I had the privilege of hiking Philmont for 10 days. Incredible experience. I definitely left a piece of me in the Northern New Mexico mountains that trip. Would love the chance to get back to that part of the mountains. Very underrated compared to its Rockies counterparts.
As for your strange trail. Being that close to Philmont, the Boys Scouts of America have a fairly secret organization recognizing experienced and honored campers called Order of the Arrow. They have rituals to include induction and procedures for candidates to become members. I believe you have run into a couple of their induction trails and sites. That would explain the trails, rock formations, circles and other findings along that path. I could tell you more, but the OA (Orderr of the Arrow) would come look for you. Great video.
What a beautiful area this is. The more you show us of Northern NM has me wanting to come see and explore it. I have a very capable rig but my problem is age and health these days. I can no longer hike and bike or even walk the way I used to be capable of. I have learned to be content with mostly kicking back when I go camping and enjoying nature and taking it all in the best I can. I have yet to admit that 70 is old as my heart keeps trying to convince me that I am a wild and free 25. I have always believed in "nothing ventured, nothing gained" so maybe come late spring or early summer of 2023 I may come to visit and have the opportunity to meet you and Heather.
Hi Brad! You should come visit the area for sure. And, there are plenty of road trips you can take to see the beauty without having to go deep on trails. You can also camp in epic places that require no walking to get right to the core of what the area offers. You can do it. My step dad is 94 and still gets out there.
I grew up logging and ranching in the SLV/San Juans. You did a great job capturing that country near there. I loved it. I think those mountains are objectively beautiful in their own right, but that's my home and my heart has longed for it over the 3+ decades I've lived around the world since wandering off the ranch. Thanks for sharing that.
Just found this. Spent 10 years seasonally in NM, explored all over, never got to Valle Vidal, it’s on the list. As thought, don’t worry about putting out timely videos, the content alone makes it interesting to watch, and people discover the site at all times of the year. I watched a good series from a couple bike touring thru France, the release was this summer for a trip last Sept. Didn’t matter,
I agree! I found more than I was looking for on this channel. I stumbled across 4X when I bought a paddle board and was looking for info on AZ Lake camping.
The road mentioned at 25:55 goes to the old town site of LaBelle. Another, shorter one, starts directly across from where you parked. Around a mile and a half to the town site. From there, an old stagecoach road goes up and over a steep ridge to Bitter Creek and then down to Red River. Sadly, the stage road is blocked by hundreds of downed trees. Then, the lower part of the Bitter Creek is all private land and posted.
What beautiful country with a beautiful couple. What a way to explore and adventure with each other. The camping spot along the creek with no neighbors. What a beautiful thing. Maybe need to check into a Go Fast for my new Honda Ridgeline. The music was outstanding as well as your videoing Yes Ted Turner largest land owner in the US. He lives for his Buffalo. Can do anything he wants with all his $$$. Thanks for all your #1 work
The logs were most likely placed to to stop erosion, we did that on the smaller roads at the San Isabel Scouts ranch here in Colorado it helps from having water wash away trails and roads.
So glad I stumbled across this video. I grew up in the flat oil fields of SE New Mexico and, with the exception of a few camping trips with my church or driving up to Albuquerque, I didn’t get much of a chance to explore the awesome landscapes New Mexico has to offer before moving to California 25 years ago. Freshly bit by the exploration bug, I’ll definitely be camping here in August when go out to visit family
I think I have been down that road before. I can't remember, it was so long ago. Either way, the Valle Vidal is a special place. Can't wait to go back some day.
The trail you came upon may have been a Scout hiking trail and the "bridge" board looked to be for a mountain bike trail. Philmont and the Forest Service work closely together to build and manage trails the Scouts use during some of their hiking treks.
Hello Scott & Heather, Another beautiful area, you two sure can pick em’. That old grey structure sure was intriguing, it appeared abandoned. Was it a fire station due to the hoses? Keep those special places close to your heart as they’ll warm a cold winter night… I’ve been bicycle shopping lately, I really would like to get out on those types of trails. Safe travels
I was in the upper frijoles crossing and had an amazing time earlier in the year. Can’t wait to explore more of New Mexico as a Texan. I’ll be in Colorado Springs are at the end of the month for a week of camping and trails that oh would recommend I don’t miss?
Good question. I have been there before. I used to visit my brother when he was stationed at Alomogordo for years. We used to go into those mountains hunting and hiking. And, go out on the missile range when it was open to the public to hunt for Quail. Really nice down there.
