Who Made This Mysterious Symbol Out in the Desert?? (SUV Camping/Vanlife Adventures)

[@brhino1017]

Native American prayer ring. The cross represents the four seasons. The ring represents the cycle of life that the four seasons bring. The arrow circle (at the end) points to the spring solstice. It tells them when to plant corn. (This is theory only and has not been proven correct...yet)

[@dvgayle1]

Sounds logical 😊

[@jimchunt]

All a big guess….

[@susans8539]

I was thinking it had to do with Native American culture. Thanks for the clarification.

[@HickSquatch]

This. Looks like other medicine wheels I’ve seen. The number 4 is very important to First Nations peoples. It represents the stages of spiritual life: from the chaos before the Creator made us in Spirit and we came into the Second World, represented by the color blue/turquoise, then into this plane of existence, the Third World, Yellow, and when we leave this existence we go into the Fourth World, the White. This formation could be related as it conforms to the lore. I’m not an expert, just a hobbyist and respectful of Native Peoples beliefs and lore.

[@mikealvarado654]

It was more than likely a small group of Spaniards past that way and had some time on their hands. Nothing more. How about the rock cairns the BLM and USFS wants people to stop making on mountain trails. Not aliens,not ancient cultures. Not everything is a sign, omen,or prehistoric phenoma. So go back to sleep children and tether your imagination.

[@michaelobannion7342]

I really enjoy how you point out all the little details of the often overlooked gems of the landscapes. The historical and geographical context that you include keeps me coming back for more!

[@trishrobbins9942]

What makes your videos superior to others is your zest for life, as well as your accumulated knowledge, explorer’s nature, fitness level and true goodness.

[@chesterfieldthe3rd929]

People who harm anything or anyone are mentally handicapped. People who protect and love are the stars of this world. There is an aura around good people who use the heart God gave them. There is no substitute for a good hearted person. God bless you and your family and everyone and everything.

[@johnd746]

Another wonderful adventure filled with beautiful scenery, some mystery, and historical, and geographical content. Thank you!

[@richardjohnston8596]

Beautiful my friend. I recent became a paraplegic and you have given me my legs back. Please keep it up. 👍

[@calxtra5361]

Videos like yours show just how vast a country America is and how stunning the vistas are!!

[@larrydraper4451]

I fell in love with the interior of the Wind River Range due to one of your earlier backpacking videos. That place is so beautiful, I hope you do more videos from there. Thanks for taking us with you.

[@mohammadyosuf185]

Love every video of yours and you will be remembered as a legend.

[@Raptor-gd6sk]

You always find the coolest and most remote places to adventure and camp.. Thanks for sharing

[@dlee910]

Thank you for sharing the territorial maps - history has always fascinated me. Love your videos!

[@RocksOff72]

2:33 I'm not sure most people realize what a pain getting that shot must've been. This is how a 500' climb turns into an 800' climb. Good job. Also, the mosquitoes in the Wind Rivers are a special kind of hell. They leave welts like we never experienced before with welts and then scabs that lasted for weeks.

[@kjsgarden]

I definitely thought about that, watching him get smaller and smaller… and realizing he had to come back for the camera.

[@aaron_hardy]

He probably left a camera down there running and picked it up when he finished the hike.

[@magicalmysterytour-ce3nh]

@@aaron_hardy maybe used his drone ,either way , great photojournalism

[@morg52]

I think one of the cool things about South Pass is the phrase, "seeing the elephant". Where the pioneers in their covered wagons reach the halfway point and come to realize, just how far they have left to go. And how it's only going to get harder for them. My Mother is from Lander.

[@victoriamaaske7420]

Best videos to watch of exploring unknown to me sites in the west. Great videography Tristan. I rank you right up there with Foresty Forest for fun to watch. I like the history you give.

[@stevesims2243]

Incredible landscape that shows how small we really are and how big of an expanse is the American West. Impressive what people endured to get to Oregon.

[@meiabcd]

Thanks!

[@denisem.1042]

I don't know if you will see this comment Tristan, but I just love your videos! I am from Idaho myself and have spent a good amount of time in Wyoming. Once many years ago, we were driving between Hanna and Medicine Bow and stumbled on a ghost town that was really interesting. There was even an old rusted out car there. I found out later it was the ruins of Carbon. Have you done a video there? If not, would you consider doing one in the future? Love Wyoming (and Idaho)!

