Things Don’t Go as Planned on this Sierra Nevada Mountains Adventure

In this TrailRecon adventure, my good friend Marco and I head North in our Jeep Wranglers along the famous overland highway 395 to check out some trails we haven’t explored yet in this area, soak in the amazing scenery, discover some old historical sites, go in search for that perfect camping spot and of course, cook up some tasty meals at camp. Join us as we spend a few days deep off the grid in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
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If you’re interested in reading in-depth articles about the places we go, products we use, and our personal insights about overlanding, you’ll want to check out our blog.
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Monache Meadows TrailRecon Score:
Scenery / Points of Interest: 5 out of 5
Engaging to Drive: 4 out of 5
Do It Again: 4 out of 5
Total Score: 13 out of 15
Coyote Flats TrailRecon Score:
Scenery / Points of Interest: 5 out of 5
Engaging to Drive: 5 out of 5
Do It Again: 5. out of 5
Total Score: 15 (Perfect Score)
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[@johndidion6373]

This episode couldn’t have come at a better time. I lost my sister this week and the Sierra mountains were her favorite place on the planet. Thanks guys!

[@wintermagebarthow8481]

John, I dont know you, but my sincere condolences for your loss. I pray that God grants your sister peace and for you as well. People are on this earth a short time, let's show love to one another and leave everyone we meet better than we found them. I hope every sunrise and cool breeze reminds you of your sisters love and brings you joy and not sorrow.

[@BrianHoney]

John- So sorry for your loss. Hoping this video gave you some comfort and aroused some good memories!

[@chrisvalentine9735]

I am sorry to hear about your sister, I am sure she lived a fabulous life and was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. My deepest condolences.

[@code_-kl5fu]

So sorry for your loss man….

[@TrailRecon]

John I'm so very sorry for your loss. The Sierra's are an amazing place and if you sister was able to spend a lot of time up there, I'm sure she had some wonderful experiences. I hope this video and others like it will bring back fond memories of her.

[@maximumeve]

Marco is a gem. Everyone needs a pal like him. I'd enjoy cooking and camping out with you both!

[@DelfromPR]

We all need a Brad and a Marco in our lives!

[@buddychamberlin8616]

Everyone needs a friend like Marco (and you too, Brad). Not because of his cooking, which looks so amazing, but because of the friendship you’ve built!

[@railfanoverlander]

if you dont have a friend like marco become the friend like marco.

[@John-uo1qf]

I can almost taste the steak. Yum!

[@jonathanweston2448]

Hold on my 16:29 - I thought he was a veggie, and I was half expecting him to do his cauliflower steaks again. Wow!! You legend Marco!!

[@rfdrob769]

Geologist here, I work a couple hours to the north of where this video was filmed: The black sand is obsidian and it came from a mixture of volcanic eruptions near Mammoth Lakes, the Owens Valley, and the Coso Volcanic field just south of the Owens Valley, not Mt. Whitney. Mt. Whitney is part of the Sierra Nevada Batholith (basically a big chunk of granite) and not a volcano. Love the videos, keep them coming!

[@regenakowitz]

Thank you for the info! I took a geology course a LONG time ago and the only thing I retained is that there are three types of rock: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. Now, as we are out and about on our adventures, I REALLY wish I'd pay more attention! There are so many cool things to learn about our crazy wonderful planet!

[@luisrico6531]

I grew up in big pine ca 15 minutes south of bishop. When I see these videos it shows me how much I took for granted the Inyo valley and all the places to explore. Thank you for sharing proper trail care as well as camp fire care!

[@Thecarcissist12]

I grew up at toms place, hi neighbor

[@marydavis2152]

I grew up in Bishop, I have been up and down the 395 a million times, this is making me so homesick.

[@ron343]

Brad you are very fortunate to have such a great friend.

[@caseyhansen4567]

I spent my youth up there on dirt bikes and once on horseback so many good memory's. Monache meadow is a slice of heaven on earth

[@MyVantasticLifeVoyage]

You and Marco have such great chemistry. That makes the trip that much more enjoyable. Treasure each other’s friendship.

