I am a geologist who has visited and worked in San Lorenzo Canyon for over 40 years. While it is a marvelous place to visit there are several considerations that you should know about before heading in and setting up camp. 1. KNOW THE WEATHER FORECAST: San Lorenzo Canyon lies near the eastern terminus of a large drainage basin. If you are in a vehicle, there is only one way in and that way out. While dry as a bone for most of the year it, like all canyons is eroded by flowing water. During the southwest monsoon season, I have been in the canyon when thunderstorms over the basin have filled the drivable canyon wall-to-wall with over three feet of water. That is to say pretty much any spot that is flat enough to pitch a tent or park a vehicle will be under water.
2. BE PREPARE FOR DRIVING ON DEEP, LOOSE SAND: The last half of the drive from the pavement to the canyon is in a (usually) dry, sandy riverbed. There is no established or maintained road. During hot and dry periods of the year the sand can become impassable, especially for 2-wheel drive vehicles. I can get my 20 ft. travel trailer behind my 4x4 pickup in and out with little trouble, large trailers and motor homes will be a challenge. If there have been recent rains and the riverbed has been moistened, even 2-wheel drive cars should make it in and out.
@@DispersedCamperMan ya wasnt so mucht alking about you, i would have guessed you knew that, just tacking it onto your good advice for driving in sand.
I’ve often wondered why they have such large drainage bridges and such under the roads when driving semis from southern US to Canada. I haven’t seen a monsoon yet.
Thanks for the gift! Much appreciated! I'm currently still in New Mexico, going to start heading towards Arizona sometime next week. LOL I need a little warmer weather. Safe Travels!
I’m 75 and love your videos. I get up every morning and walk 4 miles (well sounds good huh) only thing is is my dog is named “ Four Miles” lol. Enjoy doing what others just Dream about doing.
Mark, in May 2018 I parked exactly where you stayed, and did a 7-mile day hike exploring the canyon and its environs. It's a beautiful place. I wish I could have been there for a week like you! Jim
Wow! What a beautiful camp! I wish I knew of this place before. I was just down the road last year at the State Park in Elephant Butte. But will put this spot on my list to visit in the near future. Thank you for sharing~
Really great video & location, I wish I would have known about San Lorenzo Canyon last year when I went through that area. Also thank you for the excellent directions for the next time I'm down that way.
Very nice area. I've driven through New Mexico, but had no idea of what camping options are there. The details on all of your camping equipment is great information. Thanks so much.
Incredible rig! Love it. Wife and I camped at the cloudcroft New Mexico camp that u gave coordinates too. Nice place to be in hot July. Thanks for the videos.
Guess being down in a canyon definitely cuts the solar time short. I’ve definitely decided to keep my generator to do the same thing, recharge my batteries. Nice spot, I could spend a week there easily. 👍🏼
It's a really peaceful spot. I really wanted to camp in the canyon, but there was hardly no sun. Plus it would of been colder. Generators came in handy this time.
I love my cargo trailers. I have dual axles - doing a lot of blm etc, that has saved me from being broken down with flat tires - I could limp to safe spot to change tire. Just a thought if someone reading this is not as able to do quick tire changes, but are thinking of getting one. Looks like a great spot! Is truck gas or diesel? If gas, what kind of mileage? Which engine? (I have a 6.7l diesel 2wd that I love - i do wish I had locking rear diff though). Have a great new year!
I'm loving my enclosed trailer also. I don't need all the stuff in it, but I like having it with me. My truck is a diesel 6.7 4WD. I've been averaging about 11mpg. Happy New Year!
Nice spot, great canyon views. We place our starlink modem in an exterior compartment using outside power outlet to power system. Less fuss on travel days and has been handy to just plug in both and place dish as needed. Especially where we needed emergency phone service. Great truck! Also, we added an onboard water filter & spiget to eliminate just about all bacteria.
Sounds like a great setup! I need to figure out my water filtration setup. I've been using the tank water to cook and shower with. Gallon Jug water to drink.
