WE SLEPT IN A CANYON | Dispersed Camping in New Mexico

We're FINALLY taking our bus off the main road and onto BLM land for free dispersed camping!!
Using iOverlander, we found THE COOLEST location that let us camp inside the walls of a canyon in New Mexico! This happened to be Christmas, and what a place to spend a holiday on the road! 🎄🚌
We took some nearby hikes to get a view over the canyon walls and at the surrounding mountain ranges.
This place was AWESOME and we're excited to see what other awesome free campsites are available out there for vanlife!
Thanks so much for watching! Happy New Year! 😄💚
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- WHO ARE WE? -
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Hi! We are Jimmy & Natalie, a couple of kids from South Carolina trying to experience more of the world. Right now, our self-converted Skoolie is our ticket to travel and we can't wait to see where she takes us!
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Thanks for watching!
Jimmy & Natalie 💚
#skoolie #buslife
**Disclaimer: The list above may contain affiliate links, meaning that we may get a small kickback from eligible purchases made through them (at no additional cost to you).
If you choose to use these links, thank you for supporting us! If not, no worries! And again, thanks so much for watching!

[@mikemanjo2458]

Jimmy says, "This builds character", yet Natalie (with her shorter legs) is the one carrying the pack.🤣

[@papawesadventures9240]

Those canyons are beautiful, but they can also be treacherous. They are prone to flash flooding with no notice. It can rain miles away from you and then come down that arroyo. Also the dirt turns to mud with just a small amount of rain. Just always have an escape plan. Retired SAR instructor.

[@paulshannon4576]

What he said. Watch out in slot canyons and sudden rain in the desert. Many places to explore in the west.

[@donthonkpush9105]

For safety reasons, you might consider buying a Garmin InReach Mini. In the Pacific Northwest, we often camp in areas without cell service. We enjoy the security of knowing we can signal for help if there is an emergency and we routinely use it to let our family know whether or not we've made it to our camp spot or changed plans. Our subscription is less than $15/month, and the peace of mind it brings is what we appreciate the most. We have yet to travel south to New Mexico, so watching you two explore the area is a fun treat. Thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@dsbmwhacker]

Water will occasionally flood through the entire canyon during the monsoon season. Camping anywhere there is highly discouraged if heavy rain is forecast. The water does dissipate fairly quickly.

[@2old2rodeo]

Just a suggestion, since there are places with no cell service and you are in situations where you could get stuck, or hurt. Maybe look into getting a ham radio and license. They are affordable, can communicate long distances, do not require infrastructure, and are available in models to mount in the bus or as handheld (similar to walkie talkie) models. My wife and I don't do much together anymore but we did get our ham licenses together and made it a competition when we took our tests. There are a lot of free online study sites. Good luck and God Bless.

[@sgt.pepper4274]

That's a really good idea. I hadn't considered that and a very cheap way for safety. But why do I need a license?

[@2old2rodeo]

@@sgt.pepper4274 The FCC requires HAM radio operators be licensed. My daughter opted for the Garmin InReach Satellite GPS which has texting capability and an emergency beacon. It has a monthly subscription fee. I prefer HAM radios but they do require a little more effort.

[@CraftsandMorewithDonnaJackson]

Hi guys. Beautiful canyons. Y'all are getting out there and really exploring. Just a caution, if you're ever back, those canyons are prone to getting flash floods. Do be careful and have an escape plan in place. Also have something to protect yourselves with. That fox was probably killed by a mountain lion. So glad you are having so much fun. Hope the bus is running smoothly now. Have a great week.

[@annie5266]

Yes! That exactly what I was going to write!! Please be safe kidos😃

[@jeffreygunn3530]

Yeah, I've been there several times. Last time I was in the upper canyon area (November), I saw mountain lion tracks the size of my hand

[@juniperwildflowers]

Monsoon season is in the summer.

[@jonothandoeser]

More like, coyotes.

[@drumwish2010]

You should really carry a hand gun and install onX hunt so you never get lost. There are mountain lion coyotes and other critters in them hills glad your enjoying NM fun watching your channel ...Happy New Year and safe travels.

[@josephchavez8280]

In NM the four legged critters are probably the least of your worries. It’s the two legged mammals you have to watch out for.

[@josephchavez8280]

@Adventures of a Skoolie named Lauren absolutely agree my only concern for them is the amount of states they are traveling to and through and here in NM it is very firearm friendly, other states from my understanding aren’t so much.

