V11E3: On the Threshold of Ridgway

This week, we explore from a single, dispersed basecamp near Ridgway, Colorado. The weather is fair and the temperatures are mild in the mountains for this first week of November. While we face some ice and snow at the higher elevations, the forest roads are mostly thawed for this end-of-season jaunt into the San Juans. Features quality camp food preparation, elated twirling, and Finegan the dog. Highlights include some of the finer dispersed campsites we've seen in a while as we explore some lesser known forest road spurs, and a quick pass through Telluride.
ABOUT THE JEEP
ok4wd.com/blog...
BECOME A PART OF THE ADVENTURE
/ venture4wd
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please consider shopping through the following link, there is no additional cost to you.
AMAZON SHOP
www.amazon.com...

[@indieelement]

“Gonna fold my rooftop tent and do some exploring. No one around, so I’ll leave my ice bags here. No one will mess with them, I’ll only be gone for a bit” hahaha

[@ToyotaTruckBuilds]

The Big Lebowski reference with the rug.😂

[@stogieltd]

THE MOST PROFESSIONAL VIDEO'S ON KZbin! Unlike some other KZbin channels, you don't always have the camera trained directly on your own face while the viewers have to listen to you describe what beautiful scenery you're seeing. That's so annoying. You make us feel like we're actually just riding around with you. Beautiful sites, good conversation and never talking over a background of music that is louder that you. You should be rewarded with some kind of videography award! Russ (Florida)

[@nat29single]

Yes! Chris’ videography puts me right there with him. I feel like I’m along for the ride. Even the sounds of cooking make me feel like I’m camping.

[@RockSteady2727]

Enjoy our state. It's made for people like you. Safe travels.

[@metaxaanabeer]

One thing I always carry in my dry food box is the Coke can sized cans of V8 juice. Your meat and veggies soup would have had at least half the water and plus 1 or 2 cans of V8 in my world. Try it out...makes trail soup real good.

[@beyondcitylimits4wd]

That’s an awesome idea! Thanks for the tip!

[@danmalloy6908]

Hey Chris...how about adding a 'trail lunch' component. You could try different recipes...and use that new can opener that you will be getting. 😂

[@nosnerd1967]

Agreed

[@jacksak]

I cannot comprehend how anyone capable of traveling to appreciate such awesome beauty would ever leave their trash behind.

[@buck1946]

Those mountains to the south at 3:32 are the Sneffels range. Not far from there on your way into Ridgway the actor Dennis Weaver of Gunsmoke fame built a beautiful Earthship home. And some may recognize the red firehouse at the beginning from the John Wayne Movie " True Grit ". Ridgway is a true gem in the southwest mountains of beautiful Colorado.

[@hughwolfe1176]

Ridgeway was also the northernmost point on the now abandoned Rio Grand Southern Railroad, the other end being Durango, a very interesting region of Colorado... en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_Grande_Southern_Railroad

[@tikitavi7120]

I thought that was familiar. The first view reminded me of the hanging scene, and it was indeed the same spot. Wish he would have found the meadow where they had the showdown.

[@qianwang9590]

Ahhhh no politics no COVID just beautiful scenery and good company. A great escape. Thanks Chris and friends.

[@JayDee25895]

How many others are Happy he Doesn't Use Muzak in his videos?

[@jacksak]

Very happy

[@RA-gk5zg]

👍

[@robreed8823]

I sure wish you would put boring music in your videos so I could dream of being in an elevator instead of the middle of the mountains, by the way the mountain shots are beautiful!

[@nomoremeetings1183]

Very happy... All we need is the sound of the Jeep rolling down the trails and the good narration.

[@nat29single]

Agreed! I appreciate the lack of background music and that he doesn't resort to clichéd drone shots. Simple, clean, no razzle-dazzle. I had to abandon some of my other favorite KZbin channels after they added music and drones.

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Chris, the best can opener to own is a P-38 or P-51 military can openers. At home I've gone through two electric ones and half a dozen mechanical hand-operated ones, working great initially then all broke down. My military one hasn't failed in 37 years of use since opening my first MRE in Turkey. Amazon sells both in a set at $7.89 with metal split rings, one for your Jeep fob and one to keep in your overland kitchen kit. Great to see you back on the road again!

[@TsarTrail]

Hey, that was my ice. I was coming back to that site. 😂😂😂 Great Video. That part of Colorado is beautiful.