Love the new camper / truck combo. Congrats, looks awesome. How are you liking your Transalp? I love mine, I'm coming up on 1 year of ownership. So glad I bought it.
I am at The Box right now in Socorro, nm. I am about to head to Quartzsite where it's lower elevation. How are you holding/staying warm in this climate? I find it unpleasant
I use propane heat at night, I'm just glad it warms up nicely during the day so I can get out there and explore. I'll be in New Mexico for a couple more days then I'm headed to Arizona for warmer weather like you. Safe Travels and Stay Warm!
That's really cool. If I were to do my set up from scratch all over... wow. But hind sight is 20/20 right? I am home paying down my trip from 2024, will head back out probably in April, and stay out till whenever... I have a 2016 Lance 1685 with 3 100 Amp hour Battleborns, 3000 Watt Victron Inverter, 4 solar panels, and Honda 2200i generator. Tow vehicle is a 2012 Porsche Cayenne S. I did my first "real" trip May-Sept 24, mostly in Montana and a few weeks in North Dakota at the start of the trip. Finished up just south of Glacier National Park in the National Forest. 2025 I think I will start by heading down to New Mexico or Arizona, and then work my way North as it warms up...
It sounds like you have a pretty good setup yourself. Sounds like you might need to get a motorcycle and ebike added to your setup. I love mine. I'm thinking about doing the Montana/Wyoming trip May/June. Maybe it's not that cold on those months. I might wait longer. Safe Travels.
I was near this spot last April doing some rock hunting and dispersed camping at Kelly Mine in Magdalena, NM. I just bought a Velotric Summit 1 ebike and can't wait to try it on my next camping trip. Stay safe out there!
I'm enjoying my bike but it does overheat sometimes when I'm climbing a hill. When it's on it's final leg, I'll be looking to upgrade. I looked at the Summit 1, they look good. Is the battery built in? I would want a bike that I can swap out batteries so I can ride longer. I have two on my current one. Love not having to stop my ride because of a dead battery. I just pull over and swap out a fresh battery.
@@DispersedCamperMan The battery can be removed from the frame of the bike to recharge or replace with an extra battery. I'm having the adventure Pro Pack installed, a suspension seat post, an adjustable stem for the handle bars, and rack bag for storage. I like your idea of having an extra battery. I'll probably do the same.
Nice video. I had a Northern Lite before I bought a Four Wheel Camper. I wanted to be able to get even further off grid. I am curious as to what you use requiring so much electricity that you have to run all that solar plus a generator?
I looked at it, I'll keep it on my list, but right now it's a little further north than I wan to go right now. It's starting to get cold here in NM. Happy New Year!
Great video. Liking the e-bike rides. Using the Hiseeu cameras are the videos being saved on the Cloud or the micro SD card? Stay safe, well and positive. Daryl
The cameras are saving to the micro SD card and the cloud. Not to worried about theft of the camera. I'll still be able to see who took them. Glad you're liking the e-bike rides! I love riding the bike.
Beautiful spot just down the road from where I live outside of Albuquerque. I have 36a in Concho, AZ @RidgeValleyRanch outside of Show Low. You are welcome to camp at my place. Free Wi-Fi, firewood and water. Good cell service and great views!
@@DispersedCamperMan Wouldn't call it warm :) Right now it is ranging from 15-50. Like a lot of places, it is good for the shoulder seasons. It is at 6600'. I go out frequently through out the year, even when it is colder, I enjoy it while there.
I am a geologist who has visited and worked in San Lorenzo Canyon for over 40 years. While it is a marvelous place to visit there are several considerations that you should know about before heading in and setting up camp.
1. KNOW THE WEATHER FORECAST: San Lorenzo Canyon lies near the eastern terminus of a large drainage basin. If you are in a vehicle, there is only one way in and that way out. While dry as a bone for most of the year it, like all canyons is eroded by flowing water. During the southwest monsoon season, I have been in the canyon when thunderstorms over the basin have filled the drivable canyon wall-to-wall with over three feet of water. That is to say pretty much any spot that is flat enough to pitch a tent or park a vehicle will be under water.