[@susans8539]

Tristan, how do you find these fascinating points of interest? You find these really unique places that I would have never known existed. Thanks again for a great adventure! Keep ‘em coming! 😊

[@stevesarvis5464]

So enjoying watching and being outdoors where I haven't been. Thankyou

[@jorjastonej]

Great Sweetwater coverage! I recommend a interesting read and a great story that my husband and I both read and loved. The Last Ride of the Pony Express: My 2,000-Mile Horseback Journey into the Old West by Will Grant. Another trail that crossed the South Pass!

[@ChasetopherLivingstonIII]

I've camped at Sinks Canyon State Park not far from where you camped on my way to the Tetons. Sinks Canyon ended up being one of my favorite campsites out west that trip. Beautiful place.

[@justa.american8303]

Thanks for giving us the tour. I hope to get back to the US West soon and will be using your channel as a guide.

[@ceceliaroberts1475]

You inspire. I love it when you educate on U.S. history in the SW and western states, I don't think anyone teaches much on land ownership of the continent any more. (I'll have to ask my 11 y.o. grandson.) The map was intriguing and has set my Saturday schedule for re-searching more on that subject to jog the memory. The geoglyph could be a medicine wheel or the indiginous people of the time, communicating with the "sky gods".🤔😏 The design looks familiar except for the large pile of rocks connected by that short line. There are many circles with lines through them in ancient rock art. Thank-you again and now I'm off to go Tenkara fly fishing with you before I settle in.😊

[@michelepratt4384]

I lived up there for several years and loved it, and miss it so much. So, I really appreciate your channel. Giving me a chance to look at home.

[@normanplatt1239]

1975 6/24 Camping at small spring N side of Steamboat mt, heavy snow all day, went for short drive, parking looking over hillside 6 bull elk came right in front of our truck. It was so cool. Weeks later our truck broke down 21 mile from camp at steamboat, it was late afternoon so we started walking knowing to stay on the road we drove many times. It was so dark with no moon kind of scary and so happy to have sun coming up on our back side.

[@ThomasRhoades-w3y]

I just thought all the scenery that you showed from the views that you had when you got on top of mountains as worthwhile very beautiful country out there enjoy it while it lasts there going to be some changes coming

[@justlookin3]

I’m baffled by the heavy rocks which get moved into areas where it is not convenient or to us logical. Some sort of thought has to go into the process and making it happen. There’s so much we don’t know. Thanks for showing this mystery to us. The fact that you need to view it from above certainly adds to its mystery, too.

[@Pakka_Telangana2014]

Amazing and thank you for sharing your beautiful journey thru nature. Stay Safe!!

[@anndebaldo7381]

Wow! What glorious country! Love it! Thanks for sharing this - I can experience it vicariously. ATB

[@didgegirl6]

Table Mountain seems like a cool spot. I'd be willing to bet that the symbol you found is The Four Directions which are found in many Native American cultures that mark North South East and West of the spirit world.

[@Janer-52]

I really enjoyed this - my first time viewing. I must say the music at 12:34 to 13:04 was stunning and matched the video perfectly. The videography was great, and I liked your commentary with historical notes. Thank you!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Jane, that's really nice of you to say! I appreciate you watching 😁

[@akakakakakak3084]

Interesting to see mountains have flat top. The big rocks around the mountain edges seem like not went through glacier.

[@aklgooshock]

I really liked the tri-territory area and you showing on the map was super helpful. thanks.

[@augustharter981]

Unusual mountain! Very rocky! Definitely beautiful views! Thanks for pointing out the peaks! X marks the spot is very unusual and interesting! Interesting information about the deer migration! That is pretty cool about the tri territory historic site! Oregon Buttes is interesting!

[@mikeroll9868]

Wow. Thanks for the interesting and informative video. That is some beautiful open land. We just came back to So Cal from a three week tour of Nevada, Idaho , Montana and Utah. Parts of it were so open but also at times I felt the increasing presence of man making these places seem smaller. Still it amazes me that there are wild places left.