[@josephchavez8280]

@Adventures of a Skoolie named Lauren land of enchantment. Once you visit no one ever wants to leave.

[@briandavis9975]

A mountain Lion bobcat etc would attack the fox be careful out there you should always carry some kind of repellant with you something is better than notching and climbing into the little secluded cave Jimmy was in is where mountain lions would live a great den for any animals. Stay safe guys and thanks for sharing.

[@jmikew417]

What could kill a fox in New Mexico? New Mexico has Mountain Lions.

[@kylekyselka6499]

Flash floods can happen any time of year. Beware of the weather forecast not just for where you are but for the entire area particularly for regions to the west. While you were in the bottom of that canyon we were getting an inch of rain in Phoenix. A little shift in the pattern and that rain could have come rolling down that canyon. It could be enough water to take your bus for a ride towards the Rio Grande or just enough to mire you in mud. Please stay safe enjoy the beautiful county and eat some chiles in Hatch.

[@OntarioLakeside]

That's a great spot! Please dont take this the wrong way but building rock carens alters the pristine wild. It's not a big deal but its always better to leave the land as we find it. My wife and I hope to build a RV next year, thanks for the inspiration.

[@jimmcgee3111]

I think it might even be against the rules for BLM lands to build a caren.

[@andreavin3674]

Yep soon as I saw that I thought the comments would be full of scolders. But you said it perfectly.

[@AB-kg6rk]

i like Cairns, especially if theyre creative!

[@steveosullivan5262]

Its nice to see you two taking on nature. Be brave and resourceful. Nothing like adventure when you are young and able. Safety first and get some non dairy creamer. Love your channel, your sense of humor is brilliant. Best of luck to you two in the new year.

[@gracelonas2930]

Take your time guys dont get to tired

[@jeffreygunn3530]

San Lorenzo Canyon is one of my favorite spots. You guys missed the best part, though. If you go all the way back to the end of the road and park, you'll see a couple of places where you can climb up the rocks. When you get up there, there's a whole other part of the canyon that goes back another mile or so. There's a stream that runs through it (at least in the fall and winter), and quite a bit of vegetation, compared to the lower canyon.

[@rickbilkey8726]

I admire your safety first principal in matching your bus's size limitations to it's surroundings. Kudos to your common sense!

[@gypsyfirestorm]

I used to live in Las Cruces for some time. The Organ mountains are beautiful, but after a while I missed the green - trees, grass, etc lol

[@lesdickert1]

I don’t need to build a Skoolie and take off, your videos are almost as good as being there. Thanks for providing them. BTW, beware of cliff caves, something might be living in there waiting for a snack.

[@mariemcdow4337]

Thanks, Les. My thoughts. Nana

[@AR-cp5dz]

9:50 Your bus has nearly perfect canyon-flage.

[@TravelsofRedRover]

Hi Jimmy and Natalie - We enjoyed meeting in White Sands. Take care Bye for now.

[@patyadon747]

Beautiful campgrounds. Try carrying a whistle even some pepper spray just in case. Eyes wide open. Careful kiddos

[@kevindullea6681]

Walking sticks help a lot and make hiking so much more fun!

[@katzsparkly8324]

I suspect Jimmy may secretly be part Mountain Goat 🐐 🤣

[@lenbrow9698]

you guys are great as my mum used to say always keep a cow in the cupboard meaning grab yourself a can of powdered milk to keep in the pantry for just those times plus handy when cooking off grid have fun

[@rickandjakewedoeverything134]

I enjoy the night sky's we have in New Mexico it's beautiful but u got to travel 1 hour from Albuquerque to get the beautiful skys

[@junebixby7041]

Beautiful scenery...and I loved the night photography shots!!

[@lindad2008]

What a great video. My husband and I laughed out loud when you said you wouldn’t eat the berries then Jimmy looked shocked and said hmmm!

[@robertfuller6084]

That is pretty much in my back yard. I didn't even know it was there. New Mexico seems to always have these hidden places. You guys need to come back through the first of October to check out the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque.

[@TheLucky1967]

I love that it looks like you’ve really enjoyed your adventures in the Land of Enchantment. My parents moved to the ugliest part of the state in 1979 and never left. You’ve been awesome KZbin ambassadors of our beautiful State. Thank you and please come back. You’ve only scratched the surface.

[@drumwish2010]

Oh and a rattlesnake kit would be good the cold is probably your friend right now as far as that goes.

