SW TREK PART 3: Trekking Across the Nevada Desert

In this third and final chapter of my voyage across the southwest, I take a couple of days to wander across vast open desert lands of Nevada and find some interesting spots along the way.
Prequel: Vlogging from Eugene to Flagstaff + Expo West
• Overland Expo West 202...
SW Trek Part 1: Arizona
• SW TREK PART 1: Coming...
SW Trek Part 2: Utah
• SW TREK PART 2: Utah r...
Some of the gear I use:
Jackery Explorer 1500 Power Station:
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Diode Dynamics SS3 LED pods
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My 12V fridge:
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Camp Chef Mountaineer Stove:
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de Buyer 9½" carbon steel frying pan
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Reliance Beverage Buddy 4-gallon water container
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Claymore Capon cap bill clip-on light:
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Coleman Woodsman II camp chair:
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Expedition Research Ultra-light Kettle:
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Claymore 3 Face camp light:
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Music Credits
All music fully licensed via artlist.io
"Summer in Oxford" by Jakub Pietras
"Dreams" by Alex Keren
"Hidden Cove" by Alon Peretz
"Submersed" by Eleven Tales
"Gritty Desert Slide" by Falconer
"Southern Renegade" by Evert Z
"Zapenath-Paneah" by Quinten Coblentz
"Momentum" by Borrtex

[@pbsalfen]

Camped there several times. Good idea to have some sort of light/s marking your camp at night. Speed/alcohol/dust, can obscure nighttime drivers on the playa.

[@softroadingthewest]

This is an important detail I should have pointed out. In fact, I normally won't camp out on a playa, preferring to tuck into edges to be safe, for a couple of reasons. I made an exception in this case because it was a weeknight and there was just nobody out there. But yes, absolutely, it happens that people go ripping across the playa at high speed at night, and if they were to happen upon your camp, they wouldn't see it until it was too late. Lights visible in all directions is a wise choice if you want to camp somewhere out on a playa. The other danger is if rains happen to come in the middle of the night. It can turn the lakebed into a muddy mess that is impossible to drive out of. Here again, in my case the forecast was clear, but I would recommend not camping out on a playa if there is any chance of rain.

[@danhohman]

I was thinking exactly the same thing as I saw Donald setting up for the night. It reminded me of how we always need to light up our boat when we anchor out for the night.

[@RVingwithG]

@@softroadingthewest DANG, and to think that I am just xx miles from there... 12:48

[@frenchfryfarmer436]

I was thinking the EXACT thing ..even though I have never camped on one.

[@sagebrushbob2321]

There is nothing in the world more humbling than camping in the middle of an empty playa on a clear night. The endless bowl of stars overhead are bright enough to read by and the sheer size of the star field shows us how small we really are in the grand scheme of the universe. Thanks for taking us on the ride Donald. Until next time...

[@GamerNxUSN]

In the middle of the ocean on a calm night is like that. Vast.

[@solosaga5091]

The saddest part of traveling alone is not sharing the experience and memories directly with those special in our lives. It takes strength to take on that challenge, much less succeed. Appreciate your work, and your sacrifice, my friend. Wonderful series Donald. Beautiful.

[@softroadingthewest]

I will say, when I'm out alone, it doesn't feel like a sacrifice. :-) I'm an introvert and am most at ease by myself. There are a few other reasons I actually relish these moments, but that's a deep rabbit hole of personal TMI, haha. Perhaps one day I may like to share these experiences with someone special, but I'm still just not ready for that yet. :-)

[@jjaqui702]

Lived in Nevada for 20 years, loved taking side roads off 93 and 95. Those high desert cold nights will definitely catch you off guard. Awesome shot of the wild horses. Another great adventure, thanks for sharing.

[@M8rray]

You’re a good man! No politics and great content. Please 👍 keep it up.

[@BackroadExploration]

Loved this series! Nevada is vastly underrated. The small sections of it I’ve travelled have left me yearning for more! So many inspiring places in this video alone!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Jared!

[@remaguire]

The thing I really like about places like the Black Rock Desert is the absolute quiet.

[@scanfan]

Probably your most cinematic piece so far!

[@kimsmith9917]

One of my favorites of yours. Love the random exploration.

