I like that you put the coordinates back again on your adventures.

Being solo in the backcountry is definitely a unique experience. But what I think is even more intriguing is camping alone in remote areas. I've gone camping in the backcountry dozens of times over the past 15 years. But it's only about the past year and a half or so that I've began doing some solo camping and that first night I spent out in a remote area of Big Bend National Park, alone, was a mentally challenging one and something I did not expect. When I was pre-occupied, I was fine. It's once the sun went down and I finished washing dishes and putting things away that all the "what if's" started to whisper in my head. It probably doesn't help that it was in the winter and the sun had set pretty early. As you probably know from being there yourself, no campfires are allowed at Big Bend and I did not have any sort of propane portable camp fire to keep my mind pre-occupied. I knew I was totally fine. Had enough food, water, satellite communicator (I even text my wife a couple times) but I did not expect the anxiety I began experiencing. I almost had like an instinctive fight or flight response and part of me just wanted to pack up and drive to somewhere there was people. It was then that I realized just how dependent upon others we actually are. Eventually I just went on to bed pretty early and eventually fell asleep. In the morning the rising sun had never felt so inviting and comforting. I no longer felt like I was alone. It was a surreal experience and one that I've been chasing ever since.

I have been wheeling for the past 16 years now and have always run "alone". I am not saying I think it is the right or wrong thing yo do, but I really enjoy being able to set my own schedule and pace. I understand that I have been extremely lucky considering I have run all of the "hardest" trails in the Sierra Nevada (Snake Lake, Fordyce, Rubicon, Dusy and a lot more). I have always communicated where I am going and my time frame so that is covered. Also I don't push the Jeep any harder than needed. If I have to pull line, I pull line. I'd rather pull line than break. That Jeep with the 392 sounds so darn good! Wow, and thanks for all the great content Brad.

Outstanding scoring, Brad. Only people who edit understand how much time and effort it takes to choose the right music to support the visuals and marry the two seamlessly. There's some real artistry evident in this video. Keep it up, man.

I love trails alone - whether in my Jeep or on my horse...aptly named Solitude. Someone always knows where I've gone, and when to expect me to check in upon my return. There is something about being alone in nature that is unlike anything else in our over-connected world. One item I always carry with me, in addition to all of the supplies you list, is a good pistol. Believe it or not, I have run into some straaaaange people out in the wild. There are meth labs and pot farms up in the San Gabriels...and the people who "staff" them don't like people coming by.

The fact that you got all these camera angles on your own, plus the amazing editing. You deserve and Oscar sir! Fantastic video!

One piece of gear I usually carry is a water filter. A pump style using a ceramic cartridge can keep more than one person supplied with water in really serious circumstances. I started carrying one after a single individual put an entire field crew at hazard because he refused to carry sufficient water in 100 deg. F. plus weather. We were working in very steep canyon country. There were traces of water in the local stream, and with a filter, he could have refilled his canteen, even from a really bad looking water source. As it was, the rest of the crew scrounged together enough water to supply him with a small amount, and we called it a half day. As it was, two of us still found ourselves helping him out of the canyon. The crew chief explained to him later that if he ever did anything that stupid again, no one was going to endanger themselves to help him.

This is the kind of content i like from you, exploring the back country in our backyards. Everyone has their level of comfort going alone and as long as you have an expected timeframe to check in your good. Garmin that does sms is key fpr emergencies. Trail on.

Cooking, the art, science and craft of using heat to make food more palatable!! Yes Brad, you were cooking!!

When the only option you have is to travel solo, you get good at it.

Great job, love how you narrate. I'm a Scoutmaster and Eagle scout, I've been off roading since 1981. I try not to go solo, but sometimes the stars don't aline in my favor. I always carry as much as I can if solo. WATER, no water, no life. You can survice without food for 3 days, but not water. I carry all the essentials, First Aid kit, MRE's as backup, bailing wire, duct tap, tool kit, tire patch kit,shovel,axe, extra oil,tire inflator,tow strap and rope and a thing us scouts call the 10 essentials. Funny, never owned a winch in 40 years. I do through in a come a long once in a while and my trusty side arm....Thank you again, with all the rain we have had its good to see the canyon not all torn up...Happy Trails!!

