V6E8: The Depths of Kofa

After a brief respite in Prescott, I travel south into the depths of Kofa National Wildlife Refuge near Quartzsite, Arizona. Defunct roads alter my planned route, and give way to aimless wandering across a lovely and unspoiled desert landscape. The week wraps up in Yuma, where I finally escape the cold weather!

[@dinamonaghan7524]

I'm 78 and am disabled. I used to be very active but I'm sidelined now, so going along with you on your explorations is wonderful. Thank you and stay well.

[@deraldswain5516]

Hey chris. I dont know how you do it. No background music, no time lapse, no fancy editing, but you have my complete attention. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@shouldibehere]

Agreed.

[@yoyartube]

Agree. I can't stand background music in wheeling videos. It's great that he doesn't add any. Much rather hear the engine and the atmosphere.

[@antoncrowley7342]

His videos have a calming affect on me, partly because of what you said. Thanks Chris for another great video.

[@Captndarty]

It’s because all of his set up shots are static and aren’t bobbling around like the Blair witch.

[@sharp640SR]

😅right. But it works

[@kenimrie4977]

Chris, there a several reasons i enjoy your channel. On of the main draws for me, is likely the hardest on you. I love you enjoying these spaces alone. Like you are constantly on another planet. It's how I'D like to explore these places. I appreciate the sacrifice you are making to generate this content. It doesn't go unnoticed. Thank you. 🤟🇨🇦

[@hughwolfe1176]

Chris you absolutely have the best off-road/overlanding content on KZbin.

[@tysanborn554]

Wonderful video... What's obvious is that you take so much care in how you film and compose, which makes your videos so enjoyable. Not to mention, you're living a journey that most of us will only imagine to pursue. Great job as always, and thanks for sharing your adventure!

[@nicknack88]

Very much appreciating your style of editing. No music. No hype. Peaceful. Makes me want to explore.

[@murphtahoe1]

Got bored and started watching Chris’s video series from the beginning again. His editing is some of the best I have ever seen. He could make a series for PBS and make some extra cash. I think it would be one of their highest rated shows...

[@thomasrsunday8945]

Always a highlight of my week to see your video ...

[@jeepinpete4016]

I love seeing very remote parts of the country and Kofa fits the bill. Great Vlog! It's also good to see you take a hotel break for a day. Your travels are inspiring, keep it up!

[@Bordieable]

Chris, I want you to know that you gave me a full fledged belly laugh when you showed the shot of you on the ground uttering "smaller portions". Just started watching your videos and I'm hooked. You make us feel that we are right there traveling/exploring with you. Thanks

[@michaelmathis1961]

HINT: I wold butter my bread and grill it in the pan before I started cooking my eggs. I would put the toast in a GI cup with a lid and set it on my stove while I cooked the eggs, sausage, etc. It would be hot when everything else was ready. If you do not like butter, then grill it without it. HINT 2: One pan spagetti, cook your meat in the pan and drain the water/grease off, add your prego or Hunt's, etc. sauce and bring to a simmer. Put your noodles in, I use elbows as there are easy to carry and to eat with a spoon. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes or when noodles are soft. Keep up the videos, you are one of the best on line!

[@charliepress6629]

Hey Chris... Excellent video of outstanding scenery and amazing wilderness!!! Thanks for sharing...

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

Really enjoying your videos, so much info!🏜️✌️

[@WelcomeTooo]

I hate waiting a week for the next video.....love them so much ⭐️

[@jayt290]

Paused at 25:45 and took a breather from a hard working week. Beautiful, thanks for sharing Chris!

[@vikramb149]

Absolutely great videos you make, Chris

[@wayneo1998]

Another excellent video thank you so much. Look forward each week for a new one, keep up the great work!

[@kayc5512]

Omg this video is beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelarchangelthehammer]

Thx for the Friday update, like the timelapse sunset and Goonies shirt!

[@blackbeard308]

We love when you come to Arizona. We get to see new places for us to explore. You have been a part of my wife and I weekends sense the begining, from leaving your apartment until now. Totally enjoy every episode. Keep up the amazing videos.

[@recasper55]

Who else said " Bless you " after the sneeze ? Nice T-shirt as well. ( Live in Astoria ) Thanks , Chris, as always. Enjoy the ride.

[@ke7ami]

Was thinking the same about his shirt. We were just camping near Astoria this past weekend with the requisite beers at Fort George and Buoy, of course.

