We wandered through Victor, Colorado, and felt like we’d stepped straight into a mining town from the past. The historic buildings, old mine entrances, and small-town charm made it a surprisingly captivating stop. It’s quiet, rugged, and full of character—perfect for anyone who loves exploring history off the beaten path. #VictorColorado #MiningTownVibes #HistoricPlaces #ColoradoAdventures #OffTheBeatenPath 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel

We decided to tackle Rovey’s Needle near The Steps, and wow—what a ride! Narrow trails, rocky climbs, and incredible views made every turn an adrenaline rush. The desert scenery stretched endlessly, and reaching the top gave us that satisfying “we made it” feeling. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you love off-roading and epic vistas, this trail is unforgettable. #RovesNeedle #OffroadingAdventures #DesertTrails #4x4Life #EpicViews 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel

We spent a few nights boondocking at Alamo Lake, and it was pure serenity. No hookups, no crowds—just endless desert skies, sparkling water, and the kind of quiet that makes you forget the world exists. We watched sunsets paint the horizon, spotted wildlife wandering nearby, and felt completely unplugged from the daily grind. If you’re looking for a simple, peaceful getaway, this spot might just steal your heart. #AlamoLake #BoondockingLife #DesertCamping #OffGridAdventures #RVTravelUSA 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel

We stopped by the Wyatt Earp Cottage in Vidal, California — the one permanent home he and Josephine ever owned. It’s quiet, a little worn around the edges, but somehow peaceful. We stood there thinking about their winters in the Mojave Desert, working the Happy Days mines up in the Whipple Mountains. digital-desert.com +2 sbpl.org +2 It’s not a tourist trap — just a humble slice of history tucked into the desert, with a historical marker nearby to remind us who once called it home. #WyattEarp #VidalCA #DesertHistory #MojaveDesert #EarpCottage 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel

Wickenburg is one of the most charming small towns we’ve visited. Walking down its historic streets felt like stepping back in time, with rustic storefronts, local art, and friendly faces around every corner. We loved exploring the quiet desert landscapes nearby and discovering little coffee shops and galleries that made the town feel so welcoming. It wasn’t about big attractions—it was about the pace, the scenery, and the genuine warmth of a place that still feels off the beaten path. #WickenburgAZ #DesertTownVibes #TravelDiaries #HiddenGemsUSA #SmallTownAdventures 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel

We visited the little cemetery just outside Vidal, California — a modest, secluded burial ground tucked away near the railroad tracks across from the old townsite. It’s mostly unmarked graves, some set off by barbed wire, a few stones for miners and early residents, and a stillness that feels like the desert is holding its breath. The place reminds us of Vidal’s boom‑and‑bust days: a mining camp turned aqueduct worker settlement, where Wyatt Earp once lived nearby. It’s not a polished historic site — just a raw, honest piece of the desert’s past. #VidalCA #MojaveDesert #DesertCemetery #GhostTownHistory #WyattEarp 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel

Experience one of the most scenic and easy off-road drives near Moab, Utah as we travel from Bull Canyon Overlook high above the Colorado River, across the stunning La Sal Mountains, and descend into the dramatic red rock landscapes of Gateway, Colorado. This route is perfect for those looking for beginner-friendly off-roading near Moab with nonstop scenery and incredible fall colors. In this video we begin at Bull Canyon Overlook, where sweeping views stretch across the Colorado River canyon and the red rock fins surrounding Moab. From there, the drive climbs into the cooler alpine elevations of the La Sal Mountains. In the fall, this area transforms with vibrant golden aspens, crisp mountain air, and dramatic contrasts between snow-dusted peaks and Utah’s iconic desert sandstone. Here is a full description of how to go from Moab to Gateway: 🚗 Route Description 1️⃣ Moab → Hwy 128 (Paved) From Moab, head north on US-191 for about 2 miles. Turn right onto Utah State Route 128 toward Cisco. Follow 128 along the Colorado River. ⏱ ~25–30 minutes from Moab to the La Sal Loop turnoff. 2️⃣ Hwy 128 → La Sal Loop Road (Paved Climb) Turn right onto La Sal Loop Road (signed). This road is fully paved and climbs into the La Sal foothills. Continue following signs toward Castle Valley / Geyser Pass. ⏱ About 25–35 minutes climbing. 3️⃣ La Sal Loop → Bull Canyon Overlook (Paved) Stay on La Sal Loop Road toward Castle Valley. Watch for the signed turnoff for Bull Canyon Overlook. The road to the overlook is paved all the way to the viewpoint parking area. This overlook sits high above the Colorado River canyon with dramatic views. ⏱ Roughly 10–15 minutes from the main loop road to the overlook. 4️⃣ Bull Canyon Area → John Brown Canyon (Dirt Begins) From the Bull Canyon area, continue following signs toward John Brown Canyon. The pavement ends and transitions to a graded dirt road. This section becomes progressively rougher as you head toward Colorado. High-clearance recommended; 4WD helpful depending on conditions. ⏱ Allow 1.5–2.5 hours for this dirt stretch depending on road conditions and stops. 5️⃣ John Brown Canyon → Gateway (Dirt to Paved) The road descends through John Brown Canyon. Eventually you reach pavement near Highway 141. Turn as signed toward Gateway. You’ll arrive in the small community of Gateway along the Dolores River. 🕒 Total Driving Time ➤ One Way (Moab → Gateway via this route) Paved sections: ~1.25–1.5 hours Dirt section: ~1.5–2.5 hours Estimated total: 3–4.5 hours one way ➤ Round Trip (same route back) 6–9 hours total driving time Add extra time for: Photos at Bull Canyon Slow dirt conditions Wildlife or washboard sections 🚙 Vehicle Notes Passenger car is fine to Bull Canyon Overlook. From there to Gateway: high clearance strongly recommended. After rain, the dirt can become muddy and slow. High-elevation meadows and aspen groves glowing with fall color Wildlife such as deer and wild turkey in the early mornings and evenings This scenic backcountry route is considered easy, but drivers should always check conditions before heading out. In fall especially: Watch for early snow or muddy sections at higher elevations Bring extra water and layers — temperatures can vary dramatically Ensure you have a high-clearance vehicle Download offline maps, as cell service is limited Be mindful of hunting season and share the road responsibly Descending into western Colorado, the landscape shifts again into rugged canyon country as we approach Gateway, Colorado, a quiet and scenic outpost along the Dolores River. Near Gateway, we explore John Brown Canyon, known for: Towering red rock canyon walls Remote desert beauty with fewer crowds than Moab Sweeping desert views and peaceful backcountry camping opportunities This drive showcases the incredible diversity of terrain in just one day — from river canyons to alpine mountains to high desert red rock. It’s a perfect addition to any Moab itinerary if you’re looking for scenic overland routes, fall color drives, or easy off-roading adventures near Moab, Utah. This video is Part 13 of our 16-part series featuring scenic drives and beginner-friendly off-road trails near Moab, Utah. Be sure to check out the full playlist for more routes that combine adventure with incredible views. If you enjoy scenic backcountry drives, overlanding routes, and hidden gems near Moab, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow along for the rest of the series. 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com

We made a stop at Tortilla Flat, tucked into the Superstition Mountains along Arizona’s historic Apache Trail. With only about six people “officially” calling it home, it feels like stepping into a time capsule — wooden boardwalks, an old saloon, a tiny schoolhouse-turned-museum, and relics scattered around. ghosttowns.com #TortillaFlatAZ #ApacheTrail #OldWestArizona #SuperstitionMountains #ArizonaRoadTrip 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel