The Weirdest Desert Landscape I've Ever Seen

Рет қаралды 79,712

7 ай бұрын

Did you know there is a place in the desert that has 2 square miles of rock graffiti that is decades old that can be seen from outer space? What if I also told you that 100 miles away there is more desert graffiti that is over 1000 years old that some believe was a way to communicate with aliens? Are you intrigued? On this adventure I’m going to investigate the Valley of the Names, the Blythe Intaglios, check out the Picacho Mine Jail and Stamp Mills and explore deep into the Sanora Desert. I also stumble upon one of the most amazing campsites I’ve stayed at in a long time and I surprise myself by cooking up something for dinner that was actually pretty good.
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My Camp Chair: bit.ly/trailrecon-frontrunner...
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Пікірлер: 212

@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy 7 ай бұрын

I like how you put the coordinates in your videos. I almost immediately look them up so I can follow along and it brings context.

@fyrfyter81 5 ай бұрын

Every single time!

@OffRoadOverlandCamping 6 ай бұрын

We've been overlanding can camping in this area for the past 7 years. Picacho State Park is a hidden jewel. You can hear the coyotes, donkeys and sometime wild horses. Especially if your on the AZ side. We like taking the hard off road trails to the state park from hwy 78. We usually plan our trips from starting at Chiraco Summit to Red Canyon Jeep Trail to the Bradshaw Trail to hwy 78 then catch another Jeep trail to the river. Valley of the Names is awesome too. There is also an old ghost town out there called Tumco Historic Mine. They use to have a huge mining operation here too. We found one of the best time of the year to come here is April, that is when the weather starts getting hot, but not blazzing hot like June or July. The water is cold, but you can still jump in for a swim.

@mtnbiker1678 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Brad for the great videos. Really enjoying your adventures. Appreciate the inspiration to get out to the desert this winter!

@Gowherejeepsgo 7 ай бұрын

Hey brad thanks for bringing us along with your amazing journeys

@cnevle 6 ай бұрын

Very cool exploration! Thanks for sharing and feeding my idea bucket for future ventures.

@royfreitas7583 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for taking us on your adventures! Great way to start the morning with a Trailrecon video and cup of coffee. Inspiration to go explore.

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

@danielcontreras7988 7 ай бұрын

It’s pretty cool to see my backyard on KZfaq. I haven’t been to the picacho mines yet but definitely a place to see.

@gregoryblock9083 7 ай бұрын

Nice to see the van out and about, it’s not the method but the lust for adventure that unites us all. I truly appreciate the effort you make to exemplify unselfish ethics in your work and travels. ✌🏼❤️😊

@zanezway 6 ай бұрын

Personally I like camping in the rain (not in a flash flood way). Sippin’ my coffee and looking out the window of my cozy camper. Defy the elements 😎.

@karelesterhuizen7117 7 ай бұрын

That off road home is coming along great, what a spot in the world. Thx

@wolverines2024 7 ай бұрын

I grew up in the Mojave Desert , a little town called California City- as a teenager I explored the desert constantly and found many awesome places , some I will never tell.

@timothy7497 6 ай бұрын

I agree, some people can't just take pictures and memories. MINE MINE !!!

@justmestephanie1269 6 ай бұрын

Love your attitude ❤ nothing will stop the adventure , not even rain ..

@larrybriggs2920 7 ай бұрын

That was pretty cool. Thanks for going out there and taking your camera. That van sure seems like the lap of luxury.

@brunnie 7 ай бұрын

WOW!! I did not know these places existed, so Thank you for taking me there. Supper looked delicious and easy to make so I'll have to try that sometime. Until next time... Travel safe.

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

I was genuinely surprised and yes, dinner was VERY easy to make!

@FlawedOffroad 7 ай бұрын

I didnt know you got a van. Looks comfortable for exploring trips.

@taramccrory5412 7 ай бұрын

I love sharing in your ventures: the trails and tales, the geology and the grub. Real offroading is warm camp time and interesting exploration surrounded by exhilaration, be it sublime ease or insane crawling. Thanks, Brad! Good call, for sure. Rain and desert is no joke! Thanks so much for sharing the petroglyphs, ancient and modern. 😊 I think they're testaments to early people's dream vision of their world, that's all.

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

@wardperozuk2288 7 ай бұрын

Been to Graffiti Hill a few times and Picacho mine area over the years. Haven’t been up to Blythe to check out the Intaglios yet but maybe in the next few months. I sure am enjoying these last few videos of you going out on two day trips to check out what’s around the area! Cheers

@leakytiki9518 7 ай бұрын

Nice vid. I was there for the ECV plaque dedication, seems like a lot of stuff is missing around the area. If I remember correctly there were still some of the stamps in place at the mill at that time. It was a great place to camp. Thanks for reminding me.

