This video is amazingly well done - informative, scenic, comprehensive, super easy to watch. Definitely just became my #1 source for planning my upcoming trip. Thanks for this.
My husband and I went on a tour of the national parks of America. It was wonderful, and the history and geographic splendour will stay with us forever.
haha we have the best parks in the world. literally nothing compares. they used to sit mostly empty except in peak tourist season. now they're being overrun by international tourists. well we have to share i guess. hahaha
FINALLY a photographer who cares enough to teach and share his knowledge and experience. Although I’ve been to most of these parks, I’ve learned a lot and would love to go back. At times some of the video seemed a bit rushed and would have liked a little more information on the sites especially the side tours and smaller parks. An outstanding job. You MUST do more
thanks. my channel has many more videos including some of the 4 corners area with lots of info. btw- most viewers want less info. so as a writer its a fine line. and the under 35s need a fast pace
Thank you so much, Steve! I haven't enjoyed a travelogue as much as this for a long time. I loved everything about it: your photography; the tone of your narration; the pacing of each sequence; the incredible vistas; the sense of unlimited space (and freedom); the unfathomable beauty of God's good earth - everything! I live in the UK, where we have nothing remotely like these amazing landscapes. Now, I just need to plan my trip, for when the crazy covid times are finally over. Keep well and keep it going! 🙏🤝
Thank you very much Nick. By-the-way you may find my Road Less Traveled Series worth a watch. It covers several less know and less visited areas in the Four Corners. FYI- I'm planning to go to Monument Valley in a few weeks if the Covid rules allow to shoot the area with a dusting of snow. And since you're a Brit, my TR6 needs work if you have contact info on a good Triumph Guy please forward it. THanks
@@TheWestisBig I wish I could help you with your TR6, but cars aren't really much of an interest for me. Just be glad you haven't got a TR7! However, I will certainly seek out your other videos; I've always been fascinated with that area of the US. Thanks for the tip and fingers crossed for your next Monument Valley trip. 🤞
I grew up in Salt Lake and St. George, UT, with a father who's an archeologist and big ol' nerd. He also happens to be the oldest of four sons, so we Jones boys have been to literally ALL of these places. Unfortunately my pops had a stroke a while back, and now has Alzheimer's, so it's been ages since I got to venture off the beaten path and into the beautiful nooks and crannies those four maniacs would always drag me to. I'm very under the weather right now and this video made my "puke, shiver uncontrollably, sweat buckets, eat saltines, repeat" day so much more bearable. A million childhood memories came flooding back to me. (Hiking through Devil's Garden in winter, a light dusting of fresh snow on the fins, and the entire park to ourselves . . .) It was great. Cheers, mate.
@@TheWestisBig It was so much fun to watch. I currently live in Salt Lake and don't get down south as much as I'd like. St. George, in the far southwest corner of the state, has a new airport and many more flights now. Aside from being geologically gorgeous, it has a very similar climate to nearby Las Vegas so it would be ideal for a winter trip. Snow Canyon State Park is in St. George (I graduated from Snow Canyon High at the mouth of the canyon), Zion, the Kolob section of Zion (off I-15 near Cedar City), Virgin River Gorge, Red Cliffs Rec area, and Cedar Breaks Ntnl Mon. are all a day trip away, then you can return to the palm trees of St. George, haha.
I might have to do that one day. I'm editing a winter trip I took through New mexico's park right now. Please subscribe to me channel so I can keep on making videos
This is an incredible video. These are some of my favorite places in the southwest and this is the first video which I've seen which does justice to the parks. It covers both the standard places and views as well as some of those which are much less visited and even more incredible. Anyone who is planning to visit this area, needs to watch this video very carefully before going; there is no better planning tool that I know of. Kudos to the people who put this together; this is a gem!
I toured this country every summer for years with my family growing up. My father a professional photographer would take me with him early in the morning to get shots with his 8 by 10 camera. the best memories of my life the National Parks in Utah and South Dakota.
As a Geologist myself, I am very happy that you explain how some of the formations formed. And the material is incredible. Iam very happy to travel to this area to annoy my wife with geological facts on our honeymoon.
