The Great IGNORED Desert of the American West

[@Gail-gf7km]

Ranchers often put goldfish in stock ponds to help keep the water clean and reduce mosquitoes. Gold fish can survive even though the surface may freeze.

[@SUVRVing]

Fascinating! Good to know 👍

[@jimperry4420]

What do they eat?

[@Gail-gf7km]

@@jimperry4420 bugs, algae, any other detritus that falls into the water. Mosquito larvae. They can grow quite large.

[@ConnieWojahn]

@@Gail-gf7km Maybe tidbits of grass and such which falls out of the cattle mouths. Cattle and sheep use water sources to clean their mouths since they don't brush their teeth. Dogs and cats do this too.

[@willar7179]

@@jimperry4420 when we had horses, my dad put goldfish in their water tank to eat the mosquito larvae. They would nibble on the horses’ noses as they drank. Probably eating the ground up grass from the horses’ mouths. The horses didn’t seem to mind.

[@raelene9703]

The obsidian with the brown in it is called Mahogany obsidian. Has many great properties. Love this video as I do all of yours. Thanks so much

[@reneepowell8541]

Love that you often explore these places that fly under the radar. My favorite spot was the Paxton Corral. How cool to just walk around and look at the rock art...no entry fee, no well-beaten trail, no fences, wow!

[@Randoestoes]

In Australia the aboriginal paintings on the rocks was to tell tribes passing through the type of food in the area that was available Love your exploring videos ❤

[@jamesreynolds6806]

Love your channel. Thanks for not trying to pretend that you're the first human to "find" these special places and for giving the names of some of the locations. I, like you, have spent most of my 60 years climbing and exploring the backroads of Utah and learning about these cool sites. I love experiencing these unique locales. Keep up the great vids!

[@gardencompost259]

Those obsidian pieces are napped, the leftovers from making points/ arrowheads. You can tell by what is called the bulb of percussion. How cool. Yes, of course with a spring and all, a perfect campsite.

[@djmygui]

Good Morning!!!! I make it a point to start off my Saturdays watching your content! Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us !!!!

[@SUVRVing]

I appreciate you watching every week! 😁

[@carmelahearle957]

I'm an adventurous person. I love this adventure you took us on. I have been in many places out there. I liked the black spring! Also I didn't know the Sevier lake even had any water at all. I liked the salt crystal shapes. 💙

[@ceceliaroberts1475]

You never disappoint, Tristan. This brings back memories of when I lived in Utah and explored it. I'm glad people ignore it.

[@eddymahon1503]

I know. I wish more people would ignore Zion.

[@1nvisible1]

*Stone Corral: Very cool, not sure it's as new as you think, only potential indication of heavy equipment was right angle lower right of @**5:37**, but you could've easily done same with a team of oxen.*

[@sharondavis8003]

Sevier Lake by far! The turquoise pool was beautiful 😮 Did you notice how artistically done the long horned stag was beside the circle drawing with the hole in the middle was? Caught my eye right away. 😊 So great to know that there is someone besides me who loves the serene & calming atmosphere of being one with nature far from the noisy crowds. 👍🏻🙋🏼‍♀️

[@marknovak2413]

After the flood years in the '80s, Sevier Lake was full. Once we camped at its north end, just a short distance off Hwy. 6/50. There was an actual beach, and with the typical south wind, big waves were crashing up on it. The water was warm, and at night a full moon was shimmering on the huge lake. You'd never think you were in western UT!

[@SUVRVing]

Wow, that's amazing! Thanks for sharing.

[@ConnieWojahn]

Sounds magical!

[@vincentsmalley3073]

Wow that wouldve been a sight to see

[@OsoViejo7]

It's awesome that you go exploring in a region that may not have the spectacular formations that Utah is famous for but does have plenty of solitude and is pretty wide open. Keep it up!

[@pattyweiland4882]

Tristan, would you (or other Utah explorers) trust a RAV4 to explore areas like in this video? Thank you!