@dezertjeeper 7 ай бұрын

Welcome to my backyard. Enjoy the views and your stay.

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

You are lucky to have this as your backyard!

@kafisher44 6 ай бұрын

Stunning scenery! Your ability to capture the beauty around you and film the way you do really takes us all along with you. Keep up the exceptional work, I know it's not easy, and is a lot of work!

@grandpagrandmajustkeepgoin4560 7 ай бұрын

Out of ALL the overlanding KZfaq videos that I have seen over the past 4 years, this place is a FIRST for me! Thank you for highlighting it! Looks awesome! I am referring to the modern day graffiti….

@hawkeyeted 7 ай бұрын

This just went to the top of my list.

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

I think you'll really enjoy it out there!

@hopefloats7573 7 ай бұрын

My name is out there along with a past dog. I take friends there when they visit Yuma.

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Right on, may I ask what year you placed your name out there. After looking at all the footage I think the oldest I saw was 79, but most don't even have dates.

@steventinsley5983 7 ай бұрын

Love your videos!! I lived in palm Springs for 10 yrs!

@wesbagnell88 7 ай бұрын

What an incredible find!!! WOW😊What a great way to spend a couple of days

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

I was pleasantly surprised by this entire trip.

@Draevon68 7 ай бұрын

That was certainly a unique location with a beautiful sunrise. And... your beard is looking good. Keep it going.

@mtnessler 7 ай бұрын

Good video! We're going to put this on our list of routes to take. That campground was cool! And Donald Duck left when the hunters showed up!! LOL!

@vernvartdal6479 7 ай бұрын

I’ve seen that on Google maps in the desert. Looking forward to working that part of the list.

@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy 7 ай бұрын

That place you camped by the river is such a hidden gem! I had no idea it would be that nice down there. A literal desert oasis!

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Yes it was!

@ernierivas5484 7 ай бұрын

I stumbled onto Valley of the Names about 1 year and a half ago. Cool spot! The name of the state park is pronounced, Pee-ka-cho. I'm glad the wild burros didn't visit you during dinner. The next time you're the area, check out Tumco Historic Mine, and also a curious nearby spot called Center of the World.

@robertwhitemoto 7 ай бұрын

I installed the AMP power steps on my Bronco! love them. That van looks very capable! Thanks for taking me along today!

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

I had them on the Power Wagon and they worked great. Thanks, the van is coming along.

@garzaalex17 7 ай бұрын

between the graffiti and the view of the desert and the river? This was a great video and spot.

@mikescott1307 7 ай бұрын

Interesting scenic and well done. Nice van, enjoy!

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Thank you! 👍

@MartyDick 7 ай бұрын

I have the bulletpoint system which is nearly identical to the 67. I have my Garmin trail gps, my phone, a holder for my radio mic and go pro attached to it. Love it. Really interested in how you set up your vehicles

@paulbrowning1758 7 ай бұрын

Beard looks great, Brad. Oh yeah, nice art rock too. 😊

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Thank you kindly

@samiamHD 7 ай бұрын

I grew up in Yuma and have had some great adventures in the Kofa Range and Picacho area. You're bringing back some great memories. Keep up the great work!

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

I've really enjoyed my last couple trips out there, looking forward to seeing more. Any specific ares you recommend?

@samiamHD 7 ай бұрын

@@TrailRecon Next time you visit the Kofa Range stop at Palm Canyon for a good hike as high as you can go. This is where the only time I have encountered Bighorn (almost face to face). You want to hike higher than you think you can go. It's an incredible view as well. Set aside a few hours.

@samiamHD 7 ай бұрын

@@TrailRecon Also, the mountains (Gila Mountains and Cabeza Prieta) Southeast of Yuma is a very neat area with old mining activity. If you go too far south you'll run into the bombing range and need a permit for travel.

@adventurechoniez8628 6 ай бұрын

@@TrailReconMuggins Mountains Trail Just East of Yuma in Welton AZ.

@GIGrandpa 7 ай бұрын

Love the Army flag on the rock pile and the Star Trek emblem on the side of the van 😂

@garyleibitzke4166 7 ай бұрын

Brad, I'm impressed, no more premade gas station sandwiches.

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

I'm trying to do better!

@DADuTV_ 7 ай бұрын

Peh-kah-cho. You made me google it like I was mispronouncing it all my life lol. Thanks for the videos. I watch them all and make trips based off them for my family in our off road rig.