Thanks! Im working on a Parks of the Rio Grande Rift travel guide - lots of geology in it- i’m using timelapse bake goods to illustrate rising plates and rifting. btw- are u Familiar with Nick Zenter’s geology lectures. they’re on utube and r pretty good
Hi there. This is just the most informative, useful, most perfectly filmed and narrated video ever. Period. I cannot thank you enough for sharing. Best regards from Argentina.
This is without a doubt one of the finest presentations I ever seen. It is fresh and interesting throughout. Thank you and congratulations on a well planned video. We cannot wait to travel this area. Safe travels
Did the 5 parks in Dec 2019. Was wonderful even though higher up vista points were closed for snow. Capitol Reef dirt road was also closed. Overall wonderful trip. Started with Zion- Bryce- Lake Powell- Monument Valley-Arches- Canyonland-Capitol Reef . Wonderful narration and voice sir.
Totally agree, this is the absolute BEST travel guide video IV ever seen. Beautifully shot, clear, precise & relevant info, additional geological info - just perfect. Already planning this for my next trip to the U.S. My last trip was to Sturgis All the way from Perth West Australia 👍😊
Thanks, Its nice to hear people appreciate the hard work. If you're going to come this far make sure you check out my Road Less Traveled series which includes videos on the Amazing Bisti-wilderness, Ship rock, Chaco Culture, Hovenweep, Canyon of the ancients and some spots I missed near the Moki Dugway including the Great Photo op of House On Fire. Thanks again
I took the Green Tortoise Bus from San Fransicisco with people from all over the world, we did many of these national parks and others up north. It brings back great memories. Thank you for this wonderful video.
I’ve been watching your RU-vid channel, specially “the west is big!”, .over and over, I learned a lot from you, I am getting known about what is Grand circle is now. So much details are excellent, you are the professional!!!!!. I am still watching almost everyday, to learning from your RU-vid, our family will go this summer to Zion park, Bruce canyon, and many more you already introduced for two weeks. Your knowledge, and explanation all the pictures are amazing. You do not know how much I appreciate your RU-vid channels, you the best of bests, many many you tube channels show their experience “The West” I’ve been watching, but none of them even closer to your RU-vid channels. Thank you!!!!!, so much, when I go “the West” this summer, I feel like, I was there already, although, I never been there except Moab, because of you.
Arches national park is beyond amazing! Dead horse view is fantastic like a dream the colors blend into the snow and red dirt we went at what i believe was the perfect time nice a cool. The snow really brings out the red in the dirt! Make sure you have your yack track feets on slick~*~ love this epic adventure :)
This has to be the best instructional video on all of RU-vid I will be going there soon and I have stored all of this information on my Google Maps thank you so much.
I just found your channel today. I live in Ottawa Canada and have just started to adventure ride motorcycles. Your channel is a perfect introduction to some of the amazing national parks I want to see. The snow is still very deep here but spring will come quickly. A big tour to the four corners will take time and planning but it will happen. Maybe I will make a goal for 2025. Should have my moto travel feet under me by then. Once again thanks I have literally spent the afternoon watching your playlists
Welcome aboard! I’ve been to Ottawa it was about -15c! I hope you’ll look at some of my Road Less Traveled series. They don’t have a lot of views but they are great road trip places. btw- Arches, Zion and maybe others require reservations to get in. Check each Park’s website. thanks for watching.
Wow! Was this a million dollar production from a major TV network?? Been traveling around the Southwest 4-5 times during the last 15 years. Constantly keep coming back even though the trip is long.... (live in Stockholm, Sweden). Read many travelguides and have watched several RU-vid clips covering the area but I have never ever come close to any guide this good. Great pictures/footage, narration and production. And most of all - loads of great advice! Deeply impressed! BTW - Can’t believe we didn’t take the Shafer Canyon Road back to Moab from Dead Horse Point last year.... Can’t believe I’ve been like 10 minutes away from Goosenecks State Park on Road 163 at least 4 times without doing the detour..... .... ..