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

I’m not sure about the cross, but if you look at the cliff edge that it points to @7:52 it looks like a place that people have either jumped or hanglided off of. I know of these kinds of mesas in Southern Nevada, I’ve even seen ramps built at the edges for hangliders to get a running start. But it sure does look like like there’s a flat disturbed area by the edge of that cliff closer towards the drone at that spot in the video.

[@Figjamquilter]

You always find such interesting things!! Love your videos!!

[@viracocha4261]

Lovely video. Thank you for your time doing this. Many do not have the opportunity to survey this great nation of ours full of treasures that I hope we continue to protect for future generations. A cheaper approach to dealing with bug and mosquito bites is hand sanitizer. The alcohol in it soothes and kills bacteria. Good luck always on your travels.

[@JR-kk6ce]

Air navigation aid. I learned to fly in the late 70s. Back then there was no GPS. We would navigate mostly via visual aids. We had a handheld circular ruler computer which, in conjunction with the winds aloft report, would tell us our magnetic course and how much we had to crab the plane into the wind to get to where we were going. It was amazingly accurate. Still, the ground visual aids were essential in letting us know in featureless areas, that we were on course.

[@zendt66]

I know you have been using the drone for a while now but this video just emphasizes what a great addition it is. Love your videos.

[@pauldean3935]

History, mystery, and wide ooen spaces. Thanks for another good one!

[@jeffMinnesota952]

Great Vistas, esp from the drone from the top of Oregon Mt. Thanks for sharing Tristan...

[@gringo3009]

Awesome area, thanks for sharing it.

[@kennethbailey9853]

Always A Joy to see and hear You !

[@michelekirby7907]

So alone. We city dwellers lose touch with the vast landscapes of nothingness and nobody. Do you ever feel it, I wonder? Being a tiny speck in the universe puts it all in perspective. Fantastic job of pushing through and figuring it out as you go along. Confidence. Thanks for bringing this beauty to our screens!

[@動物同理心]

Imagine how much Tristan will know about Western geography, history, and its magic and majesty by the time he has children and grandchildren to tell about this incredible part of the country. This channel is perfect. ❤❣❤

[@果哥水蜜桃]

殖民地而已，抢番黎嘅，与强盗何干？

[@動物同理心]

I was talking about the natural beauty and history of the Western US, which this young content-maker explores so well. This will be a very welcome mine of information for young Americans to come. @@果哥水蜜桃

[@動物同理心]

我談論的是美國西部的自然美景和歷史，這位年輕的內容製作者對此進行了很好的探索。 對於未來的美國年輕人來說，這將是一個非常受歡迎的信息寶庫。 @用戶-tj7qj5po5q@@果哥水蜜桃

[@rogerbmcdaniel]

I get to see cool places and learn new stuff at the same time. How neat is that? Another great video! Thanks.

[@tegucigalpa2]

On these things, I like to ponder on the effort it took to make. It helps in trying to understand who may have made it and why. You mentioned how isolated and how difficult to reach, so it’s unlikely it was some touristy thing, like the cairns people build everywhere. Then, where did the material come from? It took a whole lot of similar sized rocks, from the video it’s hard to tell if there’s a good source of loose rocks nearby. I would guess a possible reason was in relation to the deer migrations you mentioned, some indicator of some sort, possibly made by native Americans. It sure took a lot of effort to build, on a windy, inaccessible hill, with no water nearby. All very interesting…

[@SUVRVing]

Lots of effort to make this one, for sure. There were plenty of smaller rocks in the area that they could have used, but that doesn't make getting up there and actually building the thing much easier! Thanks for watching.

[@martinforrester8249]

Fascinating area, I would suggest of first nations construction, it took considerable time and effort to construct.I cannot image any modern day man having the patience. I don't know what tribe would have been living there at that time though ?

[@chuck8664]

The rocks probably came from talus below. That's only a few hundred feet away and the rocks could be brought up in bags. Still a lot of work, but do-able.

[@yelapa999]

Above all, this has the feel of a hippie project to me. Nothing wrong with that. I quite like it.

