Join us as we return to the Moab backcountry for one of the area’s most scenic and approachable off-road adventures — Mineral Bottom Road. 🚙🌄 This week, we’re Mark and Paula, and we’re taking you along as we unload our side-by-side and head down a classic Moab scenic drive that’s perfect for easy off-roading, stunning canyon views, and a dose of Utah history. 🌄 Why Mineral Bottom Road Is a Must-Do Near Moab Mineral Bottom Road is one of Moab’s most beautiful backcountry routes, offering: Narrow shelf roads with jaw-dropping canyon drop-offs 😮 Iconic switchbacks into Mineral Canyon Access to the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park (permit required) While we chose our side-by-side, this route is also very doable in a high-clearance 4x4 truck under dry conditions. 🏕️ Camping, Picnics & River Access Along the way you’ll find: 🏕️ Primitive camping spots perfect for boondocking 🧺 A scenic picnic area near the Green River boat ramp 🚣 A key put-in/take-out point for Labyrinth Canyon river trips If you’re planning a river adventure, always check permit requirements in advance. ⚠️ Trail Tips & Safety Notes High-clearance vehicles recommended Avoid the road when wet — Moab mud is no joke Shelf roads are narrow with limited passing Vertical drops exceed 1,900 feet in places If you have basic off-road experience, this trail is manageable and incredibly rewarding. 🐏 Wildlife & History Along the Way This area is rich with: 🐏 Bighorn sheep lambing grounds ⛏️ Remnants of mid-20th century uranium and vanadium mining 🏚️ Abandoned mine sites now safely closed by the BLM and Utah Division of Oil, Gas & Mining 🚗 Mysterious old vehicles off of the cliffs — silent reminders of why caution matters Driving through Mineral Canyon feels like stepping onto an old western movie set. 🔁 Out & Back = Twice the Views Mineral Bottom is an out-and-back trail, which means you get to experience the dramatic shelf road both descending and climbing back out — and sometimes spot things you missed the first time. 👍 Thanks for Watching If you enjoy Moab scenic drives, easy off-roading, boondocking, National Parks, and western history, this adventure is for you. 👉 Like, subscribe, share, and hit the 🔔 so you don’t miss next week’s episode as we explore a lesser-known drive to an incredible overlook just outside Moab. 💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com

Description: We spent some time exploring Globe, Arizona, and it quickly became one of those towns that surprises you. The streets are lined with old mining-era buildings, colorful murals, and little cafes that feel straight out of another time. The surrounding mountains make for some gorgeous views, and it’s fun just wandering around and imagining what life was like during the town’s copper mining boom. Globe has that quiet, small-town charm that makes you want to slow down and take it all in. #GlobeAZ #ArizonaSmallTown #MiningTown #HistoricArizona #ExploreArizona #SouthwestTravel #DesertMountains #TravelStories 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel

Take a quick look at the Old Mercantile Building in Crossroads, California — a lonely reminder of a once-busy desert stop. This short captures the weathered wood, vintage architecture, and isolated atmosphere that make this abandoned structure a fascinating piece of roadside history. Whether you love ghost towns, historic ruins, or desert exploration, this iconic mercantile offers a glimpse into California’s past and the stories left behind. #CrossroadsCA #OldMercantileBuilding #CaliforniaGhostTowns #DesertHistory #AbandonedCalifornia #HistoricBuildings #RoadsideHistory #DesertExploration #ForgottenPlaces #TravelShorts #ExploreCalifornia #GhostTownHunting 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel

Arches National Park is one of Utah’s most iconic destinations, and in this video we explore the park early in the morning to experience its beauty before the crowds arrive. Located just 5 miles from Moab, Utah, Arches is home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, dramatic rock fins, balanced rocks, and sweeping desert views. 👋 We’re Mark and Paula, and this visit to Arches National Park focuses on: The 18-mile scenic drive through the park Famous landmarks like Balanced Rock and Delicate Arch Short, easy hikes that fit perfectly into a half-day visit The Devils Garden area, including Sand Dune Arch and Skyline Arch What to expect with parking, crowds, and timed entry 🌅 Starting at sunrise allows us to enjoy cooler temperatures, changing light on the red rock, and quieter viewpoints. We share practical insights for visitors who want to see the highlights of Arches National Park without tackling long or strenuous hikes. 🪨 You’ll also learn a bit about the geology of Arches National Park, shaped by ancient salt beds, erosion, and freeze-thaw cycles that created some of the most recognizable rock formations in the world. 🕙 By mid-morning, parking areas begin to fill—making timing an important part of planning a visit. Whether you’re visiting Arches National Park for the first time or looking for an easy, relaxed way to explore, this video offers a realistic look at what you can see in just a few hours. 👍 If you enjoy national parks, scenic drives, easy hiking, and slow travel, consider liking and subscribing. We’d love to hear your Arches National Park tips or questions in the comments. 🔔 New adventures every week—don’t forget to hit the bell so you don’t miss what’s next. #ArchesNationalPark #MoabUtah #UtahNationalParks #ArchesNationalParkHikes #ScenicDrive #NationalParksUSA #ArchesNP 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com

