Driving the West’s Hidden Utopia of Solitude! (SUV Camping/Vanlife Adventures)

[@coolbuffdad]

That radio equipment on top of the mountain is used by the natgas company to communicate with the wells in the area. I used to support one of their office in the Piceance Creek area.

[@virginiaallen4723]

Solar panels for power.

[@janwoodward7360]

Thanks for the info.

[@santarosa6676]

Looks like some climate monitoring also.

[@annsterling969]

I love the idea of a mountain driving book! Speaking as a physically challenged, older adventurer, we need this kind of guide. It’s the only way for us to experience the beauty and solitude of nature. How about you give it a go, Tristan! Until then, we live and adventure through your videos. We look forward to every Saturday morning with you!

[@markgibsons_SWpottery]

Very inspiring in deed!

[@jgpainting8815]

A❤gree

[@Terraducky]

Said to myself "You do it!" while he was musing what a great book it would be...

[@annhysell6064]

Absolutely.

[@zendt66]

Your video today was especially meaningful. My mother, who recently passed away at 93, went to high school in Rangely (late 1940's) where she met my dad who was an oil field worker. She had great memories and stories about the area. Thanks!

[@mickeybrumfield764]

It is rather remote in that area. I drove through the area after visiting the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area to the north of that area. There are certainly a lot of places to camp at. I use a 12 volt portable frig also after having used ice and a cooler for a long time. They are a game changer as far as convenience and ease of use are concerned. I run mine off a regular 12 volt deep cell battery, which was quite inexpensive, and have a solar generator like a Jackery as a backup. I would never run it off of the car battery without the engine running out of concern of running down the car battery in a remote area. The prices of these portable frigs have come down so much that they don't cost much more than a regular ice cooler.

[@sharondavis8003]

Love the random rock formation, the go pro drive, ZERO PEOPLE & yes, Tristan, include me in the kindred spirit idea with you & the cabin dweller 😊 Great video as always. 🙋🏼‍♀️👍🏻

[@carolsmith7380]

Very enjoyable video, Tristan. Get busy writing the book you mentioned about mountains you can drive up.....I'd buy and read it . Enjoyed all the things you showed us today....rock art, great scenery, awesome rock formations, and the lizard🦎 . Have a safe trip home. See you next week!!

[@cargotrailerkenny]

Very good video. I watched every minute. The nicest thing besides the beauty there is the lack of people. Such a great feeling when you know you're surrounded by hundreds of acres of land and you have it all to yourself. Peace

[@richard_n]

The best road trips are those where you have time to stop and check out the sites. That's the #1 reason I love sleeping in my vehicle, you don't have to rush to make a reservation somewhere. It's twice as good if there are truck stops in the area where you can stop to take a shower and clean up.

[@deanjennings5684]

Tristen you might know of this place but I'll share it. While on a camping trip I was rolling into Springerville, AZ and stopped at the Casa Malpais Archaeological Park and Museum. Great Place! The docents there told me about the archaeological site nearby and offered me a tour which I gladly accepted. This nice and well informed gentleman showed me around and pointed out a pictograph of figures with a straight line drawn down the middle, The guide explained that at noon on the summer solstice the shadow of a rock overhead on the cliff would cast it's straight shadow right on the line. The shadow was approaching the line slowly. We could see it move over a couple minute's time. We both marveled at that. That prompted me to wonder what time it was. It was 11:30 am! I hadn't thought of what day it was. It was June 21st! The day before the summer solstice! We waited for the half hour to pass and watched the shadow move and cross the line at a little bit before 12 noon. Talk about a high noon for me!

[@davkatjenn]

I love areas of the country that are way off the beaten path. This area looks excellent. I can see why Tristan kind of got lost in it and ended up spending more time than he had originally thought he would spend. It is easy to do that and so much fun.

[@joelechner466]

Always enjoy the videos! I work on Saturdays, but the first thing I do when I get to the office is I eat my breakfast and watch the latest video - starts the day off right.

[@justlookin3]

It’s always a treat to tag along with you on these adventures. Thanks for sharing them.

[@PawnInTyme]

Don't worry about your videos not going to plan. I really enjoy them, detours and all. You're showing me (us - your viewers) places I'll likely never go, and this country we live in is so beautiful!