[@sparkstyson]

Chris you are amazing, I have stopped watching TV and I spend all my time watching your channel. You are truly free to live. You are an insperation.

[@tpseeker3367]

Just what the Doctor ordered after such a whacky week. Leave it to Chris to Help us escape.

[@invictuscenturion916]

Agreed

[@stlouisarch2162]

Ridgeway. Scene of the famous final battle in True Grit. Where he takes reins in teeth, rifle in one hand,pl pistol in the other, screaming "Fill your hands with Iron, you sone of a bitch!" Dallas Divide has killer views. Amazing tree color in the mid ground, Mnt Sneffells behind it.

[@christineg2808]

My husband and I love your videos.

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Thanks for giving us glimpses of your companion, Chris. She appears to be a very lovely person and quite a good cook, too! Colorado is such an incredibly beautiful state.

[@UncleElroy21]

looks like the new lady friend is a Jeep lover as well. Cant go wrong with that!

[@JayDee25895]

rental.

[@marcelloorsini337]

She's a keeper

[@kenuber4766]

Happy for you Chris!

[@OverlandGeneration]

Close call again... I was in Silverton and Ouray during this week. I should say my Grandfather and I... Temps drove us out.... Silverton was in the low teens in the mornings. We stayed at the Prospector Motel in Silverton and were nice and cozy!

[@MrMharley]

Another awesome video Chris and friend 🇺🇸👍🏻

[@lyndadentry1833]

I LUV YOUR CHANNEL ITS ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITES! I LUV THE WAY YOU FILM THE SCENERY AND YOUR TRUSTY JEEP!!! THE AWESOME WAY IT HANDLES THE ROCKY ROADS! THANKYOU SO MUCH!!

[@Jtwizzle]

Waiting all day for this! Will save it for in the morning! :)

[@jeepdriver6496]

I'm so jealous of the time you get to spend where there is no one!!! My favorite KZbin Channel by far. I live just outside of Estes Park and I really enjoy watching you trek through Colorado. I even go as far to watch your vids on my drive to work, just to experience a life I wished I could afford. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures. They truly are amazing. So glad you found a great young lady. Its a blessing to find a companion who enjoys the great outdoors and love spending time in the wilderness!!!! Be safe my friend.

[@paulh3973]

You eat so much better when your girl is with you!

[@mtnmandeluxe5429]

Those are well established outfitter camps for elk hunting. Colorado has the biggest population of elk in the U.S.

[@myexplorenow]

The field at 9:57 looks like the spot in True Grit where John Wayne does his famous shoot out. It was near Ridgeway. The opening hanging scene is in the park at Ridgeway too. Nice town to be in when it gets cold in the mountains. Looks like ya'll had fun exploring. Nice video!

[@krisg3984]

very crisp, clear, vivid video, felt like i was THERE !

[@crjmoto]

We live close by and Ridgeway has been the hub for many of our best adventures. Did a loop southeast of Ridgeway over the summer and it was epic. Fluke storm pushed us out of no-man's-land in a hurry, wound up at a creekside campspot that was unforgettable

[@stlouisarch2162]

Got a Sound of Musice vibe in that dancing! 🎶I feel so pretty, I feel so pretty, and witty, and GAAAAAYYYY🎶

[@jks6172]

you can say.... Hello my name is Chris the campsite whisperer then her dog Finegan gives you a eye look...

[@stevetabor4447]

Absolutely gorgeous area an scenery good to see you got time spent with your friend... a friend told me 31 years ago about my wife now she’s a jeeper so she’s a keeper lol as always the best to you an your awesome lady friend as always be safe 👍👍

[@jkxranger75]

Love the "Big Lebowski" reference about how the rug really tied the campsite together. LOL

[@andiamo66]

I drove right past you on the Pennsylvania turnpike yesterday. Nice rig.

[@hughwolfe1176]

Chris you’ve got to introduce your lady Molly, she seems like a great match for you. And she’s got you eating much better than the usual hotdogs and Cheetos, but I suppose those Cheetos will never disappear 😜

[@chelseazueger4281]

Was thinking the same thing the whole episode

[@reubenj.cogburn8546]

Yeah man, , a rug like that can really bring a campsite together.

[@jmorrison6900]

Been waiting all day. Love this adventure

[@boldrbangr9834]

Finegin 👍 Glad you guys are having fun exploring. "It has a rug, really ties thew campsite together." 😜 Epic scenery & photography. Thanks! One of my fav episodes!