[@saev55]

25:47 there's your Overland Expo best picture contest winner, what a view!!

[@kirk189]

Great video 👍🏼

[@greatsouthernoverland]

Excellent Chris, the night camp shots in this episode were really great!!! You were inspired mate:D Thank you for sharing!

[@softroadingthewest]

Oh daaaanngg...that shot at 25:42 Great episode, interesting variety and visually beautiful all the way through!

[@robertrhode6104]

Enjoy your videos so much. Look forward to it each week. I need to get off my ass and get out there.

[@kenwarren7878]

Another great video. Nice little hotel. Videoed very well.

[@bigm5234]

Palm canyon used to have a lot of palms in it. A fire took most of them. I haven’t been there since about 1994 and watching you hike that brings fond memories. You missed the best parts of Kofa. All the old mines. Also all the water tanks. Natural tanks. The miners build small dams to collect water so they could stay for extended periods. I love that place. In fact I found your channel while doing some research preparing for a trip there this winter. People from another state or even natives underestimate the size of Kofa. Bringing plenty of water can not be underestimated. If you are lucky you may run into a old man of a mule dear with a very large rack. Or a heard of wild burrows. Or some big horn sheep. I’ve hunted those mountains many times but never got a dear. That’s because i chose not to shoot. Those animals have endured some of the harshest environment in the world. Their lives should not be taken by man.

[@schmoab]

The bowl is so cool. Love the desert in Spring. You inspired me to visit Mojave National Pres at the end of this month.

[@caseychambers4322]

From Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and love the vlogs.. I'm looking forward to getting my own Jeep Rubicon and exploring the country... Thanks and look forward to the next video..

[@lesleybuntain8014]

Another great video Chris, we love watching you every Saturday morning in the UK (Scotland), a wonderful journey through beautiful landscapes that makes us want to explore! We always have a good laugh at your cooking....next time you make spaghetti make sure you get some friends round 😂

[@saev55]

Dude great video, awesome places and great editing👍👍

[@garygiles63]

Another joyess vid, thanks.

[@ninez5740]

“Smaller portions” 25:28. 😂 The Palm Canyon hike looked very nice.

[@tonywright5371]

Excellent vlog love watching new places to explore when I retire from here in Billings Montana. I have always said I miss the desert., Thx

[@robertbarton2776]

I can’t believe you don’t fish or hunt/trap small game while you’re out there. Nothing beats fresh meat/ fish. Plus sitting by a creek is really relaxing

[@rupertbradley5021]

Amazing area! Love the vid

[@jwpowell1340]

AWSOME VIDEO AS ALWAYS ! THANKS

[@GeorgeChildress]

Love the Kofa's, camping and photography there is making this a home base for me. Like you I rarely see anybody there and the geology can be amazing. Watch out for the Mountain Lions, they will hunt you down.

[@frankansley7941]

Well I have caught up!. I have watched all your videos starting on March 2017, it took a little bit of time but it was worth it. What a trip! Your photography is so enjoyable. Part of the fun of the trip is watching you Jeep go through water and over rocks. I know it that takes a lot of work setting up the camera and then going back for it. I hope you will stay with the Jeep family when you replace that one. A new Jeep Pickup with a camper? I wish when I was your age I could have done what you are doing. Maybe I should know but I don't, What are the flags in your tent? As you would say- "This is Tuesday morning March 5th and I am at home waiting for Friday" Thanks for taking us with you have fun

[@mikehoffman3690]

We are finding so many great places to explore and stay when in the area.

[@NathanMichaelKing]

Bro! Don't break your noods! Love your stuff man.

[@alexkostenyuk]

Cool , love your videos , wonder how much miles your Jeep has , you take that thing everywhere

[@Mudhorn.Wrangler]

Love the Goonies shirt. I practically grew up in the Seaside/Astoria area.

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

Going to have to try that recipe at home, Chorizo Spam pizza🏜️. Thnx for the tip!🏜️

[@leiro1000]

Congratulations, excellent vehicle I see that you take good care of her .... rsrsr

[@chuckzechman7390]

Awesome area. We'll be in the Prescott area in April on our way to the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab. We'll be stopping at the Granit Mountain Hotshot Memorial and then heading to Sedona to do the Broken Arrow trail there. Safe Travels Brother and God Bless! Oh, and we're driving from Womelsdorf, PA about an hour from your home town.

[@OutdoorLifeKR]

You will feel better laying down on your left side when you are full. Your stomach shape that way. Thanks for your vid every week!