[@mikemorgan4670]

That was indeed a great trip. Thank you for sharing it with us. We enjoyed it very much.

[@stevendavies3563]

Thanks so much for taking us with you 👍

[@kimoc7329]

Highway 50 the Loneliest Highway in America is beautiful, I rode that one year in early October on a Harley as soon as the sun went down we nearly froze with 35 miles left to Ely and it took several "Old Fashions" at the Hotel Nevada to warm up.

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, that's awesome! I wished I had a little more time to check out a few of the small towns I went through. The Hotel Nevada looked far more appealing to me than those gigantic over-the-top hotel/casinos in Las Vegas. :-)

[@zackdemundo]

Mega-cool, Donald! Adding Cathedral to my list. Black Rock: did you see any bones of Burning Man campers who became impaired and wandered off into the desert to find ET? Hey, it happens. 😁🛸

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha!

[@northcoastoutdoorchannel]

So many angels on those driving shots! Your effort shows, thanks for sharing your adventure!

[@lloydmarche3058]

I took mine engineering in college. Geology has always been interesting for me. Those places are amazing. I hope to see it some day . Thanks for the wonderful tour. 👍

[@artem1085]

Amazing labyrinths. So beautiful

[@cowelk]

Very cool. I look forward to visiting some of these places on my next trip to and back from Oregon. I have made a few way points. Thank you for taking me along on your journey.

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

Always sad when a adventure comes to a end. Thanks for taking us along! George.

[@normankerr9948]

Great journey, Donald. John McPhee's "Basin and Range" is a good read for understanding the geology and topography of the inland West. Also, my first inclination was to tell you to turn back South and head for Utah. There's so much there to capture your attention...but, another time.

[@softroadingthewest]

Already planning a dedicated Utah trip. Between the driving time getting down to Flagstaff and spending three days AT Expo, it just didn't leave me enough time to do anything but scratch the surface on my way home. Utah has been at the top of my "Beyond Oregon" list for years and this tiny taste just confirmed my desire to spend more time there. :-)

[@mikewhite3855]

Very much appreciate you giving temperatures in Celsius and altitudes in metres on the screen.

[@danhohman]

Wonderful episode. Your joy over amazing geological features is contagious! Thank you for authentically sharing them with us. Your evening and morning shots on the playa were incredible! I love seeing your silhouette in those shots. It worked so well! I’m so glad you thought to mark your camera locations. I can see where it would be very easy to lose your bearing.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Dan! I was so pleasantly surprised by Nevada, it turned out to be an amazing leg of the trip for sure!

[@Peter-xtreme]

Those slot formations were amazing, thanks for sharing.

[@ThatOneDudeNick]

Glad to see a little taste Nevada on one of these channels. It often gets overlooked as just empty and ugly. I've heard people call it "flat" even though there are over 300 mountain ranges. There are a ton of gems here, you just have to do a little more work to find a many of them compared to our neighbors. I suggest exploring the Ruby mountains on a future visit.

[@rael6_4wd]

I love Nevada. (Born and raised) Especially the north/west quadrant. The Black Rock area is where I do most of my exploring. After the countless times I’ve been out there, I still haven’t seen it all. Great video Donald.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Sean! It's been nice to hear from Nevada people on this one. :-) That northwest corner isn't too excessively far for me. I had to sail through some areas that I'm eager to get back down to and take a closer look at for sure.

[@rael6_4wd]

@@softroadingthewest If you’re ever looking for company out there, it would be awesome to meet up, but I fully understand that I’m just one of MANY that would jump at a chance to hit the trail with you.

[@hangtough503]

@16:44 heavy energy. I can feel the silence and zero wind. Magical. D😎🇺🇸PDX

[@softroadingthewest]

It was so weird! I mean, I've camped plenty of times where there was no wind before, but the silence out here was somehow even more profound...perhaps the lack of trees and rocks for even my own noises to reverberate off of? It especially struck me when I was reviewing the footage for the edit, because the audio had a quality that was noticeably different than other times I've camped in silent, windless places. It was magical indeed. :-)

[@RevN3]

Those kilns are amazing! Slot canyons are super cool too. I went to some of those in the state park just north of St. George. Very nice sunset drone work at BRD!