Great adventure as always! That B-1 flyover must have been wild, those things are the loudest plane I've ever heard in person. Loved the whole camp right next to the river, were the mosquitoes bad at all? Have you guys thought about getting e-MTBs to explore more on those forest roads? Could knock out 30+ miles and expend the same energy as doing 5 on a regular bike! Cheers!
Hey there Brett! That B-1 was crazy. I met a few hunters that told me they had low fly-overs the night before. There were NO mosquitos along the river. Not one. Thought about the e-bikes but they are restricted on a lot of trails around here. Thanks for watching!
Greetings from Tesuque....just outfitted my LR4 and my wife and I will be taking this three day adventure next month....thanks for all this great information...what is the brand of the propane stove you are using? And do (did) you car a portable toliet or just dig holes?
That orange stove is a Jet Boil Genesis. There are portable toilets provided around the area and otherwise there are paid campgrounds with bathrooms. If you camp off-grid (no provided toilets) then, yes. We use a portable toilet. You can find links to the products I use here > 4xpedition.com/equipment/
Hi Eric! I have a review video coming out on Sunday morning of the Go Fast Camper and I address that whole question about the Camp-X in that video. Tune in. It realeases at 8AM MST. Cheers!
I expect the Forest Service put in the trail obstructions, including the logs to stop bicycles or even dirt bikes & ATVs from using the trail. It may be a hikers only area. I assure you cattle would walk around those logs. Plus cattle trails are little more than a foot wide. We enjoy your adventures.
OH!! I beet you are right! Didn't even think of that! We though that Philmont Scout Ranch might have built the trail as I know they take scouts on long range backpacking trips on their land but also across Valle Vidal Unit.
@@4XPEDITION Usually there's a sign at the trailhead saying "hikers only". Back in the 80s, 90s, we didn't see much sign of off-trail riding damage but around 2K all respect for designation of trail usage began to be ignored. We were primarily riding near Red Rvr during that period. I haven't been to my cabin south of RR for 3 yrs. 1st it was that crazy NM gov spewing nonsense about the "disease". I wasn't sure I wouldn't run up on a dang roadblock when I reached Bobcat pass. Then there was the question of buying groceries. I usually take everything I need but always forget one important item. The full time neighbor out there had to move to Questa (altitude issues). The other neighbor who went out for summers lost her driving privileges (80+ y.o.) so she can only get out when she has a ride. Bottom line: Im now without a source of direct info on the ground out there.
Son and I would love to ride with you’all during first week of may. It’s our first trail run planned for NM we are so excited to do this road trip and trying to plan where to go in northern nm. Thanks for your reply
Have fun! We have a Northern New Mexico trip planned for July. A group trip to take people to some of the places we love. My new expedition company: roveultrax.com/tour-item/new-mexico-8-23/ Check it out!
Sorry to be the buzzkill but you should probably pick up a MVU Map so you can avoid illegally camping like you did at the 13 min mark. Aside from on-foot/horseback camping, the only spots to vehicle camp are in the two campsites.
Whoooaaa that B1 Lancer fly by must’ve been the coolest surprise! Good job getin the cam out in time. Very rare!
Could hear it coming from a mile away! lol
I had the privilege of hiking Philmont for 10 days. Incredible experience. I definitely left a piece of me in the Northern New Mexico mountains that trip. Would love the chance to get back to that part of the mountains. Very underrated compared to its Rockies counterparts.
One of my favorite areas ever! Awesome rig too, very cool. Also, it's great to see some more fellow New Mexico UA-camrs out there.
NM is extremely under rated.
I think y'all need to take some of your exceptional "photos" and make calendars out of them. You take some beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Heather is the better photographer and someone recently suggested a similar thing! Thanks for watching, Richard.
As for your strange trail. Being that close to Philmont, the Boys Scouts of America have a fairly secret organization recognizing experienced and honored campers called Order of the Arrow. They have rituals to include induction and procedures for candidates to become members. I believe you have run into a couple of their induction trails and sites. That would explain the trails, rock formations, circles and other findings along that path. I could tell you more, but the OA (Orderr of the Arrow) would come look for you. Great video.
What a beautiful area this is. The more you show us of Northern NM has me wanting to come see and explore it. I have a very capable rig but my problem is age and health these days. I can no longer hike and bike or even walk the way I used to be capable of. I have learned to be content with mostly kicking back when I go camping and enjoying nature and taking it all in the best I can. I have yet to admit that 70 is old as my heart keeps trying to convince me that I am a wild and free 25. I have always believed in "nothing ventured, nothing gained" so maybe come late spring or early summer of 2023 I may come to visit and have the opportunity to meet you and Heather.