Brad your Jeep is so beautifully outfitted. Absolutely love the build!

After working with the sheriff dept. in 4X4 search and rescue, for 8 years, I rarely travel back country alone. Regardless how well one vehicle is equipped an individual can have serious health issues which can inhibit communication . Even a second person can save your life.

Thanks for sharing, I did Rattlesnake Cyn. A year ago in a 1958 VW Bus, SoLo. BTW the covid lockdown I watched your Saturday morning Coffee and when you would sneak out with your buddy’s on little local trips. 😊 You saved me! Thanks for that! 🤙

Nice video! Something I never thought of mentioning before was that your choice of background music, in my opinion, is just right. Non-offensive and easy to listen to. The music does not overwhelm. Welcome home from Down Under! Andy McKane, Maunaloa, Molokai.

In the 392 you can use the rear locker in 4h. Turn offroad + on, turn traction control on, but then press and hold traction control for a few seconds turning it off again. You will now be allowed to select to lock the rear in 4h. Super fun in the sand.

Appreciate you running, or rerunning, some local trails for those of us who haven't run them yet!! SOON!! Almost ready!

The drone footage is an added dimension to the experience.

We went on this trail last weekend and it was an absolutely fun trip. The weather changed from sunny to thunderstorms on Saturday (9/10/23). Before the trip, we informed someone outside our group of our destination and made sure our radios (HAM, GMRS) worked and offline maps were loaded on our phones.

Great risk assessment advice when you need that solo time whether it’s off-roading or kayaking, Thanks for sharing Sir.

Great video, Brad. Not only the production, but the real-time explanation of the what and why to pack as you cruise along the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail. Helpful info for beginners as well as those of us who have been off roading for years. Great stuff and happy trails.

Rattlesnake Canyon has been one of my favorite go-to places since I discovered it back in 1981. I have brought many a friend through there and I'm always surprised at how much the canyon changes from year to year. Great job Brad.

at age 59 i bought my first Jeep on Tuesday after spending the weekend at a Gold Prospecting Desert camp outside Barstow. Wife will drive it during the week, and i will use it on weekend expeditions. 2023 Rubicon 4XE. This is my first of your videos i chose to watch. Greetings from the San Francisco Peninsula. So much to learn!

Thanks Brad! Good thoughts to remember!

We often find ourselves exploring solo… thank you for the great reminders and tips!

Loved this video and all of the discussion. I mostly adventure alone so good to have pointers on what to make sure and consider.

Another great video, Brad. Thanks for sharing all the adventures!

Awesome as always Brad,,, All the Best Sir..Thanks for the ride..

Fantastic production quality. Such a pleasure to watch.

I started single vehicle off-roading in the Mojave Desert when I was 16yo. Sure, there were a few glitches, but nothing time, tools, and some mechanical knowledge couldn’t take care of. We owned 10yo, or more, second or third hand vehicles. It being the early 1970’s we had no cell phones, radios, GPS moving maps, or anything the modern overlander has. We had USGS maps, a compass, a six inch ruler, and plenty of the spirit of adventure. Dozens of trips, including at times firearms and motorcycles, and everyone always came home safe. Sometimes with bumps, scrapes and bruises, but the memories are priceless.

Great videography with cool drone shots , always changing angles etc. Amazingly your shot the whole trip by yourself!

Awesome thanks!!!! Love your advice

Oh, great vids also👍👍 Lake Havasu 🌞 Az

Thanks for sharing. I was just solo camping off of that same trail this past Thursday/Friday. Beautiful area and I definitely want to spend some more time out there again.

I overland solo, most of the time, albeit with my 2 dogs - they bring such joy to the adventure, never complain and are always up for the challenges. They offer a bit safety too, especially at night if any predators approach camp. I always have my pocket knife (army issue that my son carried in Afghanistan), a bottle/floor jack, recovery tools and satellite communication.

*Took this trail alone in a stock Lexus GX460 on regular street tires 😅 ... biggest danger out here is exposure in the summer ☀️*

I frequently wheel alone. And while it can always end badly, I'm aware of the risk, but there is also a risk that you miss out on opportunities that you have, because you can't find someone available when you are able to so it. And I enjoy the solitude. I tend towards easier trails, get out and look when I'm not sure, have a winch and recovery equipment, relax, take it slower than I would with others. There are skills you learn by yourself that you do not learn if you are always spotted through obstacles. I have a group I message when I'm on the trail and when I get off the trail. Rattlesnake Canyon is such an amazing trail. Great video and keep them coming.