[@kstigerlily]

I love obsidian, and really enjoyed seeing the obsidian beds- but every part of this trip was informative and visually intriguing. I look forward to your Saturday videos!!! Not a single one leaves me without making a mental note for a future exploration. Thank you!

[@1nvisible1]

*For those unaware, Obsydian is volcanic glass, brown and reds are from hematite or iron oxide in the glass and sometime you'll find a piece that's got microbubbles in it that's gold. Indigenoug folks made arrowheads from them.*

[@brian1204]

Loved the Paxton Corral, all of the pictographs are amazing. Also the turquoise pool in the salt lake. Awesome.

[@donalddday7741]

the fish will eat the algae to keep tank clean, had a home in the real Northern California it had a small pond with gold fish in it when i got it and i never gave them food plus it would freeze solid every winter cause it was only around 1.5 feet deep and the fish survived every winter

[@curtdrahn8522]

Thanks for answering my question.

[@johnd746]

For me the most interesting part was why if the people who built the corrals had the equipment to move all those heavy rocks, that they didn't build something a little less troublesome. Obviously the dry lake bed was cool, but I also like the mountain, with the views from your drone. Thanks as usual for taking us with you on this adventure.

[@ruggedland]

Fantastic episode. Utah seems to be full of obscure, otherworldly places just waiting to be explored

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Outstanding scenery! Shawn Willsey, a geology professor out of Utah did a video of that white mountain. The SW has the kind of history I enjoy. Thanks for bringing us along!

[@mandycleezehappyhour4238]

Oh, thanks for the tip. I'll try to find that video. Shawn's great!

[@Deanna52ish]

Oh wow, I've been to Masada in Israel and the shape looks strikingly similar; however, these spires looks similar to the Chirachaua's in eastern Arizona. Very impressive. We love Cedar City. There's an awesome pizza place there called Centro Woodfired Pizzaria , best pizza we've ever had and I've been to lots of them around the world. Thanks for taking us along Tristan.

[@SUVRVing]

Wow, I'll have to check that place out! I'll be back in Cedar City in a couple weeks 😁🍕

[@cgl503]

I like the feeling of desert stillness that comes through the video (except for the wind). It seems like the right pace of life. Can't wait to try it myself, when the weather is a bit nicer.

[@ConnieWojahn]

Quiet, slow pace has been treasured by Native Americans for thousands of year.

[@ConnieWojahn]

Extremely interesting, thank you from wet, rainy, cold, drippy Oregon.

[@Miles_To_Go]

I love the West Desert! So many hidden gems

[@TheTravelArtDiaries]

My understanding is that ranchers stock the koi to help reduce algae from building up in the water making it healthy to drink for the cattle.

[@markgunnell2149]

Paxton corral rock art. Beautiful

[@InSurrealtime]

Paxton Corral had so much art, and many unique ones. I could spend hours there.

[@cassie6281]

The windmometer!!

[@joebrown2577]

The clear water structures looks like the footers and head walls of a bridge. Looks like a huge salt operation. Ponds for evaporating the brine. Hauled out on the causeways created by dredge and fill. Wow. Crystal peak looks like an eroded salt dome. Really enjoyed the vid. Geologically interesting. A small wind generator mounted on vehicle, would charge your batteries. The drone shots really take me there. Nice camera work in a beautiful environment few will ever experience. Thanks Chilly in Clearwater, FL.

[@saltpan8005]

Utah really is a beautiful state. The drone shots you got were amazing.

[@cargotrailerkenny4481]

I liked it all, I like the variety as with the dynamics one finds with good music.

[@Randoestoes]

That lake was incredible ❤ Landscape looks like Mars !!

[@carolguezen5829]

Your videos are always so interesting and you do such a great job! Thank you for sharing all the little gems our beautiful world has!

[@jeffMinnesota952]

Nice video beautiful sky, especially at the end, love the drone video, liked the Sevier lake and the outcrops the best, thanks for sharing....