[@rlopez1968]

What an amazing scenery!!!! This is my type of camping, up in the mountains, among the trees, high desert! Loved every second of it! Keep having fun Brad and stay safe! Semper Fi brother!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you very much!

[@jlj209]

I Just discovered your channel yesterday when I stumbled upon your video that involved the therapeutic properties of the outdoors had on an ill child, and I am hooked. I live in Sacramento, and I've been up 395 in my RAV4 where I stayed in a cabin across the road from Mono Lake and explored Bodie. I now have a lifted 3rd gen Tacoma 4x4 with roof top tent. I think it's time to revisit the area and see if I can find these beautiful spots that you explored in this video and enjoy some dispersed camping. Likely won't be eating as gourmet as you two where here, but My buddy knows how to make Chille relleno's, so I may have to bring him along. Thanks for keeping my passion for the outdoors, first instilled in me as a boy by my grandparents and father, fueled with this channel. I have subscribed, and he bell has been clicked. I eagerly await the next adventure. @longbluetaco

[@regenakowitz]

Thank you so much for watching and subscribing. Being outside is therapeutic for everyone...we all need the fresh air, sunshine, and just be surrounded by nature. And you can always work your way up to gourmet camp cooking! 😉

[@novicereviewer2332]

The random stuff that happens on trips are what really make them memorable.

[@vernvartdal6479]

I started my adventure life attacking the eastern wall of the Sierras with my legs and a backpack. Horseshoe meadows to Whitney Portal, Baxter Pass to Rae Lakes, Yosemite Tioga pass to Ansel Adams Wilderness, … I’ve just touched on the area with the 4x4. I can hardly wait to do more. Marco makes me so freaking hungry…. Thanks for what you do.

[@ShaunsJeep]

Don't take this for granted. Nature is such a beautiful thing to see and smell and touch. Thanks Brad and Marco.

[@justlookin3]

I watch Ghost Town Living as a regular subscriber for years. Gotta love Brent’s devotion and enthusiasm for Cerro Gordo. Thanks

[@ej9147]

Another awesome video. At 11:25 or so, this is why I really like on x offroad, it will show you what is private and even, most of the time, who owns it..... Yet again Brad, you hit it out of the park!

[@melindakier1661]

Great adventure. Ty for advocating for no open flames and staying on trails. Great!!!

[@philipyoung333]

Marco is my favorite. He makes such great food.

[@dougharlow6037]

Brad and a Marco are so fun to watch. Marco's Jeep looks like it has everything and does he cook good or what? Great job guys. Thanks

[@sonnicman]

Wow, that is some beautiful scenery. That’s what I love about brother Marco. Nothing phases him. Always smiling. Nothing can extinguish 🧯his positivity.

[@solera2008]

The gear is amazing, the jeeps are out of this world. But, none of that means anything if you do not have good people to share them with. WOW, Just WOW!

[@dawnfirephotography]

One of the more enjoyable videos of yours that I've watched in a while. Your excitement and joy seemed more authentic than usual! You two make a good team.

[@mclgjt]

It’s a real pleasure to watch your adventures. You both are great!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you for watching!

[@offbeatlife46]

I love the cooking part. He is such an artist.

[@morganpope9594]

Greatest camp chef alive today.

[@Dyshof]

Beautiful scenery and road and all the rest! Yes , and this is real offroad cooking, not just opening a bunch of pre-cooked sealed aluminum bags.......Thank you.

[@budnixon]

you guys make a great team! nothing beats a good fresh cooked meal after a day on the trail.

[@kimberlynndickens9640]

Hey Brad, a recon marine here. Enjoy your videos, I have watched your videos for years, and over landed/ hard core trails years ago ( 1994-1999) after a dusty day on the trail we would always blow out our air filters. It would be a great thing to show and share the reason for doing so (gas prices and performance). When you have a few vehicles the dirt and dust in the last vehicles is awesome lol. If you are not running the A/C or heater you should cover the inlet in the cowl or depending your vehicle where it's located. This will keep dust out of your inner filter and stop the dust storm when you do turn on your fan for heat or air. Semper Fidelis, shout out to Navy Cormen ( SARC)

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks for your service Devil Dog! Dust can be a problem and I know a few folks that blow their filters out, I just prefer to change mine out often and will even carry a spare on a long trip.

