Looking at Cheap Land, Floating a Tiny River, and More!

[@alchristensen8121]

Craig Childs, in his book House of Rain, says Chimney Rock was also one of several signal relay stations in a network constructed by the Ancestral Puebloans. Signal fires atop towers and higher elevations could be seen by other stations on the horizon. Chimney Rock was one of the northernmost signal stations and some of the southernmost were in what is now Mexico.

[@SUVRVing]

Fascinating! Like lighting up the warning beacons of Gondor! 🔥⛰

[@joanies6778]

Makes so much sense!

[@barbaraarsenault1192]

Thanks for the book recommendation. I want to read it.

[@alchristensen8121]

@@barbaraarsenault1192 A description from Good Reads: The greatest "unsolved mystery" of the American Southwest is the fate of the Anasazi, the native peoples who in the eleventh century converged on Chaco Canyon (in today's southwestern New Mexico) and built what has been called the Las Vegas of its day, a flourishing cultural center that attracted pilgrims from far and wide, a vital crossroads of the prehistoric world. The Anasazis' accomplishments - in agriculture, in art, in commerce, in architecture, and in engineering - were astounding, rivaling those of the Mayans in distant Central America. By the thirteenth century, however, the Anasazi were gone from Chaco. Vanished. What was it that brought about the rapid collapse of their civilization? Was it drought? pestilence? war? forced migration? mass murder or suicide? For many years conflicting theories have abounded. Craig Childs draws on the latest scholarly research, as well as on a lifetime of adventure and exploration in the most forbidding landscapes of the American Southwest, to shed new light on this compelling mystery.

[@westcoastislander6699]

Was also going to recommend this book. Really enjoy vicariously travelling on many levels via the writings of Craig Childs

[@JeffinBville]

When buying land in the country, check the property on a weekend evening to see which of your neighbors have "security" lights on their properties which can ruin any dark sky site. Or, if their dog barks - all night. Or if Sunday mornings is when they work on their diesel truck engine.

[@mariawalsh335]

Thanks for posting new adventure….:your videos are more interesting than the news

[@SUVRVing]

The news is terrible, so I'd hope so 😄

[@theamishpotato]

Much healthier content to take in for sure.

[@bonniecline5014]

I've lived in Colorado for 37 yrs, traveled throughout most of the state. Seeing my state on your videos is awesome! The San Luis Valley & the SW part of the state has always been one of my favorite areas. Thank you for showing the beauty & uniqueness of CO!!

[@LaLuna2510]

Pagosa Springs is one of my favorite vacation places- I usually go in Oct for my birthday- less people, no snow yet, etc. One year we were there on the off season for Chimney Rock, so we walked from the main road all the way to the top about 4-5 miles to see the ruins and Chimney Rocks. We were the only ones there. It was magical, one of my favorite birthdays ever. I love that you've been in my "neck of the woods", so to speak, for the last couple videos.

[@Penny_Cook]

The main Pagosa hit spring is the deepest known in the world at over 1,200 ft deep. There is a theory that Chimney Rock was used as a watch tower, with a string watchtowers on high spots between there and Chaco Canyon where fires can be lit as alarms

[@sharondavis8003]

So much fun to watch you enjoy so many adventures ❤ Have also learned about the history of places which is exciting. Loved the first lot for sale without the junky trailer but hate the rules about when you can use your own property. 😮Beautiful rafting trip that really looked fun & refreshing. Be safe, Tristan 👍🏻🙋🏼‍♀️

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Sharon!

[@Hikewithsammich]

Actually, the San Juan is a raging river through Pagosa for much of the early to mid season. You are surely there in August/September when it definitely loses flow as the feeders up high don't have as much rain in the dry season to keep it flowing strongly. In June it was dangerously strong and high, July it's a mild easy ride, and in late summer it is a trickle. You caught it very low. You can walk down the river at that time of year. 😂 Come back in late June and you'll have an amazingly fun ride! Pagosa is a beautiful community (although much too busy in recent years). You should have ridden it down to Yamaguchi Park and let out there. The walk back isn't far and is pleasant. Thanks for visiting us!