Join us for a look at The Steps, a popular Arizona State Trust Land camping area just outside Parker. Known for its terraced desert hillsides, wide-open views, and easy access for RVs and off-roaders, The Steps is a favorite winter spot for boondocking. This short showcases the rugged terrain, nearby riding trails, and the peaceful desert vibe that make this area perfect for weekend getaways. (Reminder: a State Trust Land recreation permit is required for camping.) #TheStepsAZ #ParkerAZ #ArizonaStateTrustLand #BoondockingArizona #FreeCampingAZ #DesertCamping #RVLife #OffRoadArizona #ArizonaOutdoors #ExploreAZ #DesertVibes #Overlanding #SouthwestTravel #CampingShorts 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel

Experience quiet desert camping on State Trust Land off Vulture Road in Wickenburg, Arizona. This short highlights the wide-open landscapes, saguaro-filled views, and peaceful atmosphere that make this area a favorite for boondockers and dispersed campers. Just minutes from Vulture Peak and historic Wickenburg, it’s the perfect spot for stargazing, hiking, and enjoying the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert. (Reminder: a State Trust Land recreation permit is required for camping.) #WickenburgAZ #VultureRoad #StateTrustLand #ArizonaCamping #BoondockingAZ #DesertCamping #DispersedCamping #SonoranDesert #ArizonaOutdoors #CampingLife #ExploreArizona #VulturePeak #AZBoondocking #TravelShorts 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel

🚗 Some roads don’t just take you somewhere — they are the adventure. Join us as we travel Highway 313, one of the most scenic drives near Moab, Utah, with unforgettable stops at Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky. This journey blends breathtaking overlooks, fascinating geology, and rich human history, all packed into an easy half-day drive that’s perfect for travelers who love scenic routes and iconic landscapes. 🏜️ What You’ll See Along the Way 🔹 The historic origins of Highway 313, built during Utah’s uranium boom 🔹 Monitor and Merrimac Buttes — ship-shaped sandstone towers rising from the desert 🔹 Sweeping views of the Colorado River far below 🔹 The colorful potash ponds contrasting against red rock canyons 🔹 The distant La Sal Mountains, formed by ancient underground magma 🌄 Dead Horse Point State Park 📸 One of Utah’s most photographed viewpoints 🪟 Visitor center with exhibits, ranger tips, and canyon views ♿ Accessible overlooks with paved paths and railings 🚶 Optional hiking and biking trails 🏕️ Campground with electric hookups and water Website: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse/ Learn the legend behind the park’s name, its preservation story, and why it’s considered one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the Colorado Plateau. 🏞️ Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky 🧭 The most accessible district of Canyonlands 🚘 34-mile scenic drive with jaw-dropping overlooks 📚 Stories of early surveyors who couldn’t map the land 🤫 A place known for studying true natural silence Website: https://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm Whether you have a few hours or a full day, Island in the Sky delivers big views without big hikes, making it ideal for travelers who want epic scenery at a relaxed pace. 📅 Travel Tips 🌸 Best seasons: Spring & Fall 🔥 Summers can be dangerously hot 💧 Services are limited — come prepared 🎟️ Entrance fees required for both parks ✨ If you love scenic drives, state parks, national parks, history, and quiet places that stay with you long after you leave, this drive deserves a spot on your list. 👍 If you enjoyed the video, please like, subscribe, and share 💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts or tips in the comments 📌 Next week: we explore the other national park that flanks Moab… 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 0:00 Introduction 0:33 Hwy 313 2:30 Deadhorse Point 5:41 Canyonlands-Island in the Sky 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #MoabUtah #ScenicDrives #DeadHorsePoint #CanyonlandsNationalPark #IslandInTheSky #UtahStateParks #NationalParksRoadTrip #Highway313

Step back in time at Vulture City, the restored ghost town just outside Wickenburg, Arizona. Once home to one of the richest gold mines in the Southwest, this historic site is now filled with preserved buildings, mining relics, and tales of frontier life. This short gives a glimpse of the rugged desert scenery, old structures, and legendary stories that make Vulture Ghost Town a must-see destination for history lovers and adventure seekers exploring Arizona’s past. #VultureCity #VultureGhostTown #WickenburgAZ #ArizonaHistory #GhostTowns #AbandonedPlaces #OldWest #HistoricArizona #GoldMiningHistory #TravelArizona #SouthwestHistory #ExploreArizona #DesertGhostTown #ArizonaTravelShorts 📍 Find Us Here! 👉 Facebook: facebook.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/switchinggearsrvdiary 🌐 Website/Blog: switchinggearsrvdiary.com #RV Travel #Boondocking #Travel Vlog #Scenic Travel