THanks for the Kind words. No this was a one man production. Others seems to like too and as of last week I'm speaking with a US TV network and a my THe West is Big! content may soon be available on EU TV. BTW- I drove by the Goosenecks several times too before finally checking it out. LOL. FYI- the Shafer Trail is accessed from the Canyonlands Road not the DeadHorse. But as you know they are quite close. Thanks for watching. Out of curiosity, what other US places would you like to see covered in this way? I need 4 more episodes before I can sell internationally.
Great information. I’ve been there couple of times and I missed lot of places you’ve shown here. I’ll be heading back once this pandemic calms down. We Americans needs to see more to appreciate our country. Great work!!!
I have never seen such an informative well presented yet entertaining and interesting video like this before... it had me pausing, and backtracking every so often. Thanks for the amazing content and detailed bits and pieces about sun positions and times for the best pictures etc.
THanks! It's nice to hear people can see the difference!! It took over 30 days to shoot and much longer to edit. I've also been producing video professionally for over 25 years.
My family and I did Schaffer's Trail last year and it was a blast. Canyonlands was a lot more chill and relaxing than Arches, and I'm convinced it's really just more beautiful as a whole.
This was not only very beautiful but very interesting. One could spend a lot of time getting to know the great Southwest and still have much left to be explored. I didn't even mind the speeded up places, which I normally abhor. It's great that you're able to do this and share it with everyone and then spend so much time to make it very interesting. Nothing else I have seen compare with your presentation. And you have a nice pleasant voice. Thank you.
We took all the notes from this video; made an itinerary and it was the best trip ever. Thanks to YOU because we went to places you have listed, but traveling with 80-year-old senior was challenging (LOL).
Love this video... and I laughed aloud when the man wallowed right straight into your time-lapse shot. It was the combination of the visual and your narrative that made it so funny. 😆
That was the most amazing documentary I’ve seen. I just got back from doing the 5 Utah National parks. My mom and I left from Las Vegas and did the circle that way. I’m making a photo album, and I wanted to put a documentary on in the background. This was amazing to watch. Thank you!
I subscribed. Seriously amazing video. The first time I went to Utah I didn’t plan that great. I knew I needed some permits for some hikes. I had a bookbag and a tent with a rental car. I got all the way to Governor arch in the staircase. I really fell in love with the place. This second time I was more planned out. I got home to look for a video while I made a photo album and yours was by far the best.
Oh boy am I glad I rafted and hiked these places extensively in the late 1960's and early 1970's. What a time I had without any crowds and usually without seeing another person. I even met Edward Abby in Arches and shared his camp fire for dinner. Made my way up to Idaho after that for rafting on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River for 10 years working running a sweep boat for the Smith family. Then is was back to India and Nepal. Better get yourselves going before you are too old!
@@TheWestisBig I think I was just lucky to start my exploration of our planet just before the explosion of people traveling started. I went to India and Nepal in 1973 after hearing about them from a woman on a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon in 1971 who was doing Peace Corp work in Nepal. This was so fasinating it changed my life. We made it to the Everest base camp area on the Kumbu glacier. There was almost no one there but our party of 5. No piles of jumk or other indications of a base camp. That was in December. I had a lot to learn about traveling and high altitude camping. What a time it was. In 1993 I went back to explore much of both countries for the next 15 years. Now I am 70, very happy and still a lucky guy.
This is the best video on the Southwest I have ever seen. There's a good reason George Stevens selected this area to shoot movies like "The Searchers," with John Wayne. Thanks for posting:)
I've been through most of these areas and loved every minute of this travel guide. NOTE to travelers. If you want to travel a little North of Zion's you'll love Kannaraville falls. It's a 1.75 miles round trip to the falls. Most of the hike is in water that's not swift most of the year. The hike is a bit strenuous especially if you're out of shape and most of it is through the creek which you must traverse to reach the falls. I love this place. It's near cedar city utah.
