Camping with the Ancients - Boondocking Colorado

This journey takes me through the ancient lands of the Ancestral Pueblo people. I visit Hovenweep National Monument, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. All are within a one hour drive from each other.
My Equipment (Amazon Affiliate Links):
MAIN Camera: Sony FRD-AX33: amzn.to/2khCRMT
Sports Camera: HD 1080P: amzn.to/2xhPzws
Shotgun Mic: amzn.to/2kOJqqY
Editing: Powerdirector 16: amzn.to/2InANdX
Music Credits:
Ticker by Silent Partner
After the Soft Rains by South London HiFi
Wind Marching for Rain by Puddle of Infinity
Journey in the New World by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: www.twinmusicom.org/song/258/j...
Artist: www.twinmusicom.org
Desert Caravan by Aaron Kenny
All music courtesy of the KZbin Music Library

[@donaldwatts9201]

Thank you Slim, your videos give people like me a chance to experience places where we are no longer unable to physically go Bless you.

[@3DPDK]

For those using Slim's videos as a travel guide; there is a self guided car trail tour on the *top* of Mesa Verde. Each "pull over" sight has the remains of small settlements that you can walk around and explore, that show how the Anasazi people progressed their building methods over about 700 years, from surface dwellings to gradually digging deeper into the ground. Each sight has a board of text explaining the advances and differences from previous generations.There is no evidence as to why these people abandoned the top of the mesa to build in the caves of the cliff sides but the main village down in the canyon was the pinnacle of this civilization before it dispersed throughout the south west and "disappeared". I have found the best way to visit the park is to tour the sights on the top of the mesa first, learn why their building centered around their spirituality, and then walk down the trail to the museum and main cave village. What you see in the canyon will make more sense if you learn their history on the mesa top first.

[@DrJohn493]

My first visit to Mesa Verde was in 1968, my last in 2005. The history of the ancient dwellers is awe inspiring. Thanks for the tour of these ruins.

[@kawaikui]

Amazing video, Mr. Slim! The cliffs are so awe-inspiring and peaceful without the summer crowds. The reverence and respect you have for the ancients, their dwellings and history is touching. Thank you for sharing another beautiful adventure.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Thanks tsuki!

[@cherriemckinstry131]

@@SlimPotatohead these older videoes keep popping up, but are fun to watch..

[@mssixty3426]

Spectacular, I haven't seen these places since I was an adolescent traveling with my parents and family. I've driven past, but need to make time to stop and appreciate it as an adult. Thank you for this!

[@mickichikwinya5519]

Thanks for the videos. I have traveled through NM & AZ. I never thought I would like that area from that trip. Your videos have changed my mind. Getting out into the forest and exploring the beauty is the key to enjoying the desert areas.

[@ericg7183]

You've quickly become one of my favorite KZbinrs. Your narrations pay homage to my childhood, watching Wild Kingdom. Safe travels, my friend. Perhaps our paths will cross some day, down the road.

[@garlandstyle5797]

You beat me! *LOL* I wanted to see Hovenweep and Canyons of the Ancients last year. I've lived here in Colo for 61 yrs and a Canadian beat me. :) Great job, now I want to see them both very much.

[@catherinebrown8934]

Just found this nearly 6 years after you made it! Love your new and older adventures!

[@lontrucker44]

Thank you for sharing this experience, this video brings back memories of Mesa Verde , thank you so much.

[@gjonesii]

I appreciate the sounds of nature as much as the spectacular video. Thanks

[@maycraib661]

So peaceful you captured it so well, thank you.

[@donclowers7666]

Mesa Verde is one of the most amazing places I’ve been to. Even when traveling with my very handicapped wife, just what can be seen from the road and pull offs makes it a great destination.

[@robc.5745]

Man I don't live nowhere like this but I love to sit where I can see nature , and enjoy solitude without people filling your head with useless chatter,only natures chatter !