[@daviddale3624]

Glad you bumped into Brett Underwood of Ghost Town Living. He is indeed a great "story teller". Love to see Trail Recon get involved with treks that include Cerro Gordo.

[@Wild_Buggy]

Spending time in nature is the key to happiness 🙂👍

[@TrailRecon]

Absolutely

[@awhoot1]

Those types of adventures are just what I yearn for Monday through Friday’s!!! I also dedicatedly watch ghost town living videos, they are just so well done and so much cool stuff like you said !! Love it

[@fredmontgomery9166]

YOU FOUND WHERE WE CAMP!!! Best campsite in the meadow!!!

[@TrailRecon]

A great spot!

[@DrHappyTV]

Another great video. Another great adventure. So good to see two blokes enjoying good times together and ... Marco, your camping cooking is NEXT LEVEL!

[@bkdrcn6962]

Seeing your guys friendship grow from the first video till now has been awesome! Cheers to many more trail dinners!

[@markwisniewski2227]

Marco is the best friend and chef you could ever have.

[@elffirrdesign2063]

The cabin you show Monache is used(owned) by CDFW. To the west is CDFW wildlife area and another camp over there, no Vehicle access. The fences are to keep cattle out. There is one private parcel In this section)left and is supposed to revert to forest when the next family member expires to the happy hunting grounds. In a word be considerate up that way. Also the Pacific Crest Trial goes through nearby. To the west there are many more camps up along the South Fork. At 10:20 min into the video you see a hill. You guys went east to the west is another dry meadow which will take a north turn to the camps on along the south fork and above the CDFW wildlife area.

[@buggynew]

what an amazing trip and as always nice to watch Marco cooking with passion and love!

[@stephenferguson8079]

I love that ride. My first 4 wheel experience when I had my long bed F-350. My son spotted me through some of the obstacles and now that I’m hooked I can’t wait to get back up there in my Rubicon with my girlfriend. Should be fun.

[@ironcladranchandforge7292]

Marco is a food genius!! Really enjoyed this video. Beautiful scenery, good food, and great friendship. The best of everything on this trip!!

[@hughwolfe1176]

Brad and Marco what an amazing adventure. Friendship is a wonderful thing in todays crazy world… Thank you for sharing and stay safe.

[@guygolan6812]

Great area to explore and a very nice trip. Just a small correction, mt. Whitney is not a volcano. It was the little Whitney cinder cone that erupted about 700k years ago. It is part of the Golden Trout Creek lava field.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you, I think in my initial research I wasn't through enough. You are correct! "The Golden Trout Creek volcanic field consists of a group of Quaternary basaltic cinder cones and lava flows in the Toowa valley of the Sierra Nevada about 25 km (15.5 mi) south of Mount Whitney, California. Lava flows from the Golden Trout Creek volcanic field erupted through granitic rocks of the Sierra Nevada batholith during several episodes dating back to about 743,000 years ago, when the Little Whitney cinder cone and lava flows were erupted."

[@peterkunka2694]

Tuesday camping is where it's at. Just got home from a mid-week trip camping on the Mogollon Rim in northern Arizona. Marco's steak roll looked fantastic and I want to try that recipe soon. Good to see you guys enjoying life and camping together. Motivates everyone. Peace! Pete - KI7LIL

[@KungfufightU]

I love it! Its like an American 4wd 24/7! That is my favorite offroading youtube channel, but this one is close! I absolutely love that these trails are actually drivable for me in my 80 series LC.

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@dougfarrell9268]

How can your cooking in the Sierras Not attract bears? You guys have better cooking gear than I have at home. When I off-road in the Eastern Sierras I'm lucky not to burn my MREs! And of course my water is frozen in the morning for my coffee. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. As long as I have air in my lungs I will always hit the trails unexplored. My 392 feels great. It's a Jeep. It's nice to have best friends to go with. You two are the epitome of best friends and trail warriors. God bless both of you.