[@bertcollicutt8121]

Chris love your videos but your lady friend just makes them better.

[@jks6172]

I had to come back and tell ya wife likes the food and I just spent $ 449.80 at " Harmony House " its like going to Costco so much good stuff ... last month we went to Costco for eggs ... we came out after $600+ ... yah i keep telling her that's a lot eggs ... we stocked up as what's going on nowadays ... thanks again for sharing

[@williamweiss6128]

Know your quest of every pizza joint in your travels, but chef prepared meals, excellent. Hunting starting, too.

[@justherb666]

Just started watching your channel last night, really enjoying it so far. Your spirit of adventure and love for exploration is evident in all your videos.

[@markworks1324]

@9:44, you need locking differentials! 😂 Another great video Chris, thanks for sharing your journeys with us!

[@keithcopeland8245]

Nice trip back into the back countryof colorado. Really enjoyed this one had a real relaxed type of feel to it. Thanks for the post. Catch you next time. Stay safe and healthy

[@WaterDrive1]

I have been following your video travels for a long time. I am so glad you have friend with you.

[@touristiqueducanada346]

The Fort looks like what we did a few times steam sauna , heat the rocks up bring them down to it . Tarps and sleeping bags/ old quilts over it

[@bradshutler9356]

Oh yow the Ridgway area! great place to explore as you found that out as I did many years ago.

[@This_Guitarist]

Chris, glad to see that you're eating so much better now :)

[@mussim2919]

More content please! Love watching all your videos!

[@PLUTON9475]

Long drive back to the other side. Good luck and take care. 🖒

[@BackroadExploration]

Incredible views, excellent footage and another week of adventure. Absolutely inspiring.

[@venture4wd]

Many thanks!

[@Offshore1977]

Jeepster Commando spotted at 11:36. Looked like new too.

[@stevevice9863]

Was in the San Juan Mountains last summer with my daughter and I thought Ridgeway would be a good town to settle in. Close to the best trails in America, not overrun with tourists, close to Montrose with a decent airport, close to Ouray and Telluride, (2 of the most picturesque towns in the country), beautiful State Park with a large lake and some of the most beautiful mountain views in every direction. Thanks for the video!

[@southhillfarm2795]

Great episode. Glad to hear you're getting out of the desert landscape and moving to the lush green beauty of the east coast.

[@TheTrakker]

Always something to look forward to Chris. You have a style that is very interesting, and very calming with an excellent balance. I am always excited to see the notification that you've uploaded another episode. Quite honestly, I don't ever miss regular television.

[@danmalloy6908]

Great video Chris...thank you! It will be great to meet your friend...in due time.

[@dpoverland7273]

love making and adventure is afoot!

[@jimellison3358]

You always seem happier when your lady and her dog are with you.

[@petet-rex5589]

Cause Chris some booty and good eatings off grid. If they were together full time his hair would fall out

[@jimellison3358]

I have done both alone and with my wife I prefer when it is the two of us but that just me

[@van_mod1]

Nice brief homage to The Big Lebowski :)

[@snewogj]

I watched your Cado grasslands episode this morning. I wanted to say how much I liked the emotion and discussion of Life you engaged in. For some reason the comments were turned off

[@stephenelrod3045]

Enjoy watching your videos

[@nosnerd1967]

Safe travels Chris

[@rolandazurin7949]

Love your vids so much more than that other guy who burned his Jeep (coyote or something). Yours are so beautiful and natural, feel like I’m there. Love your pup too. new subscriber for sure!

[@JohnDoe-xm9ql]

Much needed Chris.. Thank you.

[@41GarageandGrill]

Great episode. Amazing the treasures you can find off the main path

[@robertrhode6104]

Can’t wait for what’s next Chris. That was beautiful scenery, make me want to hit the road. Iam here in Pennsylvania if you get some time we can meet-up. Thanks for posting. Bob.

[@black_widow_overland]

Great video. I dig the Jeep Renegade. I think those little Jeeps are great. Gf has one. Safe travels 🤘🏻

[@cmliphone]

Awesome video as always! The scenery was amazing as always! Safe travels east.

[@stevewasco8859]

Lady friend saved the day on the directions

[@saphroni1]

Hey Chris welcome to our backyard love living in the San juans nice meeting you in Ridgway Co

[@christophermartinez5314]

Awesome adventure

[@John37255]

As usual a fantastic video. Thanks Chris

[@tlyhane]

Aww, Cow Creek. Great choice!