2. BE PREPARE FOR DRIVING ON DEEP, LOOSE SAND: The last half of the drive from the pavement to the canyon is in a (usually) dry, sandy riverbed. There is no established or maintained road. During hot and dry periods of the year the sand can become impassable, especially for 2-wheel drive vehicles. I can get my 20 ft. travel trailer behind my 4x4 pickup in and out with little trouble, large trailers and motor homes will be a challenge. If there have been recent rains and the riverbed has been moistened, even 2-wheel drive cars should make it in and out.
Some excellent advice David! Thanks for sharing.
Bring a 12v compressor and air down tires a bit before getting stuck.
@@jimburson5354 I have a 12v compressor. Didn't need to air down tires. No issues with getting stuck while I was there.
@@DispersedCamperMan ya wasnt so mucht alking about you, i would have guessed you knew that, just tacking it onto your good advice for driving in sand.
I’ve often wondered why they have such large drainage bridges and such under the roads when driving semis from southern US to Canada. I haven’t seen a monsoon yet.
Loving your content, Mark! God bless you, brother. Stay safe.
God bless you too, safe travels!
Doesn't get much better than that location! Great tour and info. Thanks for taking the time to post the video. Much appreciated!
Thanks! It was a great spot to check out.
Hello from Silver C. 67 today and low 30's at night 6200'. Many camping outdoor gems about the area...
Thanks for the gift! Much appreciated! I'm currently still in New Mexico, going to start heading towards Arizona sometime next week. LOL I need a little warmer weather. Safe Travels!
San Lorenzo Canyon is always great
I’m 75 and love your videos. I get up every morning and walk 4 miles (well sounds good huh) only thing is is my dog is named “ Four Miles” lol. Enjoy doing what others just Dream about doing.
Give 4 miles a pet and Happy New Year!
You definitely always find some beautiful places to camp.
I do enjoy exploring the Southwest.
Great spot.
Hi Wes! Hope you are doing well.
It's a great one, for sure!
Hi Tracy, doing good, hope you are.
@@wesw5123 , doing great. Can't complain.
I really enjoy your videos. Very informative about camping. Keep it up. Thanks
Thanks! I'm glad you are enjoying them.
Mark, in May 2018 I parked exactly where you stayed, and did a 7-mile day hike exploring the canyon and its environs. It's a beautiful place. I wish I could have been there for a week like you! Jim
That’s a great spot to explore Jim. Three days turned into a week. LOL Great spot, lots of canyon hiking available.
Awesome! Happy New Year!👍😎🇨🇦
Happy New Year to you too!
Thank you.
You're welcome!
Nice rig buddy, looks like you got all the bases covered 👍
I'm still trying to figure it all out but getting better. LOL
Nice! Thanks for sharing 😊
You're welcome! 😊
New Mexico is awesome !! Thx !! Be safe
It really is a beautiful state.
Thanks and Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you too!
Thanks. I like your setup
Glad you like it!
Really appreciate your videos. I'm in my 60s and working on my bus.. should be out there later this year.. Thank you
I'm excited for you getting your bus out on the road. Good luck with your build! And safe travels!
Just enjoy seeing you roughing it so well. WE head South to Q Monday or Tuesday. Four days of blissful driving. Take care Mark.
Safe travels! You need to get a hide-a-key for your truck. ;-)
Looks like a great first trip of the year experience ! Beautiful weather !
It was a great way to start the season.
@DispersedCamperMan I traded for a 2013 F350 with 103,000 miles yesterday. Gradually to get it ready for the road. Still driving road truck now .
It's a great spot! One of my favorites.
I really enjoyed my time there.
Wow! What a beautiful camp! I wish I knew of this place before. I was just down the road last year at the State Park in Elephant Butte. But will put this spot on my list to visit in the near future. Thank you for sharing~
It’s a really neat area. Hope you get a chance to check it out.
Beautiful camping area
It really is.
Thanks. I been thinking about place. Thank for showing the road in.
Glad I could help, it is a great spot!
Incredible landscape! Incredible toy box! You sir have got it all together! What a beautiful place! Another awesome video! Thanks!