Hi Brad! You should come visit the area for sure. And, there are plenty of road trips you can take to see the beauty without having to go deep on trails. You can also camp in epic places that require no walking to get right to the core of what the area offers. You can do it. My step dad is 94 and still gets out there.
I grew up logging and ranching in the SLV/San Juans. You did a great job capturing that country near there. I loved it. I think those mountains are objectively beautiful in their own right, but that's my home and my heart has longed for it over the 3+ decades I've lived around the world since wandering off the ranch. Thanks for sharing that.
Thanks for the comment. It is a spectacular part of the country.
Just found this. Spent 10 years seasonally in NM, explored all over, never got to Valle Vidal, it’s on the list. As thought, don’t worry about putting out timely videos, the content alone makes it interesting to watch, and people discover the site at all times of the year. I watched a good series from a couple bike touring thru France, the release was this summer for a trip last Sept. Didn’t matter,
Good feedback!
I'm sharing this one. More people need to know about you.
Thank you, Cheryl. ;-)
I agree! I found more than I was looking for on this channel.
I stumbled across 4X when I bought a paddle board and was looking for info on AZ Lake camping.
Beautiful area. Thanks for sharing the adventure. Nothing like the great outdoors to reset and refresh one’s being.
I couldn't agree more, Richard. Hope to see you out here in the coming year!
Excellent maps!! So many UA-cam overlanders fail to let viewers know where the adventures actually occur. Great job and thank you!
The road mentioned at 25:55 goes to the old town site of LaBelle. Another, shorter one, starts directly across from where you parked. Around a mile and a half to the town site. From there, an old stagecoach road goes up and over a steep ridge to Bitter Creek and then down to Red River. Sadly, the stage road is blocked by hundreds of downed trees. Then, the lower part of the Bitter Creek is all private land and posted.
What beautiful country with a beautiful couple. What a way to explore and adventure with each other. The camping spot along the creek with no neighbors. What a beautiful thing. Maybe need to check into a Go Fast for my new Honda Ridgeline. The music was outstanding as well as your videoing Yes Ted Turner largest land owner in the US. He lives for his Buffalo. Can do anything he wants with all his $$$. Thanks for all your #1 work
Hi there, Dave. Thanks for this great comment!
The logs were most likely placed to to stop erosion, we did that on the smaller roads at the San Isabel Scouts ranch here in Colorado it helps from having water wash away trails and roads.
So glad I stumbled across this video. I grew up in the flat oil fields of SE New Mexico and, with the exception of a few camping trips with my church or driving up to Albuquerque, I didn’t get much of a chance to explore the awesome landscapes New Mexico has to offer before moving to California 25 years ago. Freshly bit by the exploration bug, I’ll definitely be camping here in August when go out to visit family
Awesome video. I bet the smells are wonderful and sounds. The key of life is to have peace and be one with nature.
You aren't kidding, Donald ;-)
@@4XPEDITION 🤣🤣🤣
That campsite was excellent. Awesome adventure, can't wait for the next.
Glad you enjoyed it, RSA!
Thanks for sharing this great overland camping/exploring trip. The camping spots you found were exceptional! Such a beautiful area. Take care always!
Glad you enjoyed it, James! And for continuing to follow along. Have a great Sunday!
I think I have been down that road before. I can't remember, it was so long ago. Either way, the Valle Vidal is a special place. Can't wait to go back some day.
The trail you came upon may have been a Scout hiking trail and the "bridge" board looked to be for a mountain bike trail. Philmont and the Forest Service work closely together to build and manage trails the Scouts use during some of their hiking treks.
Yeah that is kind of what we determined. The rocks across the trai to keep dirtbikes and mt bikes off the trail possibly.
As always love your adventures..thanks for sharing with us!
Thanks for watching, Julie!
Awsome video, thank you for sharing. Makes me want to go there now. Only a 4 hour road trip
Northern New Mexico is amazing and very much undiscovered.
Hello Scott & Heather,
Another beautiful area, you two sure can pick em’. That old grey structure sure was intriguing, it appeared abandoned. Was it a fire station due to the hoses?
Keep those special places close to your heart as they’ll warm a cold winter night…
I’ve been bicycle shopping lately, I really would like to get out on those types of trails.
Safe travels
OMG, the Valle Vidal is such a remarkable place.
Excellent video. Two of our sons are overlanders; one in Utah and the other in Dallas area. I'll definitely share this video with them. Well done.
Beautiful!!
Thank you! 😊
I was in the upper frijoles crossing and had an amazing time earlier in the year. Can’t wait to explore more of New Mexico as a Texan. I’ll be in Colorado Springs are at the end of the month for a week of camping and trails that oh would recommend I don’t miss?