[@Karlosangeles1]

Early map makers starting point.If you put a small reflective surface in the pits facing outward,you could see them for miles and be able to align oneself accurately using simple navigational skills and surveying equipment.Possibly Spanish explorers,but more likely done after the Louisiana purchase on the push Westward when detailed maps of the area became crucial for development. It could be indigenous,but I think it would have been known as a sacred sight if it was indeed that.@@SUVRVing

[@debrabalawajder2617]

Thanks for sharing this fascinating area! I love the “out in the middle of nowhere” areas! I enjoy watching your videos!

[@Windstonemtn]

Wonderful views and great commentary, thanks.

[@jburnett8152]

I didn't realize, or just forgot the Louisiana Purchase went so far North. I never get tired of the wide open spaces. Thanks for the adventure.

[@jerikaylesneski]

I loved exploring my home state with you today. I was born and raised in Cheyenne, and-being from the big city-have only heard about the area you explored today. I’ve been across I-80, up to the Tetons, and across the northern part of the state, through Dubois, and Cody, through the Wind River Range, to Devil’s Tower; and from Gillette and Sheridan back down to Cheyenne. Been to Lander and Casper, and part of the Oregon Trail west of there, but that’s it for the central part of Wyoming. I agree, the Wind River Range is really beautiful! Maybe you could film a trip from there, and climb Devil’s Tower someday! Love your vlogs.

[@KristenMaine]

The Continental divide and the Oregon trial has always fascinated me. Thanks for another great adventure!

[@handsomedanbodamer3618]

Getting ready to start my six week solo rv adventures, and I’m planning on visiting many of your stops. Oh, bringing my fishing poles too! Thanks

[@alextriana6608]

Thank you for producing this video, I enjoyed it very much. Keep entertaining us.

[@ModernDayPilgrim]

Hi Tristen!! Great video! Have you ever thought about getting a Thermacall , to repell mosquitoes? I purchased one last year and it is a total game changer! Absolutely recommend looking into them. USB charged. I use it when I van camp, and it has really made my adventures more enjoyable. I don’t like to be cooped up in my van due to mosquitoes, I keep my van doors open and am able to be outside (20ft canopy of protection) with no mosquito problem. Just thought I’d share that. Have a fantastic weekend! 😃🙌🏼💯

[@cowboygeologist7772]

Wow, very cool video! Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@RUAChristian]

I appreciate all the historical and geographical information you share in your videos. 👍👍

[@rickhenninger6978]

That was amazing! Thanks for taking us along

[@Will-Parr]

Tristan, this is an excellent video. A perfect combination of video, narration, music, and editing. Awesome drone footage. Congrats

[@DeanF]

My family came out on the Oregon Trail and settled Ashland, thank you for your history lessons!

[@SconnyWandering]

Our tip for Mosquito bites for years has been hand sanitizer. Some days we need to take a bath in it.

[@seanfrank4158]

Spectacular views for sure. Very impressive.

[@dorcasia109]

I love how curious you are! Thanks for your videos. I am looking forward to exploring some of these places since I live in Utah.

[@michaelbperry5450]

Thank you for good reporting while on your adventures. Love your drone images of the cross. Keep up the good work.

[@cherylmiller-day5932]

Loved today's adventure! Scenery is beautiful 😍 It's on my list. Thanks Tristan 😊

[@janeblackbird2376]

My first thought on the compass was air mail route marker but then you mentioned the animal migration pathway so I changed my mind and now think it's for the deer who might lose their way. 😄😂🤣

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Excellent video. As to the cross on the top.. very accurate stone placement. And looks older than air mail usage. At 3:30.. looking down at the road and your vehicle. Follow the road to the left about the length of a football field. On this side of the road. next to the road.. there is a darker green "oval. Long left to right. On the left side of the oval there is a semi circle around the green spot. Is this a car track, a short road.. or something else.?

[@carolsmith7380]

Tristan, i always enjoy your videos...full of great pics and drone shots, interesting stories and historical information. Keep up the good work!! 😊😊

[@spadetressgamer8535]

I think you have found one of the navigation signs for pilots back in the day before navigation devices were manufactured. When pilots only went by a compass. If I remember correctly it helped the mail delivery planes. My father was a pilot and when I was a kid I was his right seat navigation. He taught me to read maps quite early. I stumbled upon this navigation signs info recently perhaps on the history channel or something like that. If I am correct each point of the cross should point to north, south, east, west.