Hi Brad, I hope all is well with you and family, I really enjoyed this video. Loved the trail. Thank you for sharing. 🚗

Always love these relaxed trail videos! I haven't hit Rattlesnake Canyon yet, but Burns Canyon has been one of my absolute favorites, along with Coxey Truck Trail. Would love to see you re-visit Burns Canyon again!

Great relaxed video Brad, I always make sure I’ve got comm’s to reach home or friends with and my pull-pal when solo, so if I gotta winch, I’ve got something I can tie off too. Be safe out there sir!

Awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

Excellent, good scenery ⭐️🤩😎

I've almost always 'wheeled alone. Not necessarily by choice, but I don't have any friends who 'wheel, and my wife doesn't want to do big organized runs. So for me it's solo or don't go. I've built my own vehicles, so I'm very familiar with them. I'm pretty conservative, growing my skills very slowly rather than pushing my limits. And I go on established trails where I'm not likely to be completely by myself. I might only see a handfull of people all day, but it's not like I'm unlikely to see anyone else if I break down.

Thanks Brad. Going out alone is a great way to clear your head of the everyday crap we encounter. When I do it I always seem to end up out at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve(Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve) Something peaceful about watching the bison on the land roaming free. If you come through Oklahoma I highly recommend a visit. What I take. I use to have 2 different radios. Now it's GMRS working on adding a HAM to the rig. A good radio is something you should always have as well as water and a little gas.

Fantastic video, great nature views, intune background music and the jeep.

Absolutely love this style video! Currently stationed at Camp Pendleton and can’t wait to hit this trail!

Great videos, very informative. Just bought my 3rd wrangler and 2nd Rubicon. A 14' Unlimited with some well-done upgrades. Planning on kitting her out and hitting the road next year. Using your videos for advice. Thank you for what you do. Looks like a blast.

I enjoyed following your adventure on google maps with the GPS location as the starting point. Was nice to see where you were in relation to video time and distance travelled when you stopped for lunch. Nice video Brad!

Just love your adventures

OMG … @19:07 - total Forest Gump pose - love it !! Hahahahahahaha great video. Had to stop at this point and comment, but will finish video for sure. Lol.

One of the thing(s) that I would never hit the trail without is a personal defense firearm. It doesn't matter if I'm alone or with my family, there is ALWAYS at least one equalizer present and in the hands of a proficient person. There are legal ways for all of us (with the exception of prohibited persons) to transport firearms in our vehicles for personal defense. We should all be UNASHAMED and UN-AFRAID to exercise our 2A rights for the purposes of self preservation and the safety of others.

I agree with everything you point out in this video. A few comments to add: I believe a lot of trails are now tougher than they used to be. Between erosion and a big increase in off-road traffic my opinion is that there is a lot more trail “damage” & rutting than over prior decades. Also many of the newer 4x4 drivers out there think it is fun to tear up trails by spinning tires rather than winching or racing thru in the rain. Honestly concerned about closures because the NFS & BLM can’t do all of the trail repairs. Solo off-roading does require more & shouldn’t be taken lightly. That said I have to admit that about 90% of my trips over the past 40 years have been solo. I am practiced at self recovery & refresh those skills every year. I don’t take it for granted. I have been stuck for many hours after going to far on my own. I learned the hard way but survived. Fortunately that was over 35 years ago! Now I evaluate obstacles & trails as I drive & turn around any time I feel it is sketchy for me, my rig, due to a change in weather, or daylight. Live to fight another day is a good motto to keep in the forefront of your mind when solo trekking. I’ve followed that while solo hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing,snow camping and off-roading. Stay safe & know your limits. Thanks for another fun & informative video Brad.

I had a great time in April going through Anza Borrego then coming up North through Pioneer town. Looking forward to the next one!

Another great video with important information and great content👍

Words to live when it comes to 4 wheeling. Great job, Brad.

Good one. I go solo quite a bit. And yes, I don't take chances the way I would as when I'm with a group.