[@larrydraper4451]

Your drone video clips are great. It's so neat to see the patterns from above. I would like to fly a drone but most of my travels are in state or national parks and they frown on that sort of thing. I love rock formations so my favorite was Masada. I was a rock hound in my younger years and loved obsidian but never knew about the brown ones. You always share such good information. Looking forward to your 2024 travels. I enjoy my Saturday morning breakfast with Tristan.

[@virginiagerardi2056]

I haven't seen one of your videos in a while. Your narration, camera work and editing have really improved! I'm subscribing!

[@nicz9499]

Outstandingly beautiful. Thanks for sharing….your shades are pretty smart too! 😎

[@NoOverhead]

Fun adventure!! Those drone shots of Sevier Lake were outstanding!

[@Sonya60andlearning]

I enjoy all the desert footage I see. The Utah desert is on my bucket list. I was shocked to see Kio fish in spring water in what should be a "natural environment" . Who knows? I really enjoy the salt lakes footage. Have a great weekend.

[@kellyjohnson3617]

Sevier lake was gorgeous. But I always enjoy your off-road adventures cuz my little Corolla could never access those amazing places got the most part. I love the rock art and I’m a rock hound so I love the obsidian beds as well. Thanks for sharing this fantastic part of southern Utah

[@davidwellen830]

I have spent a lot of time over the last 25 years in the west desert but you still show me places that I have not seen. I have been to crystal peak and I am going to watch the video you have put the link to at that location. Like you, I love the west desert and the absolute solitude there. I once spent 4 days there with my Dad and in 4 days we saw 2 people and they were state workers grading one of the many dirt, (gravel), roads. Thanks for another great video. You never disappoint.

[@arminiusgratis9439]

The white rocks (?) look somewhat like the Tufa (sic) around Mono Lake, CA. Correct me if I'm wrong !!

[@mratliff1277]

I have been out in the middle of nowhere often enough to know how awe inspiring those places are! You are truly blessed to be doing this for a living! Thank you for these fantastic vicarious experiences! God and His creation drops me to my knees.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

I liked seeing the little brother of the Great Salt Lake.

[@paulkeller3944]

Always love to see rock art but the salt lake is beautiful! Thanks for sharing these natural treasures!

[@Double0pi]

I study salty places and those shots of Sevier Lake made me want to run out there with my science field gear!

[@SUVRVing]

Do it and let me know what you find!

[@SheilaRigney-g1n]

This is just so beautiful. Absolutely breathtaking.

[@joybeekingston6472]

My favorite was Black Spring. Just imagine how grateful anyone, human or animal, would be stumbling across such a water source. And, then, how did those fish get there? Did someone put them there? Who? Why? How many years have they been there? Super interesting! Thanks again, Tristan ❤

[@JessicaTPeterson]

And what are they eating?

[@joybeekingston6472]

@@JessicaTPeterson Maybe bugs that land on the surface of the water?

[@willar7179]

@@JessicaTPeterson I’m sure the rancher who put them there wanted them to eat mosquito larvae. But they would also eat algae from the bottom and anything edible that blew into the water.

[@miloslavjungmann6836]

Nice Job, All Good! I love the obscure!

[@jburnett8152]

I loved all of it. The stone corral is interesting because of the mystery. I'm wondering if someone comes by and feeds the fish ? Thanks for a fun time.

[@nancyst.john-smith3891]

My favorite was black spring. I also like the puddle in Stevie’s lake bed. I’ve driven past that area on my way to visit family. Love it!

[@TheJBirch]

I have a chunk of obsidian with the red brown patterns on it that I inherited and I have been told it's from iron oxide crystals within. Basically there was a little molten iron flowing in that obsidian lava before it hardened I believe.

[@dianne11ca]

Utah is so mysterious and beautiful, I have always been fascinated by this landscape. As a first time watcher of one of your videos, I had to subscribe. I like your vibe, and I learned so much in this video that my jaw is still sitting on my chest. LOL Cheers!