@karenjacobi5809 7 ай бұрын

Interesting desert graffiti... thanks for the info about them. New look...🧔‍♂️👍

@tommy-guns478 6 ай бұрын

I saw the drawer slide as you left camp. woops

@richardpeebles8492 6 ай бұрын

We used to live in Blythe about 25 years ago. Can’t believe we never explored some of those areas.

@gwyndyr32 6 ай бұрын

Hey Brad, we are hoping you can suggest a place to go and just spend a night or 2 roaming in nature. We live up near San Jose (so preferably a few hours away) and currently have a JLU Rubicon with a few extra skid plates and 34" tires. Not looking for something super rocky at this point but no where I could take the Mini Cooper, not looking for crowds.

@ari88881 6 ай бұрын

Its cool and you’re cool sir. The beard looking saucy!

@ndafarachaitezvi1139 7 ай бұрын

Awesome as always

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@paolourzi5040 7 ай бұрын

whooooooooo che grafica da paura. Stupendo. Bravissimi.

@nolanwalker6005 7 ай бұрын

I live in Yuma been going out to Picacho for years. American Girl Mine and Indian Pass are great ride spots there too. Check out the Yuma Jeep club toy run out there in early December. If you do the 2.5 or higher you will need one of you’re Jeep 😅

@davidgarcia2491 7 ай бұрын

Senior, how do you manage to find these incredible things? Safe journey, brother, and thanks for your character in your content

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

I spend way too much time researching on the computer, but the payoff is usually worth it... at least it was this time. Thank you!

@AidenNorris-jeeping 7 ай бұрын

Lot of cool findings Brad. Keep up the good work. Oh and I’m sure you’ll eventually find a bighorn sheep on your adventures eventually 😂

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Thank you! One of these days fingers crossed.

@TheWilliambinder 7 ай бұрын

Rig is looking good!

@stoventures1770 7 ай бұрын

It’s like a different channel lol. Beard, van, solo😂. It’s like Venture4WD🤙. Great episode!

@jimsatterfield7454 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the vid zbBrad & Regena! My wife and I are doing our off-roading at the moment with you two as we are STILL waiting for parts from Motobilt😢. We've got trips planned and all set to go when JK is all done. Stay safe and we are Oscar Mike! 😂 Jim & Michele

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Thank you and hope you get your parts soon!

@timaugustine3856 7 ай бұрын

Those tracks through the Intaglios are definitely tank tracks fron WWII and the Desert Training Center. You can tell because there are only two tracks in a turn and they churn up the ground more than tires do (which would make 4 tracks in a turn).

@1gx619 7 ай бұрын

Another awesome video!

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@abazdarhon 7 ай бұрын

Living near cemetery has big bonus - you have the most quiet neighborhood ever.

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

LOL! I suppose that's true.

@stevewhitaker1474 7 ай бұрын

Good video Brad. Are you satisfied with your van now?

@WolfOverland 7 ай бұрын

❤ great video B-Rad!

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@rujeepn 7 ай бұрын

We too have been to Valley of Names & I also found it by searching Google Maps Satellite view. It was pretty neat! I have found countless little known places to see & things to do, history & mines & such by zooming in on the maps. A lot of fun, quirky things in the deserts around Yuma & Quartzsite.

@verntownsend7872 7 ай бұрын

Brad have you been to or around vulture mine in wickenburg AZ? There is so good trails around there.

@abqcrutch 7 ай бұрын

Hey Brad, it's pronounced PICK-ACHO. Great video! Gonna have to check out the Valley of Names.

@andysolorzano4126 7 ай бұрын

Another place added to the lists of places to go. Thanks for sharing and safe travels. One last thing, how's Regena liking the beard!? haha My wife has a love/hate relationship with mine when I grow it. 😉✌

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

I think you'll really enjoy it out there. As for Regena, she's still undecided about it.

@tomassanesson902 7 ай бұрын

So amazing

@Shadowgrey5937 7 ай бұрын

i think this is my fav post !!! thanks brad - we just lost my uncle - want to take my cousin on this route - hugs and thanks buddy!!!

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Thank you and sorry for your loss.

@toddcirrito6945 7 ай бұрын

Love the van!

@worldtree4038 7 ай бұрын

Noooooooo, please no

@mariodelrosario9578 7 ай бұрын

Brad love all your videos, and have been following you from the beginning. How many vehicles do you guys have, and do you park them all at home

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Thank you and our driveway and garage are at their max, but some of them will be finding new homes this year.