[@waynefirman882]

Perfect timing, I have eyed that area with the intent of exploring it. You have turned in to the best recon asset. Thanks

[@sheronlee152]

It's so serene to start my Saturday off with my coffee watching you and the places you go. My heart is fully entranced with the southwest. (Where I spent much of my youth) But at 76 this old Grammy won't be hiking anymore. You are so blessed to be doing what you do. You talk about solitude and not seeing anyone for miles or days, I hope you have a way of being found in case of emergency. Remember when coyote works Jeep caught fire in the middle of nowhere? 😢😮thankfully he got help.

[@soonerbmama6727]

My hometown is Grand Junction. I appreciate all your videos, but especially when I get to see your exploration in my neck of the woods. I graduated from Fruita Monument which is on the border of Colorado and Utah on I-70. It is a nice option to drive to the top of a mountain especially with elderly relatives, friends who may not be able to hike to enjoy this beautiful world of ours. Be safe!

[@zekeedmondson2001]

Tristan I've watched your videos for a couple years. You just keep getting better and better. Nobody does it better and you're an awsome human being. Thank you so much brother

[@kellyjohnson3617]

The road that goes up Mt Shasta in CA goes up very high. Not to the top but up to an old ski bowl that was at a very high elevation but closed long ago due to an avalanche. But you can drive up higher in elevation than any other mountain in the US. You can hike to the top of Shasta from there. Even if you don’t, the views are spectacular

[@terris6322]

I absolutely love the quiet solitude of that place also!

[@fj9460-lr]

You second stop, the wonderful rock sculptures, the beautiful landscapes you take the time to stop and visit that aren’t the main attraction, it part of the journey; these are the types of things that you take time to share with us that keep me coming back to your channel Tristian 👍🏼

[@cindynichols27]

Fabulous to see those meandering, inexplicable dividing lines between green and desert from the top of the mountain. I was surprised at how high and beautiful the view was. And I love your love of solitude, Tristan. Makes me feel less weird lol. *Always* a big YES to rock art. And thumbs-up to visiting the relatively oddball, obscure areas of a map. It's fascinating to see the hidden-away gems. Lastly, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of doing more car drives to mountain tops!! I'm yet another of your more senior viewers, and can't do rigorous hikes anymore. But I'll be damned if that will keep me from seeking out mountain views and solitary landscapes. It's great that you help us find those places.

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

Desenish. That's always the best. I took a sharp righ(while heading E)t in Gallup NM. You know the place everyone makes fun of. Found some 1800 and before scratches on a cliff. There was an old cabin made entirely of railroad track timber. It had something to do with the railroad. RT 66 was just a mile North. History all around. So, I drove up on top of the platue in AZ and watched the black clouds move in. Very much drama. I walked out towards the cliff and at the edge I see this beautiful mesquite tree. It had a dead cow lying under it with a branch on top. Hmmm, let's see. A cow got under the tree to get out of the rain. A bolt of lightening hit the tree and killed the cow and blew the branch off and I'm standing right in the same place. I moved away. I've had several close encounters with lightening. I think I've pushed it far enough. Very good vid. Hope to see more. Nice fireplace with some steel. The petroglyphs have been enhanced and that sucks. Jackasses.

[@janwoodward7360]

Yes Tristan, it’s called chinking. A two step process…..fill the largest part of the hole with wood, straw, twigs…what ever you’ve got, then smear a coat of mud, clay, adobe, cement. Seals the wall from breezes. Finished chinking has a concave shape to help it shed water..I’ve done many a replica cabin and one really old (1700’s) structure. A lot of work, but can be fun.

[@susanauer6715]

I think the wooden slat chinking is called Swedish cope. I used to chink for a company in Tennessee.

[@ontheroadid]

"One of the great joys in life is to be on top of a mountain, and have it all to yourself." Truer words have never been spoken.

[@kenweber2162]

A book on mountain peaks you can drive to would be awesome! Sawtell Peak, just a little southwest of West Yellowstone, is one I would recommend. Beautiful view of Henry's Lake below and even the tops of the Tetons to the southeast. There was FAA communication equipment at the top, like one of those giant soccer ball things. We enjoy your content and look forward to your next adventure!

[@natlovell122]

As always, thanks for sharing your adventure in this beautiful area of Colorado. I’ve been to Colorado 4 times now and it really is a beautiful state.