[@mendagy]

Somehow, I missed this one in my feed whenever you were there. But I am so glad I found it!! The photography was absolutely stunning - as usual! You are just outstanding: both in visual work AND the writing & presentation, too. Thank you so much for the immense amount of work & dedication that goes into each of your videos!! I grew up in CO (and miss it very much) and always loved every season & the many wonderful places to go explore. I don't know if you have gone to the Anasazi ruins in AZ or the incredible ruins near Flagstaff but, if not, you have GOT to go see them! (And the huge Meteor Crater too, of course...) But, truly, when you said that those ruins were 'spiritual places', well, my heart agreed with you 100%!! The ruins there are self-guided and you can go thru as many of them as you like (a rarity nowadays!). What my husband & I discovered was that (1) those people were much smaller then (he could not fit thru their teeny doorways - had to get on all fours & crawl!); (2) those people were very hard-working & must have been in terrific shape; and (3) those little guys were INCREDIBLY BRAVE to live up there!! As a mom, it is hard to fathom raising children in a place where one misstep or tumble would see them falling to their deaths!! **Shiver!!** But anyway, thanks again for such a wonderful video!! Great good luck & many blessings to you, wherever this finds you!! 😊

[@sueg2658]

I always enjoy your videos! This one was great too! Thank you :-)

[@maxinemccartney5284]

Thank you. Your videos are becoming more professional and flawless. I love your naturalist's eye and appreciation for the peaceful beauty you are encountering upon your boondocking adventures. Again, thank you.

[@KenT-ek8wx]

As usual....you video production RULES. I will be nominating you for an Oscar this year...

[@arnoldsmith1165]

One of the best in depth explorations of Mesa Verde I have viewed. Congratulations from Cowtown.

[@cherylwarren285]

Definitely one of my favorites... Absolutely beautiful.. thanks so much for taking us along. 💜💙💚✌️

[@webluke]

Half my family lives near by Mesa Verde and into the San Juan mountains, lots of stuff to see and do in south west Colorado, the narrow gauge train in the summer is a good day trip, Bar-D Chuck-wagon dinner and show is great evening activity. Further south is Chaco Canyon Ruins in New Mexico where thousands lived. North from where this is, Ouray, and Silverton are old mining towns and lots of jeep roads. Further north is Grand Junction, where there is a lot of bike riding, lots of nature to see and where I live. I also have to say wow look at that like dislike ratio 2.3K likes to 4 dislikes that shows how good these videos are!

[@MrKeving1]

This is better than anything on TV or cable you make me want to get out and see what America has to offer.

[@candicebrown7505]

My husband and I are huge fans! We are workamping in Moab and its his birthday this weekend, so I think Ill take him to painted hand and camp where Slim did!!! Love this channel!!!!

[@tropicalblooms4575]

Your documentaries while travelling are far better than the ones produced by some channels. It's cool and very simple narrating for people to understand the nature on earth! Oh by the way, about the ruin with palm/hand prints, usually it's the habit of the Indians to have palm prints on the walls or entrance way. Newly wedded couples print their palms on the walls of the house they dwell. It is the sign of blessing of health and wealth for the family. Did you notice the finger writings on the wall next to the palm prints? Looks like one of the oldest script on earth!!! Thanks Slim for being altruistic and sharing the wonderful places you visited.

[@SistahRev]

Thank you. The world might be a far more calm and interested place if you had far more subscribers! I enjoy your soothing temperament, good humor, observant perceptions, poetic and intellectually stimulating narration, and the content on your travels, RV improvements, and projects. Thanks much 💐💐💐

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi SistahRev, Thank YOU for your kind words. I try to inspire others to enjoy life and its challenges, hopefully that comes out in my videos. I love to travel and try new ideas, and am very happy to find that others enjoy it too. Positive people like you give the world hope! SP

[@vonrollveeg]

Not only your best video to date, but also one of the very best videos I have ever watched on KZbin! Amazing. Sir: you are to be congratulated.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Wow, Thanks Philip!!! Always happy when my efforts are appreciated! SP

[@angelambca]

So very beautiful. You have an artistic eye with your videos!

[@thinkinoutloud.1]

What's so beautiful about a picture with rows and rows of chemtrails in the sky? Nothing. It's sad and pathetic...and that you dont care or didnt see it, is very disappointing.

[@lisaseiler5820]

thinkin outloud Paranoia Self destroyer.