[@DianaKirby3]

Thanks for posting. I learned some new things. New places to visit. I've only been to or through Pagosa a few times.

[@stanbyme7874]

Thank you! One of the best parts of Tristan’s YT is the knowledgeable, kind people in the comments.

[@mrskweky3176]

Well done show. Water 💦 run was fun to watch.

[@daleellis5521]

thanks for the update on your vehicle problems!

[@GatorLife57]

Don't use that little raft in our Florida waters cause you'd be "gator bait".....lol Glad you had fun Tristan. 👍

[@SUVRVing]

The most I had to worry about here was running over a 10-inch trout 😁

[@GatorLife57]

​@@SUVRVing😂

[@richard_n]

If you are buying land out west, try to get somewhere that has water. Whether it's a well, stream, pond, or the like, it makes it a solid investment even though it costs more.

[@Penny_Cook]

You are so right…water is a valuable resource in the West

[@markg3025]

The rafting was a hoot as always another great video.

[@ElwoodofSparkleCity]

I plan to make a camping van and that raft and paddle are great because they don’t take up too much room! I plan to get one. Thank you for showing it snd the area!

[@michaelh2797]

I’ve seen more people in your last two videos than every other video combined. You must be getting crowd tolerant in your old age lol. I love that area of Colorado, can’t wait to see the next one.

[@leayoung3014]

We live in Pagosa Springs which means ‘Healing Waters’. It’s a beautiful area in Colorado and the river flows that low by July and August but can flood when the snows melt in spring. That’s the best time to river raft the San Juan River. 37:27

[@rebeccavalicoff1581]

I'm so glad experiencing the trip down the river! Thanks for it!

[@margreetanceaux3906]

Always amazed by ancient masonry - wherever in the world.

[@RuggedRunnerOverland]

Glad to see you've been spending more time exploring Colorado this year...in the 6 years or so that I've been watching your videos I always thought it was interesting how you didn't really spend a lot of time there (at least for the channel) considering how much you enjoy the mountains. Will definitely have to put Chimney Rock National Monument on my bucket list, was such an interesting place for a settlement.

[@1ACL]

I was just in Chaco Canyon. I think it's all about the celestial-- bringing the sky down to Earth. There's nothing else that makes any sense to be there...the canyon/river is like the Milky Way, and the sites along the river are symbolic of the constellations and stars, I think.

[@CrippleCreekStudios]

That pack raft looks really fun(and I know you said it was, so it must be) The idea of bringing something like that with you on a long distance adventure has real appeal. And I wouldn’t have to tie a kayak to my roof! Thanks. -Chris⛰️🚙

[@tracythorn2918]

A nice mix of history, rugged beauty and float down a river as well! I'm glad the Land Cruiser problems were workable issues.

[@Raanra-m4l]

I really appreciate that You make these videos, - a way for us to see the world for those of us who are busy with other things. Thanks Tristan !

[@joanc7422]

The third piece of property is the best I think especially if you could get 2 lots next to each other - no chance of close neighbors. I like the first one because of how green it is. Raft trip looked like tons of fun.

[@krusoff2805]

I know space in your vehicles is at a premium, but you might consider carrying lightweight plastic RV leveling ramps to level your SUV on sloping ground. Mine have three steps, were not expensive, and are very easy to use. David in Montana

[@23SkoolieWay]

We were just there the end of June and the river was much higher. We were only passing through and spending the night. It rained the entire time. I want to go back now after seeing this video and spend a day there. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@screech57245]

we were in Pagosa Springs the first week of August! had a great time in tubes on the river a couple days there and got to see Chimney Rock NM as well. Glad you enjoyed yourself.

[@virginiajorgensen8614]

That is a cool raft and a nice paddle adventure. The native ruins were nice to see. I think that you might have to watch for punctures. Loved the video.