[@teslah2997]

I always see and learn of so much of this country of ours that I would never see, thanks to you, Tristan! Your videos are like no others, and by far, much better! Thanks so much for doing what you do

[@nanvaughn2258]

Thanks Tristan. We have explored that area a couple of years ago along with Dinosaur NP. After watching this video it’s on our list for next summer’s adventures. You are always so informative and adventurous. Thanks again

[@Jaypher]

Your videos are so inspiring for me to get out and explore!

[@FLY-LIFE-BALANCE]

Hello Tristan, thank you for your inspiring videos! I'm really excited about them because I also have a great passion for remote areas, and nature is just amazing! Thanks for sharing!

[@MikeleSalaud]

As much as I like driving through the Flint Hills of Kansas, I need to get to Colorado soon.

[@maricogan2903]

Just love the roof top GoPro view. Great editing. Thank you.

[@leemowers9395]

There is nothing like a slimy salad to reduce your appetite. I love the deserted drives. We went to the 3 corner marker of Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado. It was beautiful and deserted. We saw 6 Mule Deer with full racks a hundred or so yards away, a family of turkeys with chicks, and zero people. An easy drive with an suv. thanks Tristan for sharing.

[@davidstrumsky7012]

Ahh dirt-road adventures, love 'em. One of the best reasons to go solo is you can switch plans... you can stop, get out and walk to look closer at rock formations and yesss climb into them. Thanks again and again for bringing us along, Tristan.

[@annhysell6064]

Tristan, I loved this video. Such a GREAT area. Definitely, book focused on driving to the top of mountains would be 👍as my mom loves to travel, but can't walk far. I did not realize the limitations camping and lack of devices/access. (I should have as I'm a nurse). So I'm inventing our own. Keep up the great work. Be well.

[@kimprocarione5473]

The petrified log and its imprint were my favorite. Then using a cleft as a chimney. And, of course, the indigenous art. I would love to see them during solstice!

[@BrendaHaltom-cs6ck]

Loved The Rock Art! Great Solstice One! Glad you drove to the top of Texas Mt!❤️😀🇺🇸🚙🌏

[@annieyahu676]

❤ Thanks for Sharing all the rock art!!!! I find it fascinating to study them and the cultures of yesteryears ❤😊

[@cramias1]

V-bar-V heritage site in Arizona also has petroglyphs that function as a celestial calendar. The rock formation that cast the shadows has unfortunately broken off, but the petroglyphs are still viewable. Worth checking out if you're in the Sedona area

[@RangerMcFriendly]

I can see up to Douglas Pass at the Texas Mountain overlook. There is an FAA Radar Dome up there and if you park outside the gate, on the left side there is a well-known shale deposit with leaf/insect/flower fossils. I have some amazing finds from splitting the endless shale there.

[@1WillyK]

Cool video. Right on the edge of my stomping grounds in an area I've not explored yet. It's been on my radar for a few years now but just haven't made it yet. I've driven Hwy139 from Rangely to I-70 before and stopped at several of the sites along the way but that's it. As a matter of fact, I took that road on my way to Durango and drove Hwy 141 as well down to Gateway and along the Dolores river due to a previous video of yours. That highway took me totally by surprise as I didn't anticipate the sheer beauty of the route. Thanks Tristan!

[@ceceliaroberts1475]

Thanks again Tristan! Stellar video.

[@markweaver1012]

A suggestion for the GoPro battery when mounting on the car -- get a replacement battery door that exposes the charging port and then tape a power-brick next to the GoPro and keep it plugged into the brick. I do this when making winter biking videos (although I put the camera on the hood rather than the top of the car, because I don't want the hood in the shot).

[@RLeeVanCamps]

It’s not a destination it’s about the journey!! Thanks for taking us along. Luv the views 😊

[@bonniecline5014]

37 yr Colorado resident here...thanks for a great video! Never been to that NW corner & now it's on my road trip list! My list is getting longer😅. It's great to have a preview of places in this state to go, where I live! Really appreciate your videos...keep em coming! ❤

[@jimsretiring2024]

Thanks for another very interesting episode!

[@cherylmiller-day5932]

Loved the "spur of the moment" adventure!! The top of the mountain was beautiful. Thank you Tristan!

[@virginiajorgensen8614]

Another beautiful area. Thanks for sharing.

[@bobgiacopasi]

I appreciate how your drone work has evolved over the time I've followed you. Kudos! As a kid who grew up in NYC I truly appreciate your love of solitude in your travels.