[@Duchessjo44]

I LOVE the cairn you built! It was so good!

[@dsphotoscapes]

In Arizona, place Organ Pipe Cactus NM and Ajo AZ on your list for this time of year. The weather now is perfect for those places.

[@joshuawilliamon1729]

YES! Coffee first--Always! Great video and I love seeing the bus among the rocks and canyons.

[@bobcole3852]

Had to watch first part again to see where you were. We live in Datil, 70ish miles west of Socorro so when I saw your map I had to find out. Purdy place, have to check it out. Some neat areas west of there, you should drive west on 60 to see the VLA on your way to Azerona

[@erinlogan9886]

Jimmy? Be a gentleman and offer Natalie some help every know again. That too builds character. Just telling it like it is 🤪🤔🥰

[@badgerpa9]

Natalie your comments on the landform are pretty smart. Search for Horst and Grabens or basin and range landforms. It is back to 5th grade and the plate tectonics. Stay safe and healthy.

[@theskooliepad6095]

That’s awesome! What gorgeous land you guys got to see. I haven’t been out that way in a long time. Please make sure you’re really careful around those canyons, cause people have been known to get lost or fall. And always make sure you bring a compass.

[@jimriddle]

`I am glad you are enjoying New Mexico. I have lived here for the last 35 years. The last 25 in the Ruidoso area. There is a a lot of beautiful places in this state and even more history than most people know about.

[@peggyfrese526]

I love that you got to sleep in these beautiful canyons. What an adventure to remember for a lifetime!!

[@LMGSvideos]

Another great video! I generally drive through New Mexico just to get to Arizona. Maybe I need to explore New Mexico more? I do miss the “bye” from Natalie that was the end of most of your build videos. Stay safe!!

[@jimg2885]

Just came across your channel and have to say I am really enjoying it. Yes I slammed the SUBSCRIBE button and the bell. Oh yes also the like button. You guys seem to be enjoying life in your bus. I am now starting to watch the build. The wife and I are at the medicare age and you two remind us of when we were young. I started out with a 8ft camper on my truck then a class C and now looking to upgrade to a diesel. Enjoy your journey in life. Seems like you have a great start..

[@JimmyandNatalie]

Thanks so much! We’re so glad you’re enjoying the videos! It has been a ton of fun for us so far and I’m sure we’ll have a few upgrades as well in our future 😄

[@Adam_Gray]

Love the view from your office, guys! Life's 2 Short Bus!

[@jamesmckoy8052]

With love from Ontario Canada! Excellent job creating your mobile living. 1 piece of advice; your both very smart but I haven't seen or heard talk of a first aid kit (even when Natalie cut her finger installing sub-floor) or rescue equipment for when your both in middle of nowhere with no reception not to mention snakes love to bask on rock formation for heat from the sun. One of you should always carry I walking stick incase you encounter a snake for easy relocation of said snake which could also double as BBQ skewer

[@xwasp58]

What a Lovely Couple. I'm So jealous With all that scenery around you Take Care . Gary From England

[@bobs-rocks]

New Mexico is a wonderland with tons of Blm land. I like Gila national forest, Gila cliff dwellings. Also the Santa Fe Area and the volcanos. Want to go up there in May this year for a rock hounding trip.

[@maxbustamante1151]

Welcome to the Land of Enchantment! Hope you enjoy my home state while you're here.

[@mpwhelan451]

Cute couple. Enjoyed your video. The canyons you are in are nice but if it rains and it does, they became very dangerous. The narrow canyons can get 2 feet or more of rushing water. The area also has mountain lions so that is what could have happened to the fox.

[@farmvibesplus2058]

Amazing!! Natalie - when you said piece of cake... I was thinking yuck piece of hair! LOL

[@debijeffries43]

I love your rock sculpture. Glad y’all like to hike! Thanks for sharing. Please be safe.

[@chhook949]

Jumping ahead a few episodes to lend my thoughts on Skoolie’s name in a video a praying Mantis was blessing your home so what’s better than MANTIS! Been binge watching since it popped up getting melancholy because soon I’ll be caught up and have to settle for one a week but it’s better than none! Be Well Be Safe & Stay Blessed.

[@elbertreporting6212]

Glad YOUR BUS is running good. Repairing a vehicle makes the trip difficult and expensive.