[@kevinmiller7184]

I would assume many of your viewers love the desert, and the SW in general, as much as I do. That said, I think this installment represents your best videography and soundtrack selection to date. Well done. 50K subscribers is days if not hours away!

[@remaguire]

I don't quite understand it, but whenever I'm at Cathedral Gorge SP, the TV show Star Trek comes to mind. Can't figure it out, but no matter it is an amazing place.

[@jeffmorris739]

I am putting the last touches on my Tacoma to do what you are doing now. Thank you for the inspiration for so many of my projects. We are not off roading we are off the pavement exploring. Rock crawling is great but what I want to do is explore in a capable manor.

[@frenchfryfarmer436]

That would be my(and wifes) intent on extended vacations from back east in the years ahead. These travel channel/videos help EMENSLY to find cool little spots to go see in person. Trying to figure out how small/big of a van to build. It was thinking a cutaway E350 ambo w/ singled out rims/tires. Now I am thinking just keep it a standard van ambo. Maybe both (I have multiples of both already here) . I was planning to pull an ole CJ on a super light custom trailer.... maybe just skip that and hang moto off back of van.

[@CoasttoCascadia]

So fun!!! That part of the US was one of our favorite places to explore before moving to Oregon. The geology out there is just amazing!! Catching up on all your videos now! Can’t wait to see what the rest of your adventure brings you, happy holidays to you and your family. 😁

[@stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314]

The scenery is awesome.

[@elflordsjourneys]

Home means Nevada, lived here 30 years before I drove across hwy 50. Lots of,cool,stuff to see.😀

[@mattcaser6581]

Awesome scenery, well shot and edited.

[@nulcable]

The quality of the videos you do are amazing! Talk about some amazing road trips! Keep up the good work!

[@Robin-kf1yz]

Kudos. Great series of videos. Excellent work. This was my favorite.

[@dtaylor9673]

Very enjoyable with dramatic views.

[@jcblackmon]

Amazing adventure!! inspirational..thank you for sharing!

[@carolsmith7380]

Those first formations were so unique and very interesting! Glad you took the time to explore and film them and share them with us!!! Thank you 😊

[@pnwxplore]

Great series Donald! I’ve been wanting to go to some of these areas for some time!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Jaren. Totally worth the drive. I'm eager to get back down there.

[@henrikm4657]

Donald, please don’t take this the wrong way, but I crack up sometimes when I see the footage of your truck from the back. It kind of reminds me of a hearse with that tall canopy 😂 “Desert hearse” - kind of a catchy vehicle name 🤪 Great footage and awesome locations!

[@softroadingthewest]

I know! I agree with you completely, I really don't like how it looks from behind. I have plans for the rear that I think will improve the appearance, just a question of finding the time to get to it. I need to get the front end finished up before I dive into it back there. :-)

[@tomb2891]

You certainly find some awesome sights while exploring. Thanks for sharing!

[@stevec2775]

"Time to air up and head home!" I really enjoyed this series, and what a great way to end your travels - at Black Rock! Thanks for sharing your adventure with us!

[@goldviper5280]

What and awesome series.

[@broinsocali]

That's crazy. You can just stop in the middle of nowhere and camp. That is way cool, and looks like fun.

[@softroadingthewest]

I mean, you do have to be on public land, either National Forest or Bureau of Land Management lands (also usually possible on many state-managed lands like state forests). There are some rules that go with it, and these can vary a bit in different areas, so the best thing is to take a look at the website for the specific BLM or National Forest area you're headed into, as there can be restrictions in some areas. But yeah, you definitely don't need to be in a campground or anything on most BLM & National Forest lands. It IS fun. :-)

[@piperguy76]

Good work, Donald!!

[@garygoldsmith9844]

What a campsite on the playa!

[@EagleOne49]

Epic series, Donald! Thoroughly enjoyed it. You have really upped the production value of your videos. Videography, music selections, editing, etc. - it all worked fantastically. Thanks! (Edward S)

[@909lilac]

Great stuff Donald!

[@dougsfan9984]

Amazing!! Outstanding!!