[@pamelawilliford9944]

Loved the video. You were just down the road from where I live. I love this area. Hope you enjoyed your visit to the area.

[@anndebaldo7381]

Loved your video...yes, a certain kind d of FUN! I learned a lot about the price of land...always look forward to your next offerings. ATB

[@blueboats]

This year I've also seen the San Juan River via long distance backpackers taking the canyon trail. Same thing, very mellow and shallow this time of year, very beautiful wilderness terrain.

[@lisarichards3853]

Good to see you so happy. 🤠

[@Volunteersunrise]

Thank you for the adventure. I will check out Chimney Rock Great House in the future. I also will enjoy the Hmong tacos. Safe travels

[@zendt66]

Thanks for the section on Chimney Rock. I've been to Chaco ten times (camping) but never made it to Chimney Rock. I've stood at the furthermost part of the Pueblo Alto ruin looking north, imaging what it must have been like as people came into Chaco for their ceremonies and trading.

[@johnchedsey1306]

I went on a week long road trip this past week and Chimney Rock was going to be the final spot I was going to hit up on my way back to Tucson. However, I ran out of steam and opted to visit it at a future date (probably combine it with Canyon of the Ancients). So this video was quite timely!

[@robertsurtees4380]

Tacos look great! Will have to check them out next time through Pagosa Springs. I usually stop at The Peak Deli -- right on the corner where you parked.

[@SUVRVing]

The tacos were excellent. I'll have to check out that deli the next time I'm in town!

[@virginiaallen4723]

Thank you for sharing the only national monument I didn't get to visit in that part of Colorado. Another couple are near Cortez. Nice ruins there.

[@troyfromtexas]

I just passed through Pagosa Springs 3 weeks ago. That free public hot springs is known as Nathan’s hippy dippy hot spring. It’s great that it is so accessible. There’s a cool fire watchtower about 15-20 minutes east of Pagosa Springs on National Forest land where you can camp for free if you ever pass by there again.

[@vickihubach4388]

I rafted the San Juan in April, down near Bluff, what fun! I most liked the first property you saw at Wild Horse Mesa, more than any others you've looked at!

[@Mark-cg2bg]

Especially enjoyed this part of your adventure. I've camped several times along the Lower Pierdra River on Forest Service land not far from Chimney Rock. SW Colorado has always been a treat to visit. Got to get those tacos next time!

[@TheFreewheelinNomad]

I'm always bewildered why our forefathers couldn't see the beauty in the culture and the people of the native people on this land. A true travesty.

[@DriveScapes-x9v]

I've always enjoyed the flat, shallow rivers in the west!

[@daleellis5521]

Completed watching the rafting section. I may want to get one of those packcrafts to float in lakes and quiet rivers. If you had been there in June or early July probably more water in the river. That river is an important river in the southwest. And yes, as you discovered , there warm/hot springs in the river there to enjoy!

[@barbarajeanne8351]

That looked so fun!

[@LeonaNeighbour]

Thank you for your wonderful videos, I always look forward to them.

[@lenwenzel5444]

Great video as always. Surprised to see you around so many people on one of your adventures.LOL😂 God bless and keep up the great work.

[@annhysell6064]

Loved the "float" down river. Absolutely include more "fun" of same. Love your hiking vids too (Adventure Archives also a fav channel). And interesting when you explore land there as I live in the NE US and land IS NOT CHEAP! Glad your vehicle behaves without cruise control. Be well.

[@rvboondocker2559]

Also, that 5 acres looks terrific! Seems level on the camera so that’s important. The 400x600 one

[@joecutro7318]

Thanks, your videos are so interesting and informative and your creativity and sense of adventure are contagious and inspiring. 👍🏼🙏☮️

[@KandyLovesGreen]

Love your videos so much! Very educational and so well done! The lizard was beautiful! 💚

[@jeffMinnesota952]

Chimney Rock interesting and scenic, intriguing to think about those who lived there hundreds of years ago, how they made it work. and Scenic. Floating down the river, better with more water, I would think, but whata ya gonna do?, cheap land, definitely the first property, as we mentioned last time, a square lot you can keep folks away from you, a strip you are only as far as half your narrowest part of the strip, you have to think about when the next guy moves in and you have new neighbors... unless you find a protected lot where you won't have neighbors, and won't be bothered by others... surprise the land is so expensive and there are so many restrictions... thanks for sharing...