[@stevenV57]

Born and raised in Arizona I've had the fortune to spend a lot of time in the Four Corners area, thank you for sharing.

[@billleland957]

Another awesome job. I was there last year & you showed me things I missed. Thanks.

[@Mity_Moose]

Great video once again, Slim. So many nomads and other traveling KZbinrs show these kind of sights, but you are SO watchable. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@tracker5849]

This is an amazing place...thank you from us who will never get to go there

[@CassySoSassy]

Best video to date. Your adventures never disappoint. :)

[@weswalker1208]

I have been there it is incredible. It was many years ago and I believe it was off the trail from the spruce house and a open area not covered by cliffs we found on some runs on flat ground and also a Kiva. And under the soil of one of the guided tours my father's spotted just barely sticking out of the soil up where the floor in the Wall come together a woven mat. We told the tour guide and they were going to have it looked at and possibly moved to the museum. Leave these were the Anasazi Indians. When they left they left beans and bases in the small brick thin areas of the cliffs. I presume they intended to come back for them. The beans sprouted and you can now buy Anasazi beans they're much like a pinto bean.

[@AmericanWanderers]

We've been to the area a number of times but still have more to explore on future trips. I've been told there is a fantastic boondocking site at the top of the Moki Dugway, as you get to the top it's to your right. The campsites are right on the rim. We've driven by it a number of times but haven't noticed that area. You should have no problems pulling your little Aliner up the Moki. And at the bottom is another great boondocking area in the Valley of the Gods. Hovenweep has several separated units. We've done a little at Canyon of the Ancients but need to spend more time there. Lastly you've reignited my enthusiasm for Mesa Verde. I had no idea there were unescorted hikes on the mesa. We've only been there in the summer and those guided tours are hotter than Hades. We are fulltiming now and it looks like that area is due for a Spring visit from us.

[@noahcount7132]

One of your better travel/sightseeing presentations. Keep up the good work.

[@TheDanVan]

Very well done! Thanks for sharing!

[@paulfedorisin2981]

I really love you videos Slim, very well done and interesting!!! Keep them coming...

[@shelenashares3640]

I came upon your channel researching A Frames and found a gentleman that narrates with beauty, knowledge and sincerity. I wish you wonderful and safe travels!

[@SlimPotatohead]

Thanks ShelenaH !!! SP

[@MsBuzzman3]

You have a great voice and narration style. Love watching your vids! :)

[@debraisola8164]

Felt Gods Spirit watching this video...Love your voice and describing so nicely everything you discover and share...Thank you for the Arm chair cruise. Be Safe

[@larrywebber2971]

Beautiful and haunting country and you have done a fantastic job capturing and describing it. Great job - thanks for sharing

[@leonardwood8024]

Thanks. Brings back a lot of great family memories.

[@beverlyhynes6651]

Thank you for such awe inspiring nature videos. I love the animals, nature, and of course, the flowers.

[@williamthawley9251]

You are at the top of my list for traveling, have been to Mesa Verde about 40 years ago, and stayed in the park at the hotel, keep up all of this, I will gradually see all of yours.

[@audreylewis2478]

My husband and I lived here on B.L.M free camp spots for a month. We loved it.. You can stay on almost every view point of the canyon." BE AWARE". The visitor center is far from the actual Monument. You can stay 2 weeks at B.L.M spots for free. Then you should move. The miles you must move varies just move see new places. peace love and adventure.

[@RickMartinYouTube]

I was just down there last week in my Casita (Dolores campground) and did some mountain biking near Hovenweep...practically had the place to myself.

[@hoppybobsommers]

This was a awesome video, thank you.

[@joharmon2148]

Now that backing up problem is my biggest problem. This place is gorgeous. I need to find me an Aliner soon. You are taking me to so many places to home that I need to see.

[@KevinSmith-qz4jv]

great video did this 2 years ago and I will never get enough! Thanks!

[@arthurleslie9669]

As always .... Great video work. Always such a pleasure to watch. Especially now, since your visiting places I remember visiting long long ago as a kid. I still remember those long ago days and how it felt to stand in four States at one time as a child. Thanks ....

[@cindymaag4212]

Wow! That was amazing! Thank you for sharing these ancient lands.