Great content and topic Brad. Thanks for sharing this trail, i havent been there.....yet👍

Amazing video just getting into overlanding we do camp and hike this looks like a fun trip. Stay safe and keep exploring

Just FYI- As a science teacher, we use those ramen noodles to look at under a microscope. EVERY tiny pressed noodle has pieces of bugs and exoskeletons in it. Every,,, tiny,,, piece. And the exoskeletons pieces of ground bugs are light brown just like cockroaches.

Solo explorer here. I love the conversation and that you included a PLB. We hit everything you mentioned but I would add: A handheld GPS and a bug out bag for a hike out. Also, we carry a pistol hoping not to need it. I also carry knifes and carry a bushcraft book for survival reference. Always be prepared. Maintain your vehicle. Know your vehicle. Trust your experience.

This was an excellent style of video you've done here Brad. All your different vids and styles are very enjoyable so thank you.

Great video and excellent capturing drone shot while driving and flying at the same time. Well done indeed.

I have a case of dehydrated meals, with instant coffee, which I keep in the Jeep along with a Jet Boil type stove. Combined with the comforter/sleeping bags and spare clothes we could make it a week if we got stuck... if our Garmin In Reach satellite communicator failed. Always good to be thinking about basics.

Brad, I was inspired by this video and drove up this morning from Chula Vista to pioneertown. Then drove Burns Canyon Rd to Big Bear. Drove up the front of big bear and down the back. Camping in Barton Flats tonight. Such a great route!! Such a great video to set it up. I went solo and will be driving back on pavement but I will be back! Thank you again for the inspiration and detail in all your videos!

Thank for the GPS coordinates. Gives us another opportunity to visit some of the cool places you mention in you videos. Always enjoy watching your content. I learn so much every time.

Thanks for making this video. I enjoy your content so much that I always look forward to your next one. Keep up the good work and keep them coming. I really like that you are including the gps coordinates for our future trips.

Off-roading is one of those things that you shouldn't do alone unless you have a lot of experience and a capable vehicle. With that said, it's awesome to be alone sometimes. You can go where you want and do what you want on your schedule. If you want to stop, you stop. If you want to take a detour, you detour. I like moving the lightbar further back on the roof. It looks rally-ish and will hopefully keep the lights from lighting up the hood like it's a stadium. To me, lights mounted high up are for shooting further down the road. You have fog lights and headlights and ditch lights if you need to see what's in front of your bumper.

Loved this trail video!

You pretty much covered everything about wheeling alone. I’ve always gone with gut instinct. If the trail didn’t feel right or a weird noise from the Jeep I turned around.

Great video really enjoyed the format, as for the ramen, I try all types, the simplicity, soundtrack and editing are fabulous. Looking forward to you taking up the next part of the route as you suggested, so yes more please. Great advice for this solitary endevour too. Thank you Brad!

Great video! Sometimes it's great to go alone in nature. I do it often, the last time I even got stuck. LOL But being alone is usually very relaxing.

Great stuff as Always ty . Just got in my 2024 Rubicon X Anvil . A few weeks ago. Still gathering a few more essential items left on the list , then trails here I come. Oh and I got the warn wench. 👍

Looks like a very fun run. We do a lot of solo mainly because our friends either work or don't wheel. Therefore I tend to stick to relatively easy (no more than a 3) trail and we're exploring old ghost towns or chasing scenery. Anything to get out of town and see the countryside. I have a DeLorme Inreach onboard as well as ham and gmrs radios. As always, Travel safe.

Memories...👍

I enjoy your videos Brad. I do alot of solo day runs. Did Oriflamme from the Banner side Thursday. Oh my. Really rutted. But I like twisting the suspension. Let the ranger station know as well as the wife. Bought the Zoleo from TrailRecon. Easy to set up. Works great. Keep those videos coming. I did miss Regina's smile and positive attitude.

Awesome adventure video, great rubicon Always~ 💯👍👍

I had some much fun running Rattlesnake canyon. Seeing the cows is pretty awesome. I’m glad I didn’t run rattlesnake solo even tho I was really tempted to.

