always been from San Diego . It’s amazing how much History Arizona has. I barely went to the Grand Canyon 2 years ago. And I’ve live in San Diego 47 years. My whole life. Let me tell you Flagstaff , Sedona , Absolutely Beautiful. Lots of breathtaking view in the beautiful State of ARIZONA. 👍

[@wallacerobertsconsulting2894]

I live in Prescott during the summer & have traveled Williamson Valley Road to Seligman numerous times via motorcycle and UTV. I agree with everything you said about it, plus I appreciate that you correctly pronounce the name of our town. Love your videos. 👍

[@stevenkaskus6173]

I love all the history you dug up on this road and the places and what occurred along it. Just great Steve. Hope you can get that tire patched.

[@MrSnakerock]

I lived in Seligman (1988-92)and worked at the old Chevron station. Theres a place to get your tire repaired or replaced. The rocks create a 'star' pattern on the inside of the tire, making it impossible to patch. Been there done that.

[@rolfclaesson1621]

Det är mycket fina filmer du gör alltid lika intressanta och ett mycket vackert landskap. Väntar med spänning på nästa film.

[@mikemckee1514]

Thanks so much for this wonderful history lesson

[@petehealy9819]

Steve, your videos just keep getting better and better. Really enjoyed this one.

[@melodyhendricks1973]

So cool paved rd to dirt n back again, like traveling in time😊

[@WillySmith-sd4em]

Thanks for taking us along on another great drive through history.

[@MarvinGunnerySergeantRetired]

I live in the south and I've only been through Arizona a few times in my life. I never thought I'd be so interested in that area. Also love the fact that he stays in his area and makes quality videos instead of like most KZbinrs, driving all over the country and driving themselves broke, crazy or both. Keep up the good work👍

[@Corgis175]

Everything is so informative and enjoy the drive with you.

[@jacktudor-pf7et]

I live in Indiana but some of my family members moved west years ago. My grandparents lived between Las Vegas and Bullhead City for as long as I can remember. This video covers an area that holds many fond memories of vacations. I think my uncle was even the mayor of Bullhead City at one time . Thank you for these videos. I don’t plan on moving but I do love west. Beautiful country, I hope to visit some more.

[@joepeach997]

Once again Steve you knocked it out of the ballpark. Such beautiful areas. The movie you mentioned is on YT for free.

[@Ozcrazy49]

What a beautiful day and beautiful country. Thanks for your videos. Absolutely outstanding. Pete in Australia.

[@tapovardhanraut9873]

Williamson Valleys Road trip is awesome. Really loved watching the real video that looked like real Western.Thanks

[@HannaloreJohnson]

❤ Love it another great and wonderful and informative video!! ❤ Thank you!!

[@knappdaddy]

We thank your tire for the sacrifice it made to bring us this great video, oh ya and the cow too ! 😅

[@danielbierwirth2190]

That was a fun video. I enjoy these road trips. I love exploring old abandoned cemeteries. The unmarked plots break my heart. There is an old saying that as long as someone says your name, you are never forgotten. I always read the names out loud, and try to wonder what their life was like, that way they are not forgotten. I loved it... Thank You

[@TrzCharlie]

Thanks for taking us along Steve. I traveled that road about a year ago. It is a beautiful drive.

[@MrShibAlaska]

There is a dirt road (grated) between Williams az and Jerome az. I used to explore it back when I was in college at NAU. You should do a video about the history of that road too!

[@tomsisk6811]

Perkinsville rd. Beautiful ride 👍

[@jeepmilitia2361]

Great video, as usual! Thank you, love the histories.

[@paulliming7891]

Glad you had a spare and know how to change a tire, good lesson for traveling on remote roads, great video, thanks.

[@stig]

I've been subbed with the bell rung but not getting notifications. My friend John brought me back to you. I will chat much for algorithm effect.