[@margreetanceaux3906]

The marker for the Louisiana Purchase, and the 3 empires… I’m in awe, Tristan!

[@pollenhead]

Another interesting tour as always. Thanks for showing us parts of the country that most of us will never get to and suggesting places to visit for those of us who still have the wherewithal to get there. I think the symbol in the desert would have been bigger like the Nazca Lines if it were to be "Alien" related but anything is possible. I do believe that some of the petroglyphs you've shown in earlier videos do depict what looks to be "alien type" figures. It's all very interesting.

[@cindynichols27]

I wonder if it would be worth calling a University of Wyoming (or Oregon or Utah or Idaho lol) anthropology, history, or indigenous studies department and asking if they have any clue about the rock formation. Or a museum. I love being able to see the Winds in the distance. Reminds me of driving through the Mojave Desert as a kid on the way to the eastern Sierras. It always took my breath away as the mountains got closer. Thank you, Tristan, for climbing a mountain this time that didn't give me a heart attack lol. You've probably already done it, but I wouldn't mind seeing more of your typical process in finding camp sites. Did you say somewhere that you look at a map with layers and first identify public land, then switch to topo to find a flat spot or something? Also, have you ever been camping in some perfect, gorgeous, solitary spot only to have yahoos show up and establish themselves 10 feet away? Thank you for all your work and these world-class productions. I'm never watching TV or Netflix again.

[@debe.1868]

if you tell ANY Government or Museum, ETC, it will be lost forever!! Ya all shouldn't be watching TV shows now anyway, and if you are then you are still being fed the biggest crap "shows" ever!! KZbin and social media have real people going around our wonderful earth exploring places and things that the mainstream can NEVER do!! Or they would NEVER tell the truth about the subject... Critical thinking is OUR ONLY way to salvation!! And the real truth of the matters!! If you find ANYTHING Ancient, NEVER, EVER tell anyone.. EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@RangerMcFriendly]

Hey Tristan, I react pretty nastily to mosquito bites as well. Ever since getting The Bug Bite Thing suction tool (the official one), they actually don’t flare up as badly. Just make sure to use the tool before the bite reddens. It’s such a great tool I have used for years now starting when I was a backcountry Ranger.

[@margaretburn713]

Firstly, this was an amazing video. I`m Australian , and have very sketchy knowledge of U.S. history. I love maps of all kinds, and was just blown away by your historical map of land distribution. It shows clearly and quickly how the U,S, was made. I`ve heard of the Louisiana Purchase. but didn`t exactly know what it was. I also had no idea that Britain owned N.W. America. Just subscribed to learn more about your beautiful country.

[@harrywalker968]

the british owned 3/4 of the world. the last great empire, before the yanks, took it on, by hell force.. to me, with all the land in the u.s., why drive the natives to near extinction. some tribes were hunted to the canadian boarder, & across it.. yes, we britts have killed thousands in the name of expanding an empire, most countries benefited. when we left africa, the head rang england, wanted us back, as the ones there then, dutch probably,, were worse..the chinese, traveled all over the world, thousands of yrs before white man.. they mainly found barbarians, so went back to china & closed the boarders, until marko polo, & the britts..yes,,us again.. the native americans told the americans/ britts, about big foot, skinwalkers, but they laughed, should of listened.. watch . the facts by how to hunt. im ausie,britt.. s.a. since 71. tried emigrating to the u.s., as they have better laws, till they found out i was brittish,, they still remember the tea party incident..had land set up in elko navada, but no green card..

[@gerdriechers8426]

Such a great video and what a country to explore! Thank you Tristan for another top travel tip.

[@lindamartin2045]

Lovely, lovely film,Tristan.👍👍 Do you suppose the cross on the mountain was for mail/supply drop and later someone added the circles? Thanks for tip about Benadryl. Have been wondering if you ever encounter snakes on your trips. Take care.😊

[@tracydesign4u]

Interesting, it looks like there is more than the cross too. If you pause on the drone shot, you can see something in the upper left. Faded and less distinct but there is an arc, could have been a full circle at some point. There seems to be a line going up at an angle to it from the end of the left arm of the cross just before the circle on the tip.