Hmm... don't really know that area well enough yet to give you any recommends. Let me know if you find anything amazing!
When are you coming to Cloudcroft/Ruidoso? Seams like youve been everywhere in NM except for the Sacramento Mountains.
Good question. I have been there before. I used to visit my brother when he was stationed at Alomogordo for years. We used to go into those mountains hunting and hiking. And, go out on the missile range when it was open to the public to hunt for Quail. Really nice down there.
Great adventure as always! That B-1 flyover must have been wild, those things are the loudest plane I've ever heard in person. Loved the whole camp right next to the river, were the mosquitoes bad at all? Have you guys thought about getting e-MTBs to explore more on those forest roads? Could knock out 30+ miles and expend the same energy as doing 5 on a regular bike! Cheers!
Hey there Brett! That B-1 was crazy. I met a few hunters that told me they had low fly-overs the night before. There were NO mosquitos along the river. Not one. Thought about the e-bikes but they are restricted on a lot of trails around here. Thanks for watching!
Greetings from Tesuque....just outfitted my LR4 and my wife and I will be taking this three day adventure next month....thanks for all this great information...what is the brand of the propane stove you are using? And do (did) you car a portable toliet or just dig holes?
That orange stove is a Jet Boil Genesis. There are portable toilets provided around the area and otherwise there are paid campgrounds with bathrooms. If you camp off-grid (no provided toilets) then, yes. We use a portable toilet. You can find links to the products I use here > 4xpedition.com/equipment/
Looks like you guys are having a hell of a time. Great videos. I do have a question, did you get rid of the camp-x?
Hi Eric! I have a review video coming out on Sunday morning of the Go Fast Camper and I address that whole question about the Camp-X in that video. Tune in. It realeases at 8AM MST. Cheers!
Did you visit McCrystal Campground on this trip? It's on my list for 2024.
I expect the Forest Service put in the trail obstructions, including the logs to stop bicycles or even dirt bikes & ATVs from using the trail. It may be a hikers only area. I assure you cattle would walk around those logs. Plus cattle trails are little more than a foot wide. We enjoy your adventures.
OH!! I beet you are right! Didn't even think of that! We though that Philmont Scout Ranch might have built the trail as I know they take scouts on long range backpacking trips on their land but also across Valle Vidal Unit.
@@4XPEDITION Usually there's a sign at the trailhead saying "hikers only". Back in the 80s, 90s, we didn't see much sign of off-trail riding damage but around 2K all respect for designation of trail usage began to be ignored. We were primarily riding near Red Rvr during that period.
I haven't been to my cabin south of RR for 3 yrs. 1st it was that crazy NM gov spewing nonsense about the "disease". I wasn't sure I wouldn't run up on a dang roadblock when I reached Bobcat pass. Then there was the question of buying groceries. I usually take everything I need but always forget one important item.
The full time neighbor out there had to move to Questa (altitude issues). The other neighbor who went out for summers lost her driving privileges (80+ y.o.) so she can only get out when she has a ride. Bottom line: Im now without a source of direct info on the ground out there.
I worked on trail crews on public lands and sometimes this type of trail was to prevent erosion along trail
Son and I would love to ride with you’all during first week of may. It’s our first trail run planned for NM we are so excited to do this road trip and trying to plan where to go in northern nm. Thanks for your reply
Have fun! We have a Northern New Mexico trip planned for July. A group trip to take people to some of the places we love. My new expedition company: roveultrax.com/tour-item/new-mexico-8-23/ Check it out!
THAT LOOKED LIKE A HORSESHOE PIT.
Yes, kind of does!
I only saw one comment about the strange trail. So it was a Boy Scout trail?? I wish there was more info about it.
Any issues with the main road through there? Would awd like an Outback make it through without any issues assuming the weather is dry?
Your outback would make it just fine.
What software do you use to make your map graphics? They are so polished and very informative.
Hi Chris. I am an expert in Photoshop. So, I make them myself. Thank you! I spend time on them for sure.
@@4XPEDITION Ah, I was wondering. Yes the overlay takes skill.
Thank you for the reply.
Prevents erosions!
Water diversion bars. So to prevent erosion.
Maybe running a diesel heater in your camper will keep the condensation down.
Yeah. I mentioned that in the video. Thank you for the suggestion.
Mountain bike trail?
How do I contact you about your campground?
Hi there. We don’t have it open this summer. Generally it is on HipCamp. Thanks.
Sorry to be the buzzkill but you should probably pick up a MVU Map so you can avoid illegally camping like you did at the 13 min mark. Aside from on-foot/horseback camping, the only spots to vehicle camp are in the two campsites.