[@Raazorred1]

Outstanding camera work! 👍👍

[@PaydayGabeBCNV]

I'm really glad you gave our Wonderful State a brief visit 😊. 40 years ago it won my heart, and I don't think I've regretted one minute. Blackrock was spectacular. And you were definitely blessed w/ no wind🙏. Come back again Amigo. The door is always open. Cheers 🍻, G. In beautiful Boulder City Nv. USA 🇺🇸

[@softroadingthewest]

I guarantee you, I will be back. I have multiple Nevada trips in mind already. Wish it didn't take me a whole day of driving just to get there. :-)

[@PaydayGabeBCNV]

@@softroadingthewest ,, Yeah,, I feel your pain. The driving can be a bit tedious considering the distances between locations 🤷‍♂️. See you later. ✌

[@andrewbarbour5356]

Great segment of the trip, you captured the playa sunrise perfectly. Fantastic camera work and editing on this.

[@expat0149]

Stunning !!!!!

[@malifestro3319]

Donald I've been watching you since you were a tiny channel because you were from my area. It's been such an amazing journey and to watch your talents expand! Great job!

[@frenchfryfarmer436]

Thats the best way to see Matt.... instead of "we got a call"

[@rbstride]

Amazing cinematography! I appreciate the effort that goes in to making such an aesthetically pleasing recounting of your adventures.

[@wanderingtundra6310]

Donald, another amazing adventure. Thank you for taking us along with you.

[@pawadventures5544]

Very nice adventure. 👍🏻😎

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Wow! Such an outstanding presentation! That ....approach to Black Rock...that alone was over the top!! You have a deep appreciation for the SW and its infectious calling or pulling us back... The drone footage during that approach almost gives one the sense of scale . Well, sorta. Ya know what I mean. Well done, Sir! Enjoyed all three!

[@calilocal4134]

what an awesome video!👌👌👌

[@yakinkate7946]

Lovely trip, thank you for taking me along via your videos.

[@kkamm1617]

I'm from Las Vegas but I have property up in northern Nevada outside of Ely. Summer is beautiful in northern Nevada and I spend a lot of time there to escape the heat. That's when you need to take a roadtrip. During the winter month's it'll get below zero there.

[@softroadingthewest]

That's good to know...I would have just assumed it to be too hot in summer. I have little tolerance for heat and am always looking for summer destinations that stay a little cooler. I had no idea so much of Nevada was so high elevation. I was stunned to come down out of mountain passes and into valleys and find I was still well over 6,000 feet. In Oregon, many of our mountain passes barely even reach 6,000 feet and I live in a valley at about 400 feet. :-) Another great reason to spend more time in Nevada!

[@madcratebuilder]

This has been a great series but this video really knocked it out of the park.

[@tpseeker3367]

Donald I don't know how you do it & don't want to know how you do it butt Every Vid just seems to get better each & every time. Keep up the Great work & Thanks again for taking us along on your adventures. ps Might want to get them brake pads checked.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks! The brakes only squeak when they get dusty...the rest of the time - wetter conditions, or generally clean around town - they don't make any noise.

[@vibeofadventure]

Awesome trip!

[@alsims8280]

Excellent to see you enjoying yourself, and sharing it with others. Thanks again!

[@richardburguillos3118]

Great segment. This was a fun trip. New lands with new people… The last day on the desert was beautiful. Each type or kind of land has its own unique beauty. Thanks for taking us along.

[@tracklifex5259]

Thanks for taking us exploring with you. Black rock looks great 🇦🇺

[@douglansburg4545]

Thanks for taking us along

[@satajet883]

Great trip👍

[@missouritimberwolf3677]

Fantastic!!

[@taco472]

Great video,really enjoyed the series. That last shot already had me thinking about that ‘getting back to the camera’ thing.

[@angelmae989]

These would make great filming locations for TV shows and movies

[@fwdadventuresza254]

A wonderful series full of phenomenal scenery....thanks for sharing...and inspiring 🤝🏻

[@Sergiop4x]

I genuinely love your videos. inspiration to travel alone every now and then

[@davec9244]

thank you good tip on the GPS, See you on the flip, flop. stay safe

[@darrylk808]

Finding your way back to the camera...bread crumbs! Another great video. I was in Ely NV a couple months ago and would have loved to go down to Cathedral Gorge, I didn't know it was there, until now...maybe next time.

[@njlillegard]

Amazing production on this one. Inspiring and entertaining.