[@CKimbrow12]

Bucket list is to go on a trip with you and Marco. Love the videos

[@mrminer604]

You and Marco always make a great team both of you share great times... Boy both of those 392's sound great

[@alexkram]

Thanks for letting us come along Brad. Marco eats better on the trail than I eat at home. Need a camera man? I just recently explored the Owens Valley myself and went on some great hikes out of Lone Pine and Independence. I love this area.

[@alexanderweaver7066]

What an incredible adventure! I love seeing you guys on adventures like this...so enjoyable to witness the camaraderie between great friends who love the outdoors. I'm a van lifer but watching your videos inspires me to do more and venture out further. I'm working on my culinary skills to make my outings that much more memorable. Marco and Kelly of Dome Life are my culinary heros.

[@viteliohernandez]

I don't know what I like better, the off roading or the cooking. Awesome video, thanks for taking us along on the trip.

[@GATORADDAM]

WAIT JUST A MINUTE! I just caught this hours later..... I thought Marco was a vegetarian. He's clearly enjoying the flat iron steak. What's up with that? Not that anyone could resist that meal!

[@rxmonkey5946]

Great trail. Great food. Great company. Life doesn’t get much better than that!!

[@ejsvegas5724]

My dad and I camped at June lake every year when I was in grade school back in the late 70's early 80's. Drove through Bishop, always stopped at a smoke shop to pick up jerky and bacon Yumm. That kind of country sure brings back memories. What a nice trip.

[@Jeffwaifei]

I really enjoy enjoy your adventures especially with Marco. 👍

[@malifestro3319]

Brad this is wonderful content you should be extremely proud of. I don't know if you have an editor or not, but the music and the cuts, nailed it. Great job man.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much! I'm the producers, director, editor and stunt driver. LOL

[@JFSmith-nb8hf]

Friend of mine has a cabin up at Monache, he invented us up a couple of times, but we moved out of state before we got the chance. Lived in Kernville in the 60's, the Kennedy Meadows, Owen's Valley area, is like a second home to me. Great vid.

[@SkiddingF350]

The way you tell your story’s- don’t change a thing. I could almost smell your dinner. Wow!!!!

[@ricomacpherson6845]

As always, I enjoy seeing you both out and exploring.

[@peteacevedo3411]

What a great time. Good food good weather and good friends. Marco meal was outstanding.

[@the4xeguy]

Always enjoy hangin with you two. 👍

[@BBQDad463]

Thanks for this great video. Sweet scenery! Keep on rockin'!

[@augustrusso5413]

You guys look like you were having the time of your lives awesome 😊 thank you !

[@artfaschan1]

That was awesome. Thanks for sharing. Just bought an old TJ wrangler at 80 years old. Put some money into it and got it ready for way off road. Live in Congress, AZ. Me, wife and dog getting ready to head out into desert. Love your videos.

[@johnguanci2316]

TrailRecon Trailrated Cookbook!!!!

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

what an amazing trip that had to be. Always fun to see you and Marco explore new areas. how rad you ran into Brent at the gas station. Can't wait to see you visit the Ghost town.

[@kblaine123]

Jeep could not have a better advertisement than what you do.....there's something wrong with this world if Jeep does not have you and Marco on the payroll.. Another EPIC video, thanks for sharing.

[@TrailRecon]

We love our Jeeps, but have never been paid by them. We have been invited to a few press events over the years though that we've very much appreciated.

[@johngray9702]

You both are AWESOME. Thank you

[@jebwatson]

Man this was super relaxing after a long day at work. This is what I'm working towards in a decade or so. Can't wait to take my friends and family on trips like this!

[@PinstripeJim]

Huge supporter of Fieldcraft Survival! Cool to see Marco has one of their cutting boards.

[@brettfowble8014]

I love the whole video. My favorite was you met Brent Underwood. I went to Cerro Gordo in early spring and had the pleasure to meet him, explore around that town and talk to him and his help. All are awesome guys. You are awesome and love what you do.