This is the best travel video i have ever watched.!!! And i watch many. Lack of money has kept me from being an explorer, but i also became crippled 4 yrs ago so even if i won the lottery i could not go - and enjoy - sight seeing this beautiful world. So i watch posts of other people's adventures (thank you very much). Through others who generously share their experiences, i get to see some amazing places. However, even though im appreciative, they are often fast shots of scenery but not much indepth knowledge. So i feel i have watched someone's quick pics of a vacation. Yet i have not seen anything so all-encompassing with rich detail and beautiful video capturing every tiny aspect of a journey as i have in watching this post. I feel that i was on this trip WITH you. 💞💞💞
Thank you! that’s what i try to do. My brother was in a wheelchair. I’m very happy to hear my work is appreciated. fyi- you may also like my 92 min Glacier NP video and some others on my channel. I hope u get to travel one day.
A few years ago, my GF and I ate in a Burger King restaurant on Highway 89, AZ, 100 miles south of Kayenta. It's been 3 years since then, and we never stop telling people that this is the best burger we ate in the entire UNITED STATES! (This was part of a coast-to-coast trip so we tasted a lot of burgers all over the country). No one believes us that the best burger is on some random road in the middle of the desert, especially not a fast food burger, so hearing you recommending on a Navajo Burger King really approved that we were right! We're planning on visiting the area again on October, we'll definitely try the kayente branch! Great video and thanks for the recommendation! It helps a lot with setting up the route for our next RV trip.
Thanks! sounds like a great trip. be sure to check each park’s website- many of them require reservations up to 3 months in advance!! Arches is one of them
The park reservations are hard to get! they tend to be valid only for certain days and entry times- sadly it makes it hard to be spontaneous on the trip. thanks for watching and subscribing
you need a reservation to Enter the Parks. Its the park system's plan to reduce crowds- you can't get passed the main gate without one- in most cases. Some parks allow entry very early of late without one but you need to check with each park to know its rules. It's a big deal and a pain in the ____
It is very helpful for us to watch your video for the western national parks and historic sites of the United States., We would like to visit this area again
This is an amazing travel video - it seems professionally produced. I'm obsessed with doing the Grand Circle and really grateful for this super detailed information to help get the most from the experience. I'm going to refer to this again and again. Thanks!
Thanks! I’ve been producing video professionally for other people for 35 years. This was a self funded passion project. Yes i love the area too. There’s several 100 hours of work in this project. Please watch the adds, so i can make 1/2 a penny a view. 😀
Your voice and the narrative are what made me think "professional"! Oddly, this type of terrain is not my cup of tea. We just returned from the Columbia River Gorge in Ore/WA and that is heaven for me. And yet, finding out about the Grand Circle has made me wild to go there. I did watch the ad about living in Moab. What do you think about that idea - or can you say? Again, many thanks for this passion project!
Thanks for the nice VO comments. yes the columbia gorge is nice. Btw- i have no idea what adds youtube puts in, and its nice to learn what they are. Moab is a great little town. only 5000 people but since folks from all over the world go there and the town caters to them well with good food choices etc. it’s not a hick town. I thought about buying a small motel there a few years ago, Its not a cheap place to live, if i could make the numbers work i’d be there. fyi- since you like Mountains you should check out my 90 min Glacier: The Hikers National Park video. About 100k views this month so other like minded people seem to like it.
I retired from trucking in April of 2020. I've driven through Moab in a truck. I'm a South Caralinian and I enjoyed the drive north to West Valley. Next year I plan to drive out that way again, which of course will be on my time.
I'm a Minnesotan that is planning on driving to Utah to complete part of the grand circle. Looking to visit the mighty 5 and add some other stops along the way. This video has gotten me very excited for my trip next month
Thank you for the excellent film ! We saw some of these out-of-this-world places last year. We're dreaming eye open to go back in a foreseeable future and use some of your recommendations.