[@daveoffroad7396]

Nice job..!

[@bertkelly7650]

Enjoyed this series, thanks! Enjoy your holidays!

[@scottymac5174]

Actually you picked the best time to explore the Black Rock. We have had an abnormally dry, hot Fall. Not the place to be in July.

[@thomasquigley7040]

What a great series. Thanks!

[@randallharmsen5802]

Job well done Donald! The vastness of Nevada is underestimated.

[@erichughes9098]

Thank you for you’re beautiful and inspiring video makes me want to go to the Southwest more.😎👍

[@metaxaanabeer]

How you feel about your various deserts is very similar to how I feel about my high, western arctic trips. I can see why you want to return time and again. Once I drive past tree line and am in the vastness of the MacKenzie/Peel River delta with nothing but muskeg and water and tundra surrounding me... Something about it changes you as a human.

[@pala4833]

Your genuine excitement really comes through here. What a great adventure. Thanks Donald for sharing. #427

[@black_widow_overland]

Amazing trip. Really enjoyed it. Safe travels

[@MeanOneMeanOne]

Beautiful finale, Donald! Cheers!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks!

[@imhidingintheshop8889]

absolutely gorgeous!

[@mtnbound2764]

wow great video! one day im going to have to go check out some of these low mountain deserts!

[@clifford_overland]

This is the best one in the series yet! The black rock desert was amazing!!! But why do you have to ruin it with the mushrooms🤣

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha! Does that mean you don't want a signed copy of my new cookbook? Marvelous Mushroom Meals: My Forty Favorite Fancy Fungus Feasts

[@clifford_overland]

@@softroadingthewest omg I just spit a little coffee out laughing at this! 😂😂😂

[@dennischeslock7782]

One great video Donald!!!😀😁😆😎 Dennis from Delaware

[@lordscarfinger267]

Thx for sharing this trip with us! Always great to watch you doing what you do 😃 And I can honestly say, watching this video of yours, were the best 21 minutes and 24 seconds I've spent this week! And will there ever be a shirt that reads: "It's time to air up and head home" with your logo?

[@softroadingthewest]

Ohhh that's a good idea. I can make that happen. :-)

[@the_average_fisherman_hawaii]

Fantastic video! I wish we had more land/options to do these kinds of things in Hawaii. I’m a little jealous lol

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, FWIW, each time I've been in Hawaii, I've found myself more than a little jealous of those who live there and inevitably fantasized about giving up mainland life, buying a funky little shack, and spending time on the beach every day for the rest of my life. :-)

[@dpmmount]

we love our homes in Nevada and Oregon. If you are ever south again let us know we would be happy to show you around. @mojitoadventures

[@mastervoni1285]

Don't forget "Burning Man" on the Black Rock Playa.

[@softroadingthewest]

I actually filmed a whole segment about that, but decided to cut it as I just wasn't happy with how it worked into the flow and feel of the overall episode. Those who know, know. :-)

[@bajasoobnut]

Cathedral gorge looked like it belonged in the pages (at least in the newest version of the film at least) of Dune, I swear.

[@bajasoobnut]

And again you are very welcome! :-)

[@KristopherEbarb]

15:38 Cool shot!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Kristopher, I think it's my favorite drone shot ever!

[@coddiwomplecolster7329]

That was beautifully filled and well edited, all but the sound. You need to do something about the driving monologues, we can't hear you for the ambient noise of the truck.

[@softroadingthewest]

Agreed. This is a budget operation and I am juggling travel/shooting time, gas money, video editing, trying to DIY build my truck, day job work, and family time. So I do what I can with what I have, but I agree entirely that this is a weak point in my productions. I keep looking at investing in mic systems, but seems there's always something else that's a higher priority. I mean, what comes first, satellite comms in case of emergency or a mic system? A winch so I can get myself out of trouble or a mic system? Believe me, I have long had my eye on audio upgrades. It's probably even more frustrating for me editing this stuff than it is for you watching it...I have to fight with this audio every week, haha. :-) Hopefully one day my budget will allow purchasing all the gear I need.

[@jonnyt16]

Oh man next time you're going through northwestern Nevada let me know I have an awesome destination to camp at. Its a really cool ghost town but don't want to really reveal it here in the comments.