[@kenuber4766]

Ridgeway was where they filmed the first True Grit with John Wayne. I lived in Montrose at the time.

[@Quadrille763]

Chris should get a drone not just for shots but to check where a bad track goes

[@ricksandfort8836]

the correct term for random items thrown into a pan to make supper is "Shut Up and Eat" or at least it is in my household

[@afaqgul2165]

Loved the big Lebowski reference 😎.....

[@danielvasquez9419]

It seems that you are becoming more civilized now that you got her to friend. A while back I saw you wearing a shirt with a collar. And now you have a fold-up table instead of using your toilet seat for table. It comes to everybody that sooner or later we have to grow up. But it certainly seems worthwhile good

[@stlouisarch2162]

At 8:50, I thought he was Flash (frozen)! Aaaaaaah, Master of the Universe!

[@MonkeyofAwesome]

This makes me really wish I did more exploring when I lived in Denver.

[@golferbird1975]

Just saw you have patches now! Got one on the way. Love it.

[@davidkihn770]

Thanks for the great video again i always enjoy them.

[@txhypnotist]

Great video Chris. After checking into the Jeep with a Diesel engine I nixed that idea due to the super high cost just for oil changes. Reported cost $400.00, That's just way off base. Crazy to me! You had said the Webasto heater worked best with diesel, but not worth the extra cost involved. I'd just clean the carbon out every month and should be fine. Based on your use. 22-31 days use in a row could be the same as a full year of use in normal applications.

[@warroad]

omg, is he twirling? someone call 911 - ask for the ballerina dept.

[@danoverland4996]

I ordered 2 patches and 3 stickers just came yesterday. They're great! Following you for years now keep up the great work!

[@venture4wd]

Glad you like them! Thank you so much!

[@yoyartube]

Immediate thumbs up for the rug reference ;)

[@gilbertarnold8666]

Great video thank you!

[@amx19733]

Always Great!!!’

[@charlesstagg100]

The meadow at 27-28 min is where the gunfight scene in True Grit was filmed.

[@ZacTexC]

Ridgeway is where they did the hanging in True Grit. Took my parents there last Thanksgiving🤘🏻

[@kennethvalerio1294]

Great episodes as always 👍🏕⛺️

[@magusanrafael]

Veo todos tus episodios, saludos desde Argentina

[@AdventureswithJerrod]

Ya lady should start a outdoor cooking channel! I would watch! Glad you got some good company! Enjoyed as always Chris!

[@richiec7602]

Great episode, Chris. Watching you spin in front of the mountains reminded me of the opening scene to The Sound of Music. I was waiting to hear Julie Andrews sing. What a great view.

[@90volts]

Going to be doing a meet and greet this holiday season at OK4WD? Would love to see Orangey up close!

[@jeffrypresutti3139]

Safe travels back east.

[@DtotheMFinJ]

So Chris, since your lady friend is tagging along more, you need to break the skottle out of storage over the Thanksgiving break so she can cook you more amazing meals!

[@maddexq9107]

Darryl Johnson yeah, put that bitch to work!

[@LWRoad]

YES!!!! Thank you Chris!

[@errhka]

So glad we have improved cooking! Your lady friend seems like a wonderful plus with regards to food!

[@jeepersdelight]

Jason from Maryland here @ 11:34 Jeep Commando

[@andy123605]

Another great video Chris. I am a fly fisherman, and as I watch you find all those beautiful streams and lakes, It make me wonder why you haven't tried fly fishing? I think of fly fishing as an art form and think would fit in perfectly with all of the beautiful surroundings that you come up on. You shoud try it sometime, if you have any interest in that kinda thing. Cheers From Kure Beach NC!

[@venture4wd]

Thank you Andy! I know it may not seem like it but my filming days are completely packed with the driving, campsite chores, and filming. I don't actually have much space to fit any other hobbies in, although fly fishing does look like a beautiful and relaxing art form. Perhaps one day. It's also my understanding that being legal in all areas could be a bit burdensome, both time-wise and cost-wise.

[@andy123605]

@@venture4wd Yep, it probably would be a pain to get all those permits. Thanks for responding and stay safe!

[@slick7209]

Thanks Chris for cleaning the trash up. What a bunch of looser they could have done the same thing wow really people leave no trace when camping please