Thanks, I enjoy being able to camp like this!
Nice video. Gees, you got all the toys to make dispersed camping fantastic.
Thanks, it's pretty nice to be able to camp like this.
Really great video & location, I wish I would have known about San Lorenzo Canyon last year when I went through that area. Also thank you for the excellent directions for the next time I'm down that way.
It’s a great spot for sure, glad you enjoyed the video!
Hi Mark. Nice area. I don't blame you for wanting to stay for a while. You are geared up for this outing. Safe travels, my friend.
Thanks! I'm enjoying it so far!
Wow, we haven't watched for awhile but did you win the lottery and we missed it? You have upgraded everything and added more. Congratulations!
LOL No lottery. My old truck had 200K miles on it, my old camper was 20 years old. Figured I needed an upgrade. Happy New Year!
Very nice area. I've driven through New Mexico, but had no idea of what camping options are there. The details on all of your camping equipment is great information. Thanks so much.
New Mexico is full of beautiful areas to explore!
Lew? From one Lew to another. You are also welcome to camp @RidgeValleyRanch outside of Show Low.
Incredible rig! Love it. Wife and I camped at the cloudcroft New Mexico camp that u gave coordinates too. Nice place to be in hot July. Thanks for the videos.
Cloudcroft is a great escape from the heat. Glad you enjoyed it. Safe Travels.
Guess being down in a canyon definitely cuts the solar time short. I’ve definitely decided to keep my generator to do the same thing, recharge my batteries. Nice spot, I could spend a week there easily. 👍🏼
It's a really peaceful spot. I really wanted to camp in the canyon, but there was hardly no sun. Plus it would of been colder. Generators came in handy this time.
Cool canyon😮
I thought so. Loved that area.
I love my cargo trailers. I have dual axles - doing a lot of blm etc, that has saved me from being broken down with flat tires - I could limp to safe spot to change tire. Just a thought if someone reading this is not as able to do quick tire changes, but are thinking of getting one. Looks like a great spot!
Is truck gas or diesel?
If gas, what kind of mileage? Which engine?
(I have a 6.7l diesel 2wd that I love - i do wish I had locking rear diff though).
Have a great new year!
I'm loving my enclosed trailer also. I don't need all the stuff in it, but I like having it with me. My truck is a diesel 6.7 4WD. I've been averaging about 11mpg. Happy New Year!
Nice spot, great canyon views.
We place our starlink modem in an exterior compartment using outside power outlet to power system. Less fuss on travel days and has been handy to just plug in both and place dish as needed. Especially where we needed emergency phone service.
Great truck! Also, we added an onboard water filter & spiget to eliminate just about all bacteria.
Sounds like a great setup! I need to figure out my water filtration setup. I've been using the tank water to cook and shower with. Gallon Jug water to drink.
Love the new camper / truck combo. Congrats, looks awesome. How are you liking your Transalp? I love mine, I'm coming up on 1 year of ownership. So glad I bought it.
I love it! Much better than the KLR I had. Really like the way it handles on the interstate.
I am at The Box right now in Socorro, nm. I am about to head to Quartzsite where it's lower elevation. How are you holding/staying warm in this climate? I find it unpleasant
I use propane heat at night, I'm just glad it warms up nicely during the day so I can get out there and explore. I'll be in New Mexico for a couple more days then I'm headed to Arizona for warmer weather like you. Safe Travels and Stay Warm!
That's really cool. If I were to do my set up from scratch all over... wow. But hind sight is 20/20 right? I am home paying down my trip from 2024, will head back out probably in April, and stay out till whenever... I have a 2016 Lance 1685 with 3 100 Amp hour Battleborns, 3000 Watt Victron Inverter, 4 solar panels, and Honda 2200i generator. Tow vehicle is a 2012 Porsche Cayenne S. I did my first "real" trip May-Sept 24, mostly in Montana and a few weeks in North Dakota at the start of the trip. Finished up just south of Glacier National Park in the National Forest.