[@tinysolarshack9615]

Hey guys beautiful video. Just a suggestion, park facing out a bit. If you break down, need to be towed, or jumped you are heading in the right direction 🤗❤️🤗

[@azulagirl325]

thanks for sharing such a cool place, we love following your adventures

[@garyaaron8425]

Thank you so much for sharing. I really loved the area and the videography with the exception one one item...Jimmy's "good" side!😂 I really enjoyed the area and reminds me of Moab. Take care and be safe

[@jimbo8972]

i started watching your series last night... good for you guys ! a suggestion after your starter failure. your alternator will be next. when that happens youll see your alternator gauge voltage drop. find a city and google automotive electrical repair shop... park near there shop (after you get a guote) remove the alternator (or starter) put it in the shop owners hands and he will repair a starter or alternator for about 140$.... like your oriellys starter was probably a rebuilt starter. if your alternator fails and the batterys start getting low the bus wont run right or wont start. one trick is to start you generator and but a battery charger on your batteries (are you packing a battery charger ?) you can drive for days like this. keep on bussin !

[@chhook949]

You have the best of experiences take it slow & enjoy them all! Be Well Be Safe & Stay Blessed.

[@advennature950]

We are currently living near San Lorenzo Canyon and didn't know that it even existed! Great video and thank you for sharing.

[@utahjag]

Not sure if you looked it up, but I have been to many places like that in Utah, New Mexico and Arizona and those canyons used to look like the mountains below. Over the years the wind and water carved the canyons, removing all of the loose rocks, sand and dirt, leaving the harder rock behind forming the canyons. Also, yes, the trail is a river, every year during the Spring runoff. If you look, as you walk down the trail, you can see tons of dry little creeks (you called trails) that bring the water to the canyon floor and deposit all the pebbles and sand you were walking on. :) P.S. Love your channel and hope your bus gets reliable and cheap in the future!

[@jurisvitols3245]

Wow, what a great camping spot. You guys are living the dream. I’m building my van out now. So looking forward to doing adventures like this. Love your channel.

[@mrdave22]

9:22 lol. thumbs up good vid, thanks for sharing

[@thuga5797]

I'm not too much worried about Jimmy but Natalie you get me nervous.. be careful climbing.. enjoy

[@haileypease3584]

jimmys rock sculpture looks like a frog

[@robertjohns399]

what a awesome video and a great place to camp also love the night photos as well plz keep them coming merry xmas and happy new year to you both hope you have a great year together

[@michaelribordy7831]

Just keep in mind that it's not really cool to move rocks in places like this or rivers or anywhere where wildlife use them.

[@carolinebenavidez5321]

Welcome to our beautiful state known as the “land of enchantment.” You’re learning why.

[@patireland3345]

Nice night photography. Very cool location to boondock. Yes, chase the 70's to warm weather. Makes for a much nicer Winter season.

[@LewPification]

Great show! Thanks!!

[@robertmckinstry7282]

Just beware of flash Floods. It could be raining 20 miles away beware.

[@fightontony5797]

I been to New Mexico but never seen that place. Glad you and Natalie had a great time there. Thank you for sharing this video. Be safe

[@ibbob31]

You should of saved the Fox tail! Glad the bus is purrrring.

[@bondy0075]

Ciao Natalie and Jimmy so good to see you back so soon... those nights photos are spectacular the stars gorgeous... Love your bloopers 😂🤣😂🤣👍❤️ Stay safe and well , another great adventure with the both stay cool U2. Ciao Wendy 🇭🇲 in 🇮🇹❤️😘👍

[@jamesrich3190]

Welcome to New Mexico. I live in Gallup… If you are still in the area try the Pyramid Rock Trail, I think you will love it.

[@noelswan]

You will really like the cheeseburgers at " In - N - Out " Burgers. They have many locations in Phoenix, and a few spots in Tuscon. These are famous . There are two famous broiled chicken locations , called " El Pollo Loco " in Phoenix, ( The Chicken Crazy )

[@wintergirl1411]

You’re both so awesome. Truly love your night time photos of the stars. Art gallery worthy for sure. Have at least one shot printed and framed. Make a good memory or gift

[@JW-jl8iq]

Have you been to the Grand canyon yet? Sedona has the Church that is built in the side of the mountain and big rocks. So you guys are headed to AZ. its beautiful

[@johnstuart8511]

Y,hoo: Jimmy you are such a Joker. Always the funny one. Nat: You always so serious. But you are wise one. This was a very beautiful hike. Very scenic (Oh so everything). Great video. Regards

[@D_R_Martin]

Just FYI, those "rock sculptures" are called cairns. Also, definitely be careful camping in a canyon in N.M.. As others have noted, there are lots of flash floods in that area, especially in the low spots. Glad you had fun.