It was really cool running into you today Man, love the videos and your video about the radios really helped me out. We were able to recover my Drone 🙂

Great selection on the music,. Fits the T.R. style, Thanks for the post. Fun to see a week day video of The brand.....❤

Great comment about the seat belt cutter. I carry the Leatherman Skeletool Rx in the top glove compartment. It has a fully serrated blade specifically purposed to cutting seat belts and clothing (thus the first responder Rx name). In addition, the bit driver has a glass breaking tip. Carry it not only to get myself out of a jam, but also in the event of coming upon an accident either on-road or off-road. Also, the tool is aptly red in color. Good pair of pliers and the bottle opener for the beer at the end of the trail.

My dad always said when I was kid and young adult life. " one boy is a boy, two boys are a half a boy, three boys is no boy at all." Going in groups is great but one will take more risk when in groups. Solo, one tends to be more conservative on the risk factor. Yes thing can happen always will, so knowing your limits as you mentioned is key.

You checked all the boxes on my list. Comms are an absolute must. When "solo" and being in my mid 60's, I pick easy to moderate trails that are likely to be used more frequently . So if I get in a jam, then maybe someone will come along in a couple of hours and give me a hand.

My retirement date is nearing brother. I plan on attacking these awesome trails myself soon. Great videos as always!

wow very interesting experience friend

I think you covered most of it. I keep my hiking/go bag in my vehicle for emergency in case of weather change etc... also good communications (cell, radio and garmin InReach)

I was down in Big Bend by myself a couple years back during the polar vortex. I definitely brought out more gear than usual. The entire time i kept think how much of an idiot i was, but damn was it worth it. I look at those pictures of a snow covered Big Bend NP all the time.

Lots of getting out to set up the trip pod when solo , nice video

I always have one of those small lithium jump starter packs with me.

As someone just getting into the hobby after buying an older jeep jk, I've heard to "never wheel alone" but I don't have any buddies or a group to go with so I end up going by myself anyway. But I did make sure to get a winch, recovery gear, and a Garmin InReach as a way to get a hold of someone in an emergency.

Love the trail episodes. And now with the drone footage you don't have to get out and run around so much 😊

I am a solo rider for sure. I was in a very remote area of Pennsylvania last week and had a fuel pump issue. After a quick panic / diagnosis it luckily ended up being the fuel pump fuse. It was definitely a lucky break and time to vacate the wilderness. I did replace the pump to be on the safe side.

Wheeling alone sounds great in theory. But the first time you’re stranded 10 miles out of cell range due to some mechanical issue, it’s a whole different experience. Been there, done that.

You can do it yes check everything treat it like a 18 wheeler going thow check list on every fuel run good luck ❤

Being over prepared is everything. I travel to South Dakota to hunt every December. Hunting out in the middle of no where it is critical to be prepared for anything, even being caught in a blizzard which has happened. I hunt in an F350 and have a 12K winch, but you are thinking there is nothing to hook up to. That is where the Pull Pal comes in. It is essentially a land anchor. It has gotten me out 2 times in the 22 years I've been hunting there in December. Check it out. Love all your preparedness comments and tips. They are spot on!

Near to me. Planning on the Pioneer Town to Big Bear trip soon, but, might have to include Rattlesnake in the itinerary. I've done solo trips, but much prefer the security of a second (or third) vehicle. Definitely make sure someone knows where you are planning to go, and when you plan to return. If you have a olanned route, a copy of that can be left with your contact to aid rescue, if needed. Great video, as always. Keep the shiny side up.

Ramen? Your no Marco. 🤣😂🤣 Thanks for taking us along. I noticed Costco is selling a brand of emergency texting device.

Great episode! never looked or sounded better! great story and editing. not sure if you’ve made some changes to your production flow, but definitely moved the needle from good to great. always enjoy your content. big fan in Middle Tennessee. also envious of the locations out west. awesome stuff.

Outstanding stuff! I'm curious, for a trail that normally takes 2.5-3 hrs, how long does it take when you include all those amazing shots and drone footage? Further, taking epic drone footage all while driving solo, mind blown! Keep up the stellar work Brad!

You've got to plan ahead, overnight and first aid kits, even if your only going to be a few hours always fill the tank and do a pretrip inspection, and avoid mud it's a great fun until you get stuck or breakdown and mud makes trouble

Garmin inreach is also a good communication device. It works good for us. It's nice to let loved ones know how your doing on long rocklanding trips.