[@CJLane-62]

I need a Marco on my camping trips,as I'm a Lousy Cook! Every time I cook it's a damn Experiment! 🤔🤔🤔🤣🤣🇺🇸🇺🇸👍

[@lmartinez3633]

Excellent company, beautiful scenery and as usual, Marco does not disappoint with the food, nice 80s music…

[@wildskyoverland]

I like going to places like this on Tuesdays also.

[@josephinebustos8074]

I ran across your channel today, and what a blast it is watching your adventures! Will have to watch other videos as well. Thanks for sharing. What a fun way explore these beautiful places.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you for watching!

[@donlum9128]

Marco is the best trail cook in the Wild Wild West. Awesome trip.

[@TrailRecon]

Totally agree!

[@missingremote4388]

All have a great summer vacation

[@sethpoeski2954]

So cool to see Brent in the video! This looks like a spot I will absolutely have to visit. Cero Gordo is on my bucket list as well!

[@William-Bill-Munny]

Wow dinner was exceptional - I hope your hungry tomorrow morning I have 2 big bowls of Lucky Charms for us hahaha

[@ENTTURK]

Thanks for the video Brad. I was stationed at Pickle Meadows (USMC MWTC) many years ago. My wife ,infant son and I spent lots of time exploring the eastern slope in our bone stock Blazer. A magical time. Your video brought me back. Keep posting your wonderful content.

[@TomaszbtdZiobrowski]

you know what? Marco cooking looks so good that it makes someone from Europe think about crossing the pond to join one of your rides :D

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video, interesting and great cooking. Good trip.

[@robertquackenbush5547]

You always show some beautiful scenery in your vidros

[@Mechman0925]

Great video! I take my hat off to Marco, he certainly goes the extra mile for meals.

[@glenschmidt1892]

I'd go exploring my back yard if, Marco was cooking on every trip :)

[@wvoutdoorsman5326]

Really enjoy your videos and Marcos cooking😁

[@randymarkey1167]

I love your videos, especially the camp cooking when Marco is around. Chile Relleno is my favorite Mexican dish. I always have it with eggs though. I am going to definitely try this version of it.

[@TrailRecon]

Oh ya, some eggs with it would be delicious!!

[@heaven83hj]

Thank you for the video.😊

[@FBCTrona]

There is also great fishing at Mananche Meadows and some sweet hidden little camp spots.

[@ArizonaRE]

Yay! Classic Brad & Marco!

[@JT_Adventures]

Another great video adventure thanks Brad & Marco! Always love the trails you two take.

[@99unclebob]

Brad/Marco another great video as always,HaHa i bet every chef that works at any mountain resort or hotel in the Sierra Nevada mountain range watches your videos to see what Marco is cooking up and copies it for the hotel resort menus, and running into Brent at the gas station was very cool and look forward to you and Marco heading up there some time in the future, a blend /collaboration of KZbinrs is such a great thing every likes and new and different content gets made/shared on channels, and Marco wearing his The Story Till Now T-Shirt nice shout out, the video you all made awhile back was epic ,❤️

[@manologocho]

Ohh c'mon stop with the FOOD PORN 🤣🤣😂 love that meat smashed excellent 👌🏽 Marco the overlander chef and excellent video editing and the views amazing Brad cheers from Mérida Venezuela hope you guys get to travel a long adventure visiting the south of America wish you the best of luck guys love your channel.

[@brunnie]

Good thing I'm eating lunch while watching this. All that food .... yum yum. Looks like a very interesting area to explore. Thanks for the adventure. Until next time... Travel safe.

[@GATORADDAM]

Amazing! My radio rarely comes off of Hair Nation and I was drinking orange soda watching this video. I had a good chuckle on that.

[@charliepetricone8974]

I Love your videos! Marco could make $$$$$$ on his recipes alone! Now I'm hungry and want to camp out in my Gladiator.

[@trcattle2797]

What a meal!!!

[@rondail5675]

So great to see a video with humble Marco.

[@TrailRecon]

Always great to have him along!

[@jenniferduclett749]

It’s always nice to watch you guys on an adventure.

[@renaissancepoet]

Marco is a frickin magician!