[@ericag2233]

What a fun trip!

[@lynnef3297]

Thanks Tristan, for a very enjoyable video. The rafting looked like fun. 😃👍I liked the first, larger property you showed. Number t wo 👎 and the third would be nice if you needed electricity. It is fun to check out areas and look at the potential. Nice camping spot.😊

[@kimprocarione5473]

Huh! I looked up where we are in the cycle and it peaks in late 2024 to early 2025! Very cool. I want a pack raft now! We'll, I would prefer it to have removable fins! Steering looks pretty iffy! Lol! But, for calmer water it would make less difference. Especially if you weren't traveling any real distance or in a wind.

[@teresajgregory]

Even regular bigger rafts have a mind of their own (I know)… and dealing with that low of water the pack-raft did pretty good. I’m not sure how easily it could be navigated with a lot of water in the river. (I probably would’ve gone for tubing) It was a fun part of this video for sure! Pack-rafting on rocks is brave!!!

[@najruqwi7008]

Kool ruins. Beautiful views. Love the river and the property 🤞

[@davidfalaguerra4134]

I love your presentations. I would love to see you video some awesome destinations in that area. 1-- Bishops Castle. 2-- Dragon Mans Auto and Military Museum.

[@gbabsaol8954]

Bishops castle is neat!

[@KeyofDavid5778]

Awsome little raft ! Looks so fun !

[@virginiaallen4723]

I recommend the Canyons of the Ancients, including Sand Canyon and Lowry Pueblo.

[@sarah_n_tank_girl]

40 years ago the hot springs in Pagosa were natural-not commercialized...I soaked in them as a kid. They were also thought to have healing powers by the Chacon and later the Pueblo peoples of the area. One of my favorite places in CO . You should check out Aztec Ruins and Mesa Verde while in the area.

[@TimWillinghamRatz]

We had a 2007 Camry which started exhibiting the issues with SCS. I took it to parts stores and had them connect their OBD2 readers and reset it. Eventually they refused to do that so we took it to a repair shop. It wound up being a sensor that costed a couple hundred bucks to replace although that was well before Covid.

[@gailbutler483]

Loved the Rapid Raft!

[@w.randyholman4374]

Be sure & check out Cruces Basin Wilderness while in the area. Not infested with people. Probably have it all to yourself! My favorite!

[@melodyhart1331]

Around the outskirts of New Orleans ,a lot Vietnamese people settled,they became good citizens of America.

[@jburnett8152]

Full day for sure. Very fun to see. Colorado is beautiful. Surprising you don't have twice the subs. Have you thought about doing a couple of shorts so people can find you.

[@Katbla]

Always enjoy your videos 🙏 lots of awesome info and this one has some amazing places

[@earlybird6069]

Fun! I definitely want to check out Chimney Rock, and I definitely want one of those rafts. What a riot. 😂❤

[@cherylmiller-day5932]

Great adventure. Thanks Tristen 👌

[@daleellis5521]

Just watched the Chimney Rock part of this video. I first visited this several years ago; then revisited a year or two ago. I did not walk the steep because with aging it looked to difficult for me. I feel this is an amazing place. The astronomical aspects with moon. Its position to be able to signal other sites in those times. The views . I found it more exciting and impressive than you did.

[@harlandeke]

Got here first...yay! My favorite KZbinr.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrisevans3887]

From what you described on vehicle issues it sounds to me like you have a throttle body issue. Probably needs a new one, good thing is it is not to expensive and easy to change.

[@freedomdove]

Yeah, tubing is easier since it doesn't take on water. Lol. Looks like you had fun! Those tacos did look great. 👍🌮

[@blueboats]

That inflation method is also the new way for ultra-light inflatable backpacking sleeping pads. The inflation sack is separate but connects to the pad inflation port.