[@JimmyMon666]

I like that white mountain, that's something I wouldn't mind climbing.

[@Randoestoes]

WOW I love finding gemstones and fossils ❤ I love America so rich in these wonderful finds I need to migrate 😂

[@philhurst9053]

This video brings back memories of the wind in the desert. Been exploring southeastern Utah for much of my life. Sometimes it will almost drive you crazy.

[@dianemurphy7625]

Sevier Lake was my favorite, although I can never get enough rock art. I found the fish a little unsettling. I'd love to know their back story! Thanks for another great video!

[@BuzzinAlong]

Great stuff - I love the desert, especially here in Eastern Oregon. Utah's West Desert is now on my radar. Thx for sharing. Subscribed.

[@dianespears6057]

Really interesting drone views. Thank you. Love all the treks everywhere.

[@victoriamaaske7420]

We just stayed at Cedar City on our return from CA to the Midwest. I loved the obsidian rock. Wish I had known these spots. I remember an exit on 15 for Sevier Lake. Thanks for stopping for us. So many petroglyph in one spot too. Awesome. I guess I have to say to myself that January is too cold to stop. Ha.

[@LiveLifeNow]

Another great video! Love all the places you share with us.

[@americanfrench5]

Awesome all that is missing in your vids is a bit of underwater video. You are the flag bearer for getting out there. Cheers!

[@pgrayson3138]

The fish were probably put in the water tank to help keep down the algae growth. You always have awesome videos, we always enjoy them.

[@SUVRVing]

Interesting! That makes sense

[@keithbrenda8713]

Thanks for introducing us to Sevier Lake.

[@tracker5849]

My favorites were that amazing spring and the obsidian bed....my favorite stone ever other than turquois. Thank you. I have never seen another you tuber go to these places. I never knew they existed!! Think I'm going to subscribe!!

[@baronessbooks9909]

Wow beautiful spring🎉

[@dvdschaub]

My favorite part was the drone footage of Sevier Lake. Amazing that it could fly reliably in the wind.

[@SUVRVing]

It does better in the wind than I thought it would!

[@Rexodus014]

The "Rock Corral" got my curiosity. Considering what must have required to bring some of those larger rocks there... even though there might have been somewhat of a pile there originally.🤔

[@Conernforthesedogs-iw7lf]

thnx for the memories and we shiver a bit up here in Sasquatch land!

[@64maruca]

Really enjoyed the variety of sights!

[@dominickrubertino686]

Sevier Lake for the Win!

[@Barley150]

Another really great one, Tristan. Have you learned anything about those amazing fish -- like, what do they eat?

[@isabelmendi3973]

Spectacular place the water so clear. I’m glad you are a safe person.

[@NMS.SuperDuper]

Thank you for adding the filmed date! 😅🥶

[@gumotx]

Your new mini drone handles the high winds very well.

[@juliebelize4285]

Gorgeous. Thanks for sharing those aqua pools and the stunning mountain cliffs.

[@stphns1737]

The stone corral was absolutely fascinating.

[@elaine8477]

Never heard of this place! When I do a great southwest roadtrip will have to visit it!

[@forwimp]

I've driven that stretch of I15 over a hundred times, and didn't know there was so much of interest to go look at just off the Interstate. This is a great video. I'm looking forward to my next trip past there, when I'll take some time to go look at these sites.

[@louisepotier2784]

I loved all of your video. But I was particularly interested in Sevier Lake and the beautiful color there. I'm glad you didn't step further into the mud...quicksand??? Have a great day! 🙂 I enjoy your adventure videos very much.

[@michaeltellurian825]

Wow! This one was extraordinary! Never was interested in Utah until I started watching your videos.

[@lukeh9635]

Sevier Lake looked amazing. You should get a gravel bike for dirt road exploring.