2025 I think I will start by heading down to New Mexico or Arizona, and then work my way North as it warms up...
It sounds like you have a pretty good setup yourself. Sounds like you might need to get a motorcycle and ebike added to your setup. I love mine. I'm thinking about doing the Montana/Wyoming trip May/June. Maybe it's not that cold on those months. I might wait longer. Safe Travels.
I was near this spot last April doing some rock hunting and dispersed camping at Kelly Mine in Magdalena, NM. I just bought a Velotric Summit 1 ebike and can't wait to try it on my next camping trip. Stay safe out there!
I'm enjoying my bike but it does overheat sometimes when I'm climbing a hill. When it's on it's final leg, I'll be looking to upgrade. I looked at the Summit 1, they look good. Is the battery built in? I would want a bike that I can swap out batteries so I can ride longer. I have two on my current one. Love not having to stop my ride because of a dead battery. I just pull over and swap out a fresh battery.
@@DispersedCamperMan The battery can be removed from the frame of the bike to recharge or replace with an extra battery. I'm having the adventure Pro Pack installed, a suspension seat post, an adjustable stem for the handle bars, and rack bag for storage. I like your idea of having an extra battery. I'll probably do the same.
Glad you went west. Looks like Oklahoma is going to have a big winter storm.
Slowly but surely heading westward. I need some warmer weather.
Nice video. I had a Northern Lite before I bought a Four Wheel Camper. I wanted to be able to get even further off grid.
I am curious as to what you use requiring so much electricity that you have to run all that solar plus a generator?
Star link. I like having it on 24/7.
Mills canyon campground nm is nice if you never been there. It’s free. Campground at the top and bottom by the river.
I looked at it, I'll keep it on my list, but right now it's a little further north than I wan to go right now. It's starting to get cold here in NM. Happy New Year!
Good video. Is your truck gas or diesel?
That’s a beautiful canyon! Any wildlife sightings?
None. Several crows flying over, but no mammals. I was hoping to see some.
Looks like you picked up a Honda Trans Alp. How do you like it so far?
Love it. Great machine to explore the area around me. Very dependable with enough power to keep up on the interstate when needed.
Great video!! Thanks! Maybe turn up the sensitivity on your mike.
Thanks, I'll check on that! Got new mikes I'm still sorting out.
Great video. Liking the e-bike rides. Using the Hiseeu cameras are the videos being saved on the Cloud or the micro SD card? Stay safe, well and positive. Daryl
The cameras are saving to the micro SD card and the cloud. Not to worried about theft of the camera. I'll still be able to see who took them. Glad you're liking the e-bike rides! I love riding the bike.
Thats a great way to live your live!!! Do you work remote or are you already free of the of the rat race? Keep it up!
I'm retired military. I'm pretty much free of the rat race. I'll do a seasonal job ever so often when I'm looking for a change.
It must be kind of a hassle to have to pack up and move often.
Not really. I can be up and on the road in less than 30 minutes. I pack up the day prior, really not much to do.
Great video! New subscriber here, just started my own channel and having a blast with it. I'll keep tuning in. Be safe and happy new year.
Welcome! I'm glad you're enjoying the channel and happy new year to you too!
Too much work setting up solar. If you always have the trailer, you could mount the solar panels on it.
I won’t always have the trailer. Takes minutes setting up solar.
The locals will be there by the weekend to ruin your day....be ready for loud partying and drinking.
I got there on a Saturday. It was pretty quiet while I was there. It would be a good place to do some partying.
Beautiful spot just down the road from where I live outside of Albuquerque. I have 36a in Concho, AZ @RidgeValleyRanch outside of Show Low. You are welcome to camp at my place. Free Wi-Fi, firewood and water. Good cell service and great views!
That sounds like a great spot. Thanks for the offer, but I'm headed westward. Cold front is coming in. Looking for warmer weather.
@@DispersedCamperMan Wouldn't call it warm :) Right now it is ranging from 15-50. Like a lot of places, it is good for the shoulder seasons. It is at 6600'. I go out frequently through out the year, even when it is colder, I enjoy it while there.