[@ronniec8038]

Good stuff guys. Stay away from the sand dunes at Carlsbad, your bus will never make it. Trust. Thanks for another great video.

[@r8edrv4fun65]

Beautiful night shots! Look at those stars!

[@brianpeterson5559]

Natalie, these berries are night shade we aren't eating them I promise... Jimmy hmm 😂. Beautiful views thanks

[@robertharris2979]

Others mentioned flash floods, I learned about that the hard way lol. Also, watch for Rattlesnakes they come out to warm up in the sun and you gotta watch where you put your hands and feet.

[@stephenpolos1689]

Great video 😁 but stay on the trails 👣 and of the rocks you may think its easy doesn't take much to fall injure your self even people who have lots of experience get hurt just take it easy 😀

[@photozombies238]

I’ll have to pop out there and send you a picture of your cairn every couple of years. It’s a great one.

[@jimgraham4673]

Looks like you guys are having a blast. So happy for you.

[@edwardwoods5977]

Imagine ..... all your looking at is a remnant of a mud flow that covered the earth. Imagine big tidewaves washing big mud flows washing one atop another.

[@493913507]

the landscape is beautiful, I.ve never been there, it looks great..Natalie, you have a very pretty smile.thanks for the video

[@vanderleyvandy6481]

Sou de nacionalidade brasileiro e sou fã dos vídeos de vcs que Deus ilumine vcs sempre tudo de bom que Deus te proteja sempre e continua te abençoando sempre felicidades parabéns para vcs amigos

[@jerrymahoney1]

I just watched this video..I was surprised you were from SC...I am too...but now I live in New mexico..near carlsbad...I'm glad you came..I'm going home in SC soon....Walhalla, sc

[@annchapman8495]

They are definitely beautiful, we kind of missed you's, because we haven't seen you in a while, you two always make my night so glad to see you.

[@martyworthington2688]

Hey Yall Love traveling where you go, have fun and be happy

[@mariahorsfield76]

Happy new year 🥳 very beautiful see next week

[@dianesisneros8811]

Beautiful night pictures!

[@Bartmans_Garage]

Just found your channel this morning and I've been been watching most of the day. Love the build and the travel videos.

[@etrimbleable]

As a fan, I added my usual "like" but this was really dangerous. So many bad things could have happened to you two out there. Glad you loved the experience, but take more precautions next time.

[@pattiauburn9109]

Beautiful country! I left a message back on your post where you showed how big the flame is on your stove - Instructions on how to calibrate it so that you can cook normally.

[@paulhorn1351]

Welcome for to the land of enchantment! I’ve seen a few of your videos of your time here in New Mexico. Glad your enjoying your time here.

[@georgecharokee4570]

You Guys are Sooo Brave and Adventurist. I definitely would be Scared of Predators and Rattle Snakes😆‼‼‼ Awesome Vlog and a Belated Merry Christmas🎅🏽🎄🎁☃🤶🏽 and New Years🎉🎆🎇‼‼‼

[@donnanichols6838]

FYI, tomatoes and potatoes are in the nightshade family...that's why the plants themselves are poisonous....but with those two we can eat the fruit. Which I find weird! But a side note, best not to handle poisonous plants, we can absorb toxins through our skin, and also handling them and then eating with our hands, or possibly rubbing eyes, etc, could lead to ingesting the toxins. So just err on the side of caution, when you encounter unknown plants, or known poisonous plants. ... I know I'm always lecturing you guys, I dont mean to be bossy just lookin out for ya cuz I care about you. Hope you dont mind? Beautiful sites you're exploring!!! Thanks for sharing it. Sending lotsa love, and big fat hugs!!! 🍃🤗😍🍃

[@rosslynwelsh314]

Thanks for taking us on your hike. Hi from New Zealand

[@shannonwhiting6668]

Wow!! Beautiful!! Looks like you all had a blast exploring. Loved the night shots; looking forward to more. Happy New Year!!!!

[@drumwish2010]

Oh and if it rains hard get out those arroyos flash flood like I said your exploring at a good time not to much of a threat for both of the things I’ve mentioned