[@4x4_travel]

Spam pizza= regret.. Also, I was in Kofa a few years back. The hike up to the palms was great but unfortunately people have carved their names into the trees and there was trash strewn about. It's a shame that some of the most unique and special locations get damaged by people who don't respect them for their natural beauty. Thanks for sharing again this week! Safe travels!

[@thecrankster4162]

Keep up the great videos. But im surprised that you are not taking a good digital camera and throwing pictures at all the awesome sceneries that you go through, especially the sunsets..........

[@ericmartin4560]

While in Southern California visit Lucerne Valley just below Big Bear close to Victorville , nice town, my parents owned the Ace Motel there and that's where I grew up, nice trail from Lucerne to Big Bear to explore as well.

[@OneManTrail]

Eric Martin thats the first time I’ve ever heard someone say Lucerne is a nice town.

[@timetogodoug]

Thanks, have a great evening!

[@bobbyrob2008]

Great video my man, just subscribed, thanks for the great info!

[@uweschroeder]

Shop at Trader Joe's for your pasta sauce if you see one. They're not only cheaper but also taste better and don't have all the preservatives and additives in them . But then, I'm talking to that guy who wants to ruin perfectly good spaghetti with Spam (of all things...) -- so never mind :-)

[@sknttu]

Digging the Goonies shirt! Time to head out into the Goondocks! That’s what I said...Bootytraps!

[@jlopes68]

"heeeey yoooou guuuuuys!" love the T shirt!

[@Rangerxpcrew]

Hi there Great video! Man I so wish to just leave the trappings of civilization behind like you have done... lol can't seem to get past the dam money part. Keep up the great videos and Thanks!! P.s. we got to get you a outdoor camping cooking book .

[@nationwyde1]

I live in Arizona and thought I knew the state. I WILL get out more!👍🏾

[@Hazardbone]

Nothing like a good ol food coma when your out camping😂👌

[@bradjenngleason402]

Love that pop top. Do you have a video that shows more about it?

[@mauricebattle978]

Was that a free air pump? Keep up the good work and stay happy!

[@johnnymarket_avechuco]

Loved the sunsets, believe me you don't want to be in Yuma in the summer.

[@blusnuby2]

Since you are enthralled with our western topography (especially Arizona), you would probably enjoy reading Zane Grey & Louis L`Amour novels---most/many of which are centered in these amazing, unique areas of America in the later half of the nineteenth century. Ride On !

[@PatriotGearReviewsCt]

Chris I just found your channel a few weeks ago. I have a 2500 express van I converted for weekend getaways but I feel you converting me to wanting a Jeep. I retire in 2 years from law enforcement but always wonder how people can full time. Don’t feel obligated to reply I’m just wondering how you make your living doing all these cool trips.

[@jeansimon91]

Great video!!

[@OneManTrail]

Man, I wish I knew you were in Yuma. I would have loved to meet up and show you some spots to free camp.

[@matiasferrer4700]

Hello Mr. Venture. I've enjoyed your videos for about 2 months now. Very well done. I'm quite envious of your journeys . I believe soon I'll be venturing on my own trek, on a bicycle however. I am curious as to what type of camera do you use and do you use more than one?? Thank you for your inspiring videos.

[@ronsmith8071]

I'll give you this: you have alot of guts. I am not sure I could travel alone in remote areas like you without being really nervous about getting stuck or breaking down. I do have one question, how do you afford having the time to do so much traveling? Very few people who are not retired could do what you do. Love the videos. Ron from Miami.

[@Irongambit]

You should have hiked Signal Peak next to Palm Canyon. A greater experience for sure. Also the Palm Trees are not native to the area. That’s what makes the hike interesting that they’re surviving out there.

[@woof3598]

I was wondering about your cooking equipment, the blue pots and pans ?

[@manitoucole2]

I would love to do just what you did and then hike and camp as needed to the opposite boundary and back. EDIT _ "Aaaaah smaller potions." Too funny!

[@takayama1638]

I love the flowers.

[@TheBeatenPaths]

When removing air from your tires, why do you remove the valve instead of just pressing in on it?