[@davevan8864]

Another cool story about something I knew not about!!!!! thanks

[@paulboissiere1278]

It’s so cool how much folks love these videos. Steve, seriously, you’re doing us all an amazing service brother. Teaching me more about my country than schooling, life, or anyone else ever has. Thank you sir. If you ever need ANYTHING to help, I’d love to tag along.

[@kenbearsley8322]

Loved the commentary Steve. Murphy's law for ya. Talking about how good the road was and ya get a puncture. Murphy has a lot to answer for. As for the directions to the cemetery. Sounds just like me, goes in one ear and straight out the other. Then i wonder why my wife clips me round the ears 😊 The native American Indians certainly had it rough when white people turned up. Thank you for the trip. Love your tours.

[@eddie8279]

Steve,I absolutely loved this video! In recent years I have developed a wanderlust for the deserts of the west,this one was very satisfying. Thank You!!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RukiDance]

Another great video Steve.

[@matthewgauthier7251]

Really enjoy your vids, save em for Sunday down time. Never lost on me how nearly every one is under a clear blue sky. Drone footage is great.

[@Aztom40]

I live in North Prescott a couple miles from Williamson Valley Road and have taken many friends and relatives on that drive. It's very scenic and enjoyable to grab a bite to eat in Seligman.

[@stevenkaskus6173]

The road was in really good shape, Much better than many I've driven in my car

[@tzadik36]

Thank you for this video! Another great geography and history lesson. The line drawings on the map are quite helpful to orient and clarify the narrative.

[@Me97202]

Really like the longer videos, Steve. Thanks.

[@RetroRobbin59]

Steve, I really appreciate all the effort you put into learning the area that you’re going through. I love Seligman I looked at property to buy on the outskirts. Thank you for this trip.

[@thomasriggle6371]

This channel is slowly growing on me. Such good information and brings peace to the human soul but makes one sad at the same time thinking how much better America once was.

[@johnwhitley2898]

That's a great day trip drive! It is a very scenic drive, and it's like you said.... They are all beautiful drives, flat tires and All! 😆! Has been many years ago I was out there..... My brothers and I were hunting deer. Yeah, Snow, Slush, Ice, A Flat tire..lol! And that beautiful country! Three for three. My brother still lives in the Prescott area... I will lament, as he has, there has been Way too much development, and more happening... Thanks for getting out there and showing the beautiful country still!!

[@Hiking-the-dream]

I've explored back in there several times . I've been to that cemetery also. I came away with the same perspective you had. I really enjoyed all the history you told. Thanks for a great trip!

[@GregPrince-io1cb]

Absolutely outstanding !!! Thank You so much for documenting the history of this big beautiful country!! Love it!!

[@heyoldman2003]

another great adventure Steve .. so sad to see forgotten cemeteries.. thank you again for taking us along on a nice sunny day 😎

[@ScratchGlass9]

Thank you Steve !! That was an excellent trek !!! So good I'm watching it again ! Cheers from Detroit 🇺🇸

[@roywhitman7109]

I love your adventures! To make a few uneducated observations, I'm a retired building tradesman. I believe that bridge held up so well was definitely due to the dry climate & lack of use. And you had me thinking about what you'd said about the cemetery. That one lady that passed in 1897. Only 125 years ago. Folks are living today into the hundreds. That really wasn't that long ago when you think about it. Anyways, thanks for your history lesson & as always safe travels!🙏

[@hansgraf5017]

I am very happy to have discovered your videos as I often cycled in Arizona years ago. Thanks!

[@Dont_tell_mom]

I live here. It’s a beautiful drive, I’ve done it many times. Nice choice!!

[@MrSnakerock]

I was born in Williams, lived in Seligman, lived in Prescott, lived in Globe, now in Mesa. It's a lot prettier than going down hiway 89

[@GummyPounder]

you're living my dream basically, exploring all the beautiful western USA landscape and taking beautiful footage. Wish I wasn't stuck out at the East Coast... great videos.

[@oledennis6918]

Nice ride. We visit Prescott frequently and one of these times will take a side trip up Williamson Valley Road. Thanks.