[@conniewaite1371]

You make trips so much more interesting with all the info you collect.you make them so much more fun.my hubby just drives without stopping or know what he misses

[@B00GPowell]

Tenkara is a great way to go especially when hiking and for mountain streams. I bought one to trade out my "Hiking rod" years ago. Less bulk, easy and light to pack, easy to use...a great packing rod solution.

[@spencer6633]

i've driven past south pass on the highway, but never took the time to go in and see the old monuments. Thank you for showing this... really enjoy your videos.

[@paulpalomo417]

Nice adventurous video, definitely a pleasure to watch. You need to go back, definitely Native Americans lived here, at the 4:29 minute mark two Mortar holes are shown near your feet, I also seen other mortar holes throughout the video. I search for Native American settlements, these are part of the visual signs I search for. Thank you for sharing the video, alsome footage.

[@lindagolden9892]

I would imagine somewhere along your travels you’ll come across pioneer wagon wheel ruts from their journey westward. I’ve photos of such up around Guernsey Reservoir area in Wyoming as well as other areas happening upon rugged gravesite markers from times long gone.

[@steveduffy5784]

You're living your best life right now, and by your enthusiasm and elation toward the places you go, and climbs and hikes you do, I know you're appreciative of the experiences you're having. Enjoy traveling with you, as you head for all the places, remote and wild, that I was always adventuring in, during my heyday. There is a large medicine wheel - Bighorn Medicine Wheel - near Lovell, Wyoming thought to be created by pre-historic Native Americans. Nice video, great views and insights - rock on!

[@marklettow6610]

This video was perfect timing for me. Headed through the South Pass area late next week on my way to southwest Montana and northern Idaho. This will help me find some extra things to check out. Have been to Wyoming more than 75 times, but never been to South Pass or the "Parting of the Ways". Thank-you!

[@Emmylovesmakeup12]

I love watching your videos always great historical information

[@llorylloyd]

You always find the most amazing places.

[@Barley150]

Watching your videos is such a great way to start the weekend. Did you ever learn anything more about the mysterious rock thing?

[@annhysell6064]

Tristan, Idk if you have watched Gonagain, but he has pointed out stone arrows for that same reason, directing airmail to towns. (He was a pilot). But this one doesn't look like areas he has shown. Very interesting. Thanks so much!

[@pixelpeter3883]

Love the inclusion of all the on-the-road footage; it gives a great sense of the surrounding erea :-)

[@djoldskool5763]

👏👏Again, off the beaten path. Yay! Thank you for your extra effort.

[@Outrjs]

Wow! You made a really cool video! I visited Devils Tower last year. Wyoming is gorgeous.

[@johnmcdonald1306]

Thanks for your explorations in Wyoming . Your exploration in this area and its platou's near the continental divide is interesting. I wonder have any compass experienced eradic behaivior at its exact longitude?

[@lvtiguy226]

The circle looks a lot like a medicine wheel or medicine hoop. A high plateau like South Table Mountain would have been an ideal spot for sacred rituals and ceremonies. People should be mindful of the circle and walking within it. These kinds of structures can hold powerful medicine, good and bad. It would be interesting to know if any of the rocks that make up the structure are iron bearing or magnetic in any way.

[@TheWoodensong]

Whew…Busy couple of days, Brother! Lotsa cool stuff! ~ ~ “Ol’ Scooter” Down in East Texas…

[@johnmcdonald1306]

Very interesting on what rock formation on the platou could mean, but being next to another and cordinates between them an any similar centers would be like an X-File if not a logical explantion. After remembering the movie close encounters it encompasses these type of features.

[@scotthultin7769]

Man made🎉

[@dianespears6057]

Another excellent video. Loved it.

[@joandonnelly7206]

Great video, and your campsite at the end is AMAZING!

[@wanaraz]

In the 70s a bunch of us went up there and took some Peyote buttons and created some art. Glad you appreciate it.

[@helendail1787]

We loved this video. It was a beautiful area. Thanks.