@worldtree4038 7 ай бұрын

Great video , fascinating location , cumbersome vehicle

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Thank you and yes, the vans a little big, but does fine on these wide open desert trails.

@whereswardlaw 7 ай бұрын

Last year was our first time to winter in Yuma as full time rv'ers. Took the Jeep out and hit most of the sites you have. Did you get your permit to visit the Barry Goldwater range? Wrecked jets, old tanks, turquoise mine, military training village... You'd love it. We did !

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

I have't been out to the range, but something I'm looking into. Not sure if I can film there.

@whereswardlaw 7 ай бұрын

BMGR was great. I don't recall any filming restrictions other than drone. If you need a contact in the area, we met a great border patrol agent/supervisor through church in Yuma. He's a fan of your channel too. He took us on some fun off-road trails and a tour of their facilities. You guys would hit it off I'm sure. If that sounds interesting I'd be glad to help you connect. Cheers... Now going to watch the rest of this episode!😊

@jeremyoliver 7 ай бұрын

Hey Brad, have you ever considered setting up a couple of trail cams to catch the wildlife you might be missing while sleeping? Thanks for all you do!

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

That's a great idea, I'm going to have to do a little trail camera research.

@theeddorian 7 ай бұрын

One of the traditional kinds of enchilada was layered rather than rolled. Also, as far as sauce go, sometime you might enjoy a jar of molé sauce as a component in enchiladas.

@louherring 7 ай бұрын

Hi Brad. Thanks for another great video. Quick question about your silver JKU. You installed a rhino rack on him a while back. I have a 2013 JKU and would like to install a rack on my hard top. Many thanks!

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Thanks! It's a great rack, but a couple years ago I slimmed down the JK for more difficult trails, so that's why it's not longer on there.

@troys75 7 ай бұрын

Great video. How do you decide what vehicle to take out on each adventure ? Van is looking awesome

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

When the temp drops below freezing, which I thought it might on this trip, the van is good for that.

@OhioPS1 7 ай бұрын

I have been there and it is incredible.

@OhioPS1 7 ай бұрын

We were in the area a few days after the storm for the Christmas holiday. Didn’t venture too far out of Yuma on this trip. Maybe next time.

@rxmontes 3 ай бұрын

As always, entertaining video. Do you happen to know the name of the flexible regulator attached to the jetboil genesis? Thanks!

@rxmontes 3 ай бұрын

Nevermind. Saw your reply to another post. Thanks for all of your content.

@4wd4mentalhealth58 7 ай бұрын

Is that a Star Fleet badge on the front fender of your van?

@shawnputnam1061 6 ай бұрын

Do you think you'll have Marco back on some adventures, he's such a great guy.

@stephenmiller5023 7 ай бұрын

Come on Brad , the area by the River is not pronounced “ Peek-a-Chew”, It’s pronounced “ Pi -catch-oh”😆😉. I’ve not been to that valley of names , but over 40 years ago ( maybe 45 almost😳) some friends & I all decided to camp out there by the old mine ruins & river . It was VERY peaceful and other than an occasional plane flying way overhead you could only hear your heartbeat and the occasional wildlife. We tent camped and long around midnight I remember it being Damn cold & a bit uncomfortable. I had my trusty “ ‘65 -off road lifted Corvair” and my buddies all had mini-trucks , an old Datsun & a Toyota, and we had an otherwise enjoyable time like you did. If anyone else watching your video decides to go explore that area remember you are MILES & HOURS away from most places and people & must be prepared for the worst . “ Plan for the worst & hope for the best “ was our motto back then , & still is to this very day . Thanks for a memorable ride in your video here . Stay safe & give your wife a big hug & Happy 2024. Maybe someday you & I will cross paths as I’m also a San Diego resident & native ( living in El Cajon these days). C-ya buddy 😎👍

@wyattybarra2236 7 ай бұрын

Watching from fins & things🔥🔥

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Be safe out there, love that trail!

@mdkamrulislam8458 7 ай бұрын

Love you bro ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@kenmcdougal97 7 ай бұрын

I wish my knees were still good I would love to be able to do a hike like that just to see old stuff like that

@wildbillak 5 ай бұрын

I’ve seen this in Alaska too, along the Alaska Highway. I wonder if there’s any connection?!?

@bwofficial1776 7 ай бұрын

The deserts out West are full of endless surprises. I wonder if anyone actually knows how many abandoned mines and settlements there are. It looks like you've gotten the van pretty well sorted out.

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

So much to see. Finding info on mines is hit or miss and I've been to spots where there is suppose to be a mine and I can't seem to find it.