[@gcdaz]

There's a significant difference in speed when you are reducing pressure by the amounts required offroad and dealing with tires with a very large volume of air. It's a little unusual to just remove the core like this because of the chance of losing or damaging it, but a popular method of airing down uses a tool that removes the core but "captures" it in the device, then replaces it without any opportunity to lose it. The tool also gives you a great deal more control over the process because it can immediately cut off the airflow while you replace the valve, and it has a pressure gauge built in. Another method many people use actually does just press in the valve stem. You can buy a set of four deflators that are preset to a certain pressure, then screwed on to the valve stems. Then you can do something else while the tires reduce to the preset pressure. When they quit making noise, unscrew them and drive away. (Or drive immediately after you screw them on and remove them later.) I've never seen anyone but Chris manually remove the cores like this (which is not to say it isn't done; it's just not a common practice with the groups I've wheeled with). If he does lose one, maybe he carries spares or would borrow the one in the spare.

[@johnganshow5536]

Travel north along the colorado river, lots of Kayaking opportunities and should be warm weather...

[@revoland]

A tip for future pizza making when the plate is hot and immediately after you place your pizza on the plate you can put a lil bit of water directly on the hot plate and immediately cover with the black grill cover that you found that will create steam that will melt that cheese nicely

[@johnganshow5536]

We live about 30 minutes north of Prescott, up 89, the snow just disappeared today. So won't be jeeping until the ground dries, it's a quagmire out there...

[@lloydrage]

I hope you do Schnenbly Hill. It’s a badge of honor trail in AZ near flagstaff

[@1ironbelle]

Are you in San Diego? This video was a week ago today so If you are in Yuma I figure you were heading down to SD. Would be nice to say hello in person.

[@ADVENTUREAROUNDTHEBEND]

You should add some low profile side step running boards, they will help keep the MUCK OFF the jeep and assist in the vertical chores on the Jeep.

[@upragu3]

Chris, where did you get that roof camper? Im interested in the same model.

[@fernharmon4092]

Negative 5 with a howling wind and over 30 inches of snow here in Southwest Montana. Enjoying your video very much.

[@punknjl8722]

Love the time lapse at 27:05

[@frankansley7941]

Saw your short clip on Instagram about your broken weld on you track bar. I could see phone poles in the background so maybe you are on a more highly traveled road. Hope you get it fixed soon!

[@mweber9289]

Head out to Tierra Del Sol in nearby Ocotillo Wells this weekend!

[@travisbreaux2463]

17:54 Bless you. ;)

[@scottseifert4086]

Lol, take some of your spare time and watch some cooking videos. Good food is not hard to cook. You could throw a skirt steak in that scottle with some onion and peppers and be eating steak tacos in minutes. Holy cow what you're eating, it's not even prison quality food. Love the vids, great scenery again.

[@nettp7773]

Chris, if you like what your eatting don't worry. I noticed you had Spam chorizo. I haven't seen that before. Will have to look for it. Vienna sausages work well cut up in scrambled eggs, etc.

[@Honkytonk1425]

I agree. You might want to consider your diet. Spam??

[@rb30athorn]

Did you ever find out what that mystery noise was coming from the hood after you shut down in your last video?

[@deney54]

So Chris... when your all geared up, how long can you last in the woods without going to town ??

[@cliffmorgan31]

Highly recommend a power toothbrush. Sonicare brand is the best. Tickles at first, but very thorough cleaning plus power massage of your gums.

[@PWlangford1]

Your using the tailgate shelf more and more.🇨🇦

[@digzdirt]

Back in 2005 when the KOFA restaurant was still open one of the waitresses told me it stands for "King of Arizona" maybe that was just the restaurant owner.

[@Soloexploring1979]

That’s a true statement

[@GUILLERMO.NESPOlO]

Chris spaghetti they don't need to be cut in half to be boil they roll by itself when water it's hot , and the portion for one person it fits inside of the circle of the OK sing done with your hand ...😜

[@samuelangelo1768]

Amazing very nice 👍👍👍👍🇧🇷😀

[@steventure85]

8:22 using the port-a-jon as a table to make coffee. And of course we all know what happens soon after morning coffee ;)

[@leiro1000]

I have a small 4x4, I am anxious for the next video. I apologize a lot with you.

[@bntravelin2]

smaller portions!! I laughed hard at that .....I am 6'3" 225 I could NOT have eaten that much spaghetti

[@waywardescapes4384]

I cant believe he just ate that whole box of spaghetti. 😱

[@timmyb8657]

Look into the “moki” door steps/ door latch steps that’s what I use. They work great

[@zambalasenpen409]

Good show

[@RudyC27]

17:54 Bless You!!!