[@carol_jsb17]

We live in Pagosa Springs 🙂. Unfortunately this year the river is really low, it usually is much better than what you experienced. When we first moved here I use to call it a creek and people would look at me strange 😅. You went by the Lift Coffee House, they have good coffee, it is locally owned. Glad you got to enjoy MEE’s Banging Tacos, one of my favorites. Enjoyed this video, actually enjoy all your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@3generations393]

Thank you Tristan, that was fun and informative. Sendin Grandmama love ❌⭕, Iris and Little One 👋🐾

[@Mindy-s-channel]

Darn it Tristan. Now I want that raft. ❤that looks so fun

[@kabright4041]

I love your videos. Thank you so much!

[@jimh.8138]

That was some class 5 rapids you did, lol. Pagosa Springs is a hoot of a town.

[@birdman5223]

Dig your content/vibe 😎

[@llorylloyd]

This was a great video ❤

[@lexpatterson5098]

I am shocked 😂 I never thought I would see you in a river with that many people 😂😁😆

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Before you get the DJI action 5 pro I'd wait a bit for, and consider, the Insta 360 Ace Pro 2, it may well be better! Either way, I would use that "action cam" with a short selfie stick, the jittery hand held is a bit rough for most all moving shots. . . Cheers Brother

[@cliffdwelling3807]

If you like subzero temperatures in winter the San Luis valley is the place to be. 😊

[@JamesBond-rf4ql]

Interesting thing about these small parcels on Wild Horse Mesa, it's very likely that the owner cannot drill a well and will need to haul water to fill a cistern. According to Colorado water law (in over appropriated areas, such Costilla County), normally the parcels need to be greater than 35 acres (typical is 37 acres) to be able drill a well for domestic water.

[@CMC61]

Cool little raft!

[@kaykaykayak9368]

All of it was fun!!!!

[@douglassfwilson]

We were there on Sept. 6th 2024. Great views. Cool place. Very nice staff. Did you see the Peregrine Falcons?

[@margaretmanz2030]

Hi Tristan Have you checked out the Earthship off-grid building principles? It's definitely an exciting, sustainable and beautiful build.

[@Chad-gr3rz]

The Lunar Standstill is a deeply spiritual experience to witness...

[@knowone6214]

LOL ya must have a cast iron gut...good video

[@douglasmcbryan3705]

You should have brought Cassie on this adventure. We always like seeing her. Nancy

[@ssteele1812]

Chimney Rock was awesome. It's great that they still let people visit those sites. That $8k piece of land was probably my favorite of the "House Hunting" series. I wonder what the average winter temp and snowfall are for that area. I wouldn't mind a nice little summer spot there so I can still easily visit the SW in the winter.

[@keithwiebe1787]

The San Luis Valley is extremely cold in the winter and hot in the summer and sometimes the summer bugs bite the crap out of you.

[@eliciamccoy3326]

I thought my legs were white. Guess mine are not. Be careful stay safe 😂

[@rjm7168]

Nice place to visit ... 😉

[@kend1053]

There is a small diaphram and vacuum lines to the cruise control, if any of this has a tiny leak it will do exactly what you're experiencing. Look for the simplest thing first. Be well.

[@jerryjorgenson7530]

Cool

[@minimalist_adventurer]

Visited there last summer it can get pretty hot there 😅

[@SUVRVing]

Sure can! Thanks for watching.

[@nancye2963]

There is Chimney Rock in NC

[@1942rejw]

Tristan, have you considered going to the source of the Colorado river? It's north of Grand Junction maybe 100 miles. I watched one KZbin video that showed, that at the source water is being diverted to the eastern side of the continental divide. Really an interesting video. Might be a big problem for those down river, especially native Americans living on land along the river under treaties with the federal government.

[@AdventuresWithDaniel]

Maybe someone else mentioned it in the comments but check out crestone while you're in the area.