[@lindamartin2045]

Yes, beautiful and tranquil. Very interesting vintage cabin with rock cliff chimney. Take care.

[@debdennison6947]

It is a treat to have this wonderful video to start today!😊! Thank you Tristan. You create wonderful videos.

[@shawnnorrell1686]

I love the driving videos because it shows me how it feels to drive the roads. That and the drone shots are my favorite

[@steveduffy5784]

You captured the magic with those great drone shots as you were driving up the mountain. Great video. I'm a solitude junky so thanks for the joy ride through this remote and beautiful place. Way to travel, making up your day as you go, by whatever looks adventurous, intresting, and fun.

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Enjoyed your video. Thanks so much!

[@funzeevanzee]

Great video

[@jobabs]

Great video, Tristan! Was just in Meeker then east to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area over Labor Day Weekend, but have not been to the area you were in. Thanks for sharing!

[@krazedkamper]

You love solitude like I do. Makes me feel like I'm not alone, and i enjoy your videos of exploring more than any other content creator. Keep them coming. I'm planning to hit up a couple of your spots near Moab in a couple weeks!

[@jjanson50]

Wonderful episode. There's a Solstice petroglyph near Gila Bend, AZ at a spot called Painted Rock Petroglyph Site. Last December I visited the site coincidentally on the Solstice. Very neat to see the sun/shadow bisect the spiral art. I would have missed it but for a photographer who was stop-action filming the event. Super cool. Note there is campground right there as well. (Half hour from Gila Bend)

[@stephenjohnson9733]

A couple years ago I drove through NW Colorado on my way to Dinosaur National Monument. I was surprised how empty and desolate it was compared to the rest of the state.

[@markgibsons_SWpottery]

These trips never get old!!! Thanks again!

[@wanderlust62]

My plan usually includes a detour... last Friday had three! That petrified wood with bark is cool! So is the solstice!

[@billdee6398]

You are incredibly articulate & always on topic. 🙏🏻

[@jeffMinnesota952]

I like to wander back roads too, thanks for sharing Tristan...

[@alexanderrestucci3604]

Every single video you make is gold, bro.

[@brian1204]

Very cool trip. I’ve not been in that part of Colorado. I have a funny reaction to your time-elapsed driving on the dirt roads! I keep thinking “ooooh, he’s going too fast!” 😂

[@myjourneysinfaith]

What a great ride. Love the scenery

[@carolguezen5829]

As always…another great video. Your videos are always so enjoyable! Thanks for showcasing your talent!

[@joedadbod8450]

Another great video, Tristan! I am planning a trip from Arkansas to Spokane early next summer, so I enjoy your explorations and get ideas of what to do/see that's off the beaten path. We all love to explore a new route every time we drive out that way, so keep on keeping on, and I may try a few of your spots along our journey this next year, Lord willing.

[@PaulRowan]

I'm always inspired by your channel, and thoroughly enjoy all your content trips, thank you very Tristen. This is a amazing area indeed, with magnificent terrain. Hike , Recon and Discover friend!

[@geogypsytraveler]

Yet another great day and video. I love travel with unexpected stops.

[@phyllisbonner8900]

Thanks again for the beauty of the places where few go. I love the unexpected and always want to see what is just around the corner. Keep up the good work

[@tompfeiffer2755]

Love❤the “Sun Dagger!”

[@sugarkym]

As always, informative and fun. I look forward to your new adventures every week, thank you for sharing! You are one cool dude!

[@baronepam]

Hey, Tristan. I enjoy your videos. I am a paper map person, so, very grateful for the variety of ways you convey "this is where i am " when hiking do you ever refer to the topo maps from the USGS?

[@juliafromwisconsin]

Another great video! On the subject of the landscape looking green, here in Wisconsin it is usually very green and so different in that way from out west. But we had a bad drought earlier this year in southern WI and so everything was brown by mid-summer. I took a trip to Colorado in August and I was amazed to see things more green out in CO than back home. Even in western Colorado near where you were in this video the vegetation was sparse but green in August - also saw the same kind of lizard you showed in this film. I love seeing the pictographs and petroglyphs you show. Great score on the fridge - that area sure is beautiful, thanks again!

[@katmogstad1692]

2nd fridge is nice with the tie down “loops”.

[@kennybunker2081]

I purchased an ICECO JP40 DC Fridge for my RAV4. Great addition to my adventure rig.