Brilliant video. I have visited Utah, Zion, Arches, ( photo op from Thelma and Louise ) Canyonlands and many more twice, in 2011 and 2017. I was inspired after watching 127 Hours and just had to visit. Drive from Vegas is awesome and Springdale is a great place to stop. Did Angels Landing, Temple of Sinawava. Rappelled and canyoneered in Moab, from Morning Glory Bridge with the guys that did the ropes for 127 Hours.. (thanks Brett from Canyons and Cliffs) Delicate Arch twice, hiked Bryce Canyon, snow in 2011, baking hot in 2017 (its 8000 ft above sea level, no wonder i was blowing), drove down Monument Valley and stopped for the Forrest Gump photo, tried to drive to The Wave but couldnt find it, Page, Horseshoe bend and canyon X, then up to Yellowstone, Tetons, Jackson Hole, and finally Salt lake City, two fantastic adventures and memories never to be forgotten, I absolutely encourage/ plead with anybody from here in the UK and Europe to visit this area, forget about Florida and the crowds and tourists, this place is an absolute must, the people are fantastic, motels are cheap and comfy, driving in a hired Ford Mustang from Vegas was one of the best times of my life, hope to return one day but i will never have the feeling again of my first experience of these awesome places
Thanks! Sounds like you’ve had some great trips! FYI- you ,may want to check out my Road Less Traveled series which features more out of the way places you may not be familiar with. Most are not as spectacular as the more popular areas but they’re interesting. The stone work in Chaco and Hovenweep from 800 to 1200 is rather simple compared to the structures built in Europe at the same time. Interesting from a cultural development standpoint.
Since you were in Bryce canyon and horseshoe bend, looks like you missed the best place- lower and upper antelope canyon. Google it. The pictures tell it all.
Very informative video. Also, amazing shots. Thank you for sharing. I am gonna come back to Utah for the Mighty 5 again this February, when I hope for fewer crowds.
Bonjour de Paris Beautiful photos , I am planning a 2 weeks road trip through Utah national parks your amazing video and explanation were very help full. Merci
de rien. please know the Monument Valley dirt road has been closed due to covid. and there 2-4 hr cues for buses in Zion. check local web sites for more info. btw- you might find my new mexico vids interesting too.
Thanks great! thanks for commenting. If you're looking for other ideas check out some of the other 4 corner area videos, there's some spots in New Mexico you may find interesting. and thanks for subscribing
Thanks. btw- for a few years it was only available as a dvd or blu ray. this lastest revision is the first that is to view free. fyi- i only make 1/2cent per view even if the commercials aren’t skipped.
Thanks for an excellent survey of this gorgeous area. The photography, writing, and narration are exceptional, much superior to most RU-vidrs' efforts. I've saved this video for future reference when trip planning. I suggest side trips to Mossy Cave outside Bryce Canyon NP, Wire Pass/Buckskin Gulch, and Cathedral Wash for another video. Great work.
Thanks for noticing. I've been making a living producing videos for clients for over 20 years. These I do for me with no crew and no budget help. Wish clients would pay me to make stuff like this. ... and hmm haven't heard of Mossy cave. Buck skin is on my list and I'll start research on Cathedral Wash. Is that the place that flooded and stranded several people in cap Reef a few weeks ago?
@@TheWestisBig I live in Indiana and have no info about flooding near Capitol Reef. Cathedral Wash is a short hike and drains into the lovely green Colorado River near Navajo Bridge. Some websites caution about danger in a flash flooding situation. I look forward to watching your future videos.
Thank you for the video! I like it a lot! I've seen here so picturesque views, so magnificent places which i dream to visit. So different nature, from what i got used to see. Btw, I am watching you from Russia.
We've been to most of these places on 3 separate trips, 2 starting from Vegas, the other a road trip from home in the southeast. You definitely pointed out a few things we missed or did not have time to see. We have just purchased a travel trailer and planning soon to go back for a longer trip including the kids. I've also ridden the entire White Rim Trail via mountain bike (4 day trip with Western Spirit guide service). I hope to make many more trips to southern Utah and other areas in the west. Thanks for the effort you put into this video, the result is fantastic and makes me want to hit the road right now!
Thanks! FYI- before u head out again check out my Road Less Traveled series on my channel. I made more videos of interesting places in the 4 Corners that you may be unaware of. Also- I’ve never seen nice shots of most of the White Rim- if you documented yourself trip and posted images somewhere please send link- I may need to add a segment to my video
What an amazing video...so professional and full of fantastic tips and ideas for things to see. You have a new subscriber!! Can't wait to watch more of your content!
Great thanks. I shot a new eastern New Mexico tour last month the documentary will be out later this summer. Yes, it takes 100’s of hours to research, write and edit the level of quality of video on this channel.
You deserve a prize for such rich and instructive video. I'