[@janecappy]

I traveled to so many of the places you did, it brings them back! But you have a different spin from my trips which makes it doubly nice.

[@UptownSport]

Stayed at the last spot for quite a while, and saw as much of Mesa Verde that was open. It's awesome! Thanks for info on Hovenweep

[@AllenManor]

You do a great job Slim! Always a pleasure.

[@johnpaulgarcia6906]

Great video of the southwest u.s. living in one of the 4 corner states I take it for granted the majestic beauty of the region. Glad you came along a rekindled that awe inspiring view of the 4 corners.

[@ShawnVanden]

Ethereal/nuanced presentation, I think you should be hired by Travel Agencies for the Four Corner's region Slim. Keep up the great work, you're inspiring the rest of us to get out, and see the exotic USA ! peace & light ~ Shawn

[@im2crafty]

Is this what it feels like to be the only humàn on earth- thank u!

[@lindaheald9629]

Thank you for the lovely tour, very peaceful. Really appreciate your videos.

[@jplimages]

Thanks for posting!!

[@rrr_rozell7992]

another fantastic video! thank you so much!

[@bicejenkins7917]

I envyyou so much for all the places you see i cant anymore my love past away 10 ears ago and every thing stop we hade a 28 feet traler and go from sacramento to pensilvania but qui dont have time to see very much bbut i like to travel the way kepp goin and i weel go with you thank you

[@LadyTSurvival]

loved the video

[@jimevans7696]

Another great video! Many thanks.

[@elisabethseeger5837]

Fascinating!

[@elkay7305]

Great video! Thank you for sharing.

[@m.d.grimes1622]

Loved this, thanks.👍👌

[@debrahayes2572]

I enjoy your video's! Thank you for sharing them!😊

[@benspoliticsandnewsbencook9151]

Amazing

[@diamondslashranch]

Another great video!

[@pagewhite8177]

Fascinating, thank you.

[@brianmombourquette5381]

Always enjoy your travelogues. Thanks so much for the effort and delightful results :-)

[@NewtonWashinton]

Slim Great video! Thanks for bringing us along.

[@jenmallory73]

Amazingly Amazing.

[@michellecastaneda20]

Love your videos. Thank you

[@bigtexnick2188]

another good one !

[@roadtrekingwithroandlo4823]

That was an excellent video! You did a beautiful job. Thank you for sharing your adventures.

[@Michaelw777.52]

Another excellent video. Thank you.

[@Paul.Douglas]

I gotta see all these places. Fantastic! Thanks for linking the music as well.

[@sjTHEfirst]

Great video Slim!

[@larrycherrington6043]

I loved every bit of it Thanks,slim

[@celinescrappassion2184]

another great viideo slim! Yo have talent with videos and story telling! I always look forward to your videos! Thanks for sharing!

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

What a wonderful off-season look at this area. Thanks SO much.

[@cjhawk45]

Absolutely LOVE this one.

[@barbarakinard2769]

Thanks I enjoyed it greatly.

[@cconstancemarie]

Excellent video. Love that area.

[@SmallADVentures1973]

This was an awesome video! 😁✌

[@homeofmyown]

Thank you for the beautiful view of Mesa Verde

[@wso32]

What an adventure. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@bigrigcook7322]

I envy your life! Thank you for the great videos!

[@lightning4871]

Nice job!

[@dinasyoyos6384]

Awesome shots

[@hedynoble7712]

Enjoying your travels. Thanks

[@Endless_Skyway_Adventures]

Excellent work my friend!

[@marialopes9365]

Wonderful video ! Thank you for the guided visit ! Loved it !

[@4knature753]

I loved your narration and editing. So many amazing sights in that area. I have to get there someday soon I hope.

[@chrisr6157]

I really enjoyed this video! Thanks for sharing!

[@LibertyLeslie]

Wonderful video. Thanks for sharing.

[@lanahallock1118]

Beautiful video and music. If only walls could talk. They do talk somewhat in the pictographs. Thanks slim.

[@greywolfwalking6359]

Thanks for sharing👍😎👍!

[@bsommer1717]

your videos are nothing short of magical. great work