[@johnmcdonald1306]

Great historical orrating of the areas exploring

[@freedomdove]

Nice trip! Great find on the new fridge. 👍

[@judegypsywoman3934]

Tristan, there was a fire in Douglas Pass in the summer of 2021. They actually closed down traffic on 139 for about a month as the fire came right up to the road. Not sure but the burn on Texas Mountain that you saw may have been caused by that fire.

[@leedonehower3112]

Given your battery issue with the GoPro on your roof, I recently purchased a Yeecore 4K dash cam that gives great video capture. I've set it to turn on/off with the car and it uses up to a 512GB micro SD card which can store several days of driving. Best of all, it's wired directly into the car's fuse array although you could also plug it into a cigarette lighter plug if your vehicle has one. I know you have several vehicles so this might not be a viable option but you might want to consider it. It also comes with a rear facing camera which is only 1080p. As for driving to the tops of mountains, I love the drive to the top of Mount Mitchell, North Carolina… the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.

[@NoOverhead]

Awesome!! Planning on Dinosaur and Flaming Gorge while you’re there? Two areas that don’t get enough love.

[@michelleharrell8452]

Thankyou for info re fridge connected to a solar panel connected to the roof of a vehicle. Cool setup & noted this info so I can research such items. Loved the driving on nice smooth roads. Cannot climb fear of heights plus fear of falling. I leave that to tall slim men who are professionals as this is what they doing.

[@johnmcdonald1306]

don't blame you and wish i could have been hanging out on that isolated mountain . Dam thanks for taking me there

[@bridgetmuehlberger5141]

I love plan-buster adventures! There’s nothing like seeing that offshoot of your planned road, and taking it just to see where it goes. I’ve found those detours always share something interesting! On a different note, how old is the Highlander? Did I see an ashtray in the backseat door?! 😮😂 Do cars even have those anymore? 😊

[@Terraducky]

This looks like a great place to wander. Great video today!

[@debrabalawajder2617]

I love those “mind blowing” locations, too! Kind of been near that area; we drove down 139 from Dino. Natl Monument to Moab and that was a very scenic drive. I would love driving up that mountain and enjoying the views! Thanks for sharing!

[@jerrymestas1231]

I'll wait for your book😬 great video I would do the detours as well. Nice to have a day that isn't planned.

[@terris6322]

Thanks Tristan for another extremely enjoyable and informative video!

[@rosevilleca38.75]

Absolutely beautiful remote rangeland.

[@JerryChambliss]

Thank you for the video. I love it! You are a very talented young man.

[@ricomacpherson6845]

Thank you for another enlightened video

[@robertross2596]

There's always a couple of things on your videos that catch my eye. The first one was the rock formations at the beginning....so many places out west remind me of other sites. Those rock pillars reminded me of Devil's Garden along Hole-in-the-Rock Rd except that were a bit more uniform tan in color; they also appeared to be in a steeper terrain. Secondly, the solstice petroglyphs/pictographs were certainly akin to the one at Chaco Canyon. I'm sure you often notice the similarities! Thanks for the Big Empty tour!😊

[@vickihubach4388]

I enjoy your spontaneity and flexibility! And that you go to places that 99.9% of us would never think of going. It is good to see these sections of our country, thanks for sharing them!!

[@glmaughan]

Love your travels. I also love your Tenkara fishing videos, but as one who loves eating fresh trout, it is getting very hard to know where to fish without restrictions or running into "stockers".

[@e.c.8668]

check out Kavenaugh Ridge i the eastern Sierra Nevada. Just south of Bridgeport, CA. 10,000 ft elevation and you can drive up it with your truck.

[@pixelpeter3883]

Loved the on-the-road footage; shows off the environment you're in very well! Guess you do drive and operate your quadcopter at the same time? :-)

[@paulas_lens]

Were the gas wells quieter than those at Angel Peak in New Mexico?

[@virginiaallen4723]

We camped at Navajo Lake on the border and I know what you mean.

[@stevenrldenault7451]

Hi, looks like a quiet area I’d love to explore. While I’m from northern Canada and familiar with wild pests and animals to be aware of I have no idea what to watch out for in the terrain you are in now or any part of the arid south. Have you ever done a video on what creatures to be aware of and how avoid or deal with them? Steve (67yrs)

[@johnmcdonald1306]

I miss the climbing so much but age has paid its toll

[@lindamcgowen4597]

Beautiful country!