@charleshicks3492 7 ай бұрын

Was there many years ago, is it me or is that vehicle a new jeep 🤣🤣⭐️🤩😎

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

This van will never go where the Jeep can, but in freezing temperatures, it sure is a nice camping shelter.

@dmwi1549 7 ай бұрын

Hey Brad. Happy New Year. I noticed you have the same 67 designs phone and accessory holder I have. Have you come up with any solution to keep the phone from vibrating due to flex in the Sprinter dash? The longer the arm is, the worse it is. Did I miss the video on your install? Wondering how you power your accessories?

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

It does have a bit more vibration than I'd like, so trying to sort that out. Sorry, no install videos, just focusing on the adventure episodes.

@dmwi1549 7 ай бұрын

Ok-keep the adventure coming. Maybe 67 Designs will see this and come up with something more elegant than the strip of foam between the arm and dash lip that I am planning to use. Maybe a small piece from a plumbing pipe insulation ? I’ve noticed I can put my finger between the dash and the extended shorter arm to minimize most of the bouncing or vibration. That dash just flexes too much. And I through bolted mine with backing washers to spread the load, in addition to using the VHB tape provided. There are other manufacturers that is insert into the two cubbies that look more solid. And Venture4WD mounted his 67 designs channel down low. BTW-Did you check out the recent crawl video with the prototype Sprinter transfer case and rear locker setup? Nice! Safe Travels!

@patrickjackson3224 7 ай бұрын

Very Cool. What tires are you running on the van?

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

These are the Milestar XT's and they've been good so far.

@asharnaqvi3922 7 ай бұрын

Nice video

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@5thGenNativeTexan 7 ай бұрын

"leave no trace" while hundreds of items of rock graffiti are scattered across the landscape, more do it all the time. In fact some websites encourage it.. "If you have a message or name that begs to be written in the desert, it requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle to access the area. Once there, it’s possible to drive down, around, and through the hills and valleys covered by this unique rock art. Make sure to bring your own rocks; there are plenty of black rocks on the road leading in." smh ........

@DDMSteveB 7 ай бұрын

It looks like you’ve got the new Osmo pocket 3? How much of your shots were done with that piece? I’ve been considering that setup. It looks like it worked pretty well.

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Just using it when I'm out walking around, like how small it is.

@Chris.starfleet 7 ай бұрын

You were a navyman ... I like the beard you are sporting.

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Oorah!

@qrolander 7 ай бұрын

Brad you forgot to close that drawer

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

😂

@schweglerd 7 ай бұрын

Did you hire an editor? Or are you just getting that much better? Great editing!

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

Nope, I'm just a one man show. I enjoy editing actually and learning something new every time.. Thank you!

@Bronco1963 7 ай бұрын

Brad, what flexible hose are you using that goes from your propane tank to the Jetboil stove?

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

It's something I picked a couple years ago, and sorry, I don't actually remember what online site I got it from.

@PassiveRes 7 ай бұрын

Different seeing you in a travel van.

@josephinebustos8074 7 ай бұрын

How do you like the double burner jetboil? I’m reading the reviews and it’s a mix so I’m haven’t decided whether to buy one or not.

@TrailRecon 7 ай бұрын

It's good, I've had it for a few years now.

@mr.lee114 6 ай бұрын

What do you carry for protection?

@GATORADDAM 7 ай бұрын

Who Knew California had so much cool stuff?!

@edwardbenedict4961 7 ай бұрын

It was a dirt/rock formation that looked like Donald Duck, but after a rain slid off the side of the hill. I had a Geocache there.

@brucewright3087 6 ай бұрын

Questions regarding your Nav system you are now using on your vehicles. What model IPAD do you use? What is the software program you use? Do you hook this system to a separate GPS unit, and if so which Make and Model? It seems that the only cord to your IPAD is for power, only - am I correct? You have said that on your travels you often do not have cell service; if so how do you inform and continuously update your position on your IPAD and software package as you travel in no cell phone coverage areas? Thank you!

@paolourzi5040 7 ай бұрын

Pensa solo che sei l'unica persona che mi ha fatto innamorare della Wrangler . Lavoro permettendo se dovessi acquistarne una sarei disposto a venire in America per comprarla fare un tour e camping con voi e poi importarla in Italia.

@wayfaringoverlander 7 ай бұрын

I literally just made a video of this place a month ago. 😅 I live in Yuma now, would have been cool to meet up with you. You can drive to the right, after paying, and go to a look out near where you hiked. It’s also pronounced Pi-kotch-oh not Pika-cho. 😉