[@SUVRVing]

That would be a lot of fun!

[@kimberlyphillips372]

Obsidian bed #1 was great!! I'm learning about rocks and just got a tumbler this past year- Processing stone from Lake Superior south shore now. Great vid!! Love your adventures!

[@tothesummit5864]

I'm a rockhound based in Las Vegas and love wandering all the lonely areas across the west. There are actually several types obsidian that can be found in that area. There is mahogany which you found as well as snowflake obsidian and gold sheen obsidian. And of course lots of plain black. They all cut and polish into very beautiful cabachons. Also there is a huge quarry full of pumice stone in the same area. Pumice is the only stone that floats in water.

[@SUVRVing]

Interesting! Thanks for the info

[@FeistyWildHeart]

Mahogany obsidian..its cool to see so much of it.

[@dmdavis4551]

Love this video! New experiences to take in. WOW! Thank you so much! Sevier Lake was my favorite!

[@bryanbischof4351]

I really appreciate your maps at the start showing where you are. Even more zoom in versions would be appreciated also!

[@cherylmiller-day5932]

Loved it all, but the crystal clear lake👌. Great scenery Tristen. Again, thank you!@

[@cowboyscoffee]

Severe Lake was really cool, happy you didn't loose your tennis shoes in the mud. I recieved my Red Hoodie in the mail two weeks ago LOVE IT

[@denisekenney2027]

Again, Tristan thank you for a beautiful and interesting video. The rock art amazes me. The fish was a wonderful surprise! The "Puddle Lake", rocks, drone footage! Wow!❤

[@ScienceMinisterZero]

Such a brilliant career, amazing channel.

[@JDaleyBooks]

The brown obsidian is referred to as "Mahogany" obsidian.

[@dirtrider9268]

Okay, now you got me to subscribe, "wandering around on a dirtbike ... 24:40 mins". I knew we were similar but I had to rewind to make sure I heard this correctly. I like you even more and your videos I getting better and better. Thanks for sharing tips to the newer travelers. So important to be prepared to the point of "self-reliance" when going in to the wilderness. Those electronic devices are often false security and you have shown with your background, how to do it right. Keep adding prep tips and if you ever get the urge, donate time to your local county Search and Rescue team.

[@freedomdove]

Fantastic adventure, Tristan! 👍

[@gmaneis]

Favorite spot? Heck, I loved 'em all. Thanks for sharing this place. Especially nice to see as I watch on a cold and snowy day in Indiana. Your videography is really pleasing, too.

[@nwilliams1540]

Every spot was great in this one. Thanks.

[@susans8539]

I love the rock art location. I truly enjoy historical areas and imagine what it was like for those who created that art. So much to see and do there. Thanks for another fun vid-quite enjoyable.

[@virginiaallen4723]

A good video as usual. There is rock art like that all around Cedar City. There is some by Walmart! Can't wait to see what you show us near my hometown.

[@sherilgreen7495]

In the east we have a saying “Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors warning.” The first line indicates fair weather. The second foul weather. Love your videos Tristan.

[@curtdrahn8522]

The fish in the water tank! What do the eat on? that many large fish must have a steady died. The whole thing was of great interest and fun to see. Thank for the experience.

[@farmermark2067]

As someone commented earlier, goldfish are added to stock tanks like this to clean the water of the algae that grows in them. They feed on it. Once the tank is clean not sure what they are eating to stay alive.

[@angeloangelojoseph1494]

Western Utah is my Anti-Zion, beautiful historic sites, with No crowds. I use Filmore and Delta to resupply, some of the best rockhounding in the US. The Sevier River brings Life to central Ut, flowing N from Bryce to Nephi, then winds W to Delta. Thanks for posting, it seems to be a very unappreciated area.

[@busterstuff]

Your comment at 24:40 mins about camping with a dirt bike and using it to explore is exactly what I enjoy most. So tell me when and I'll meet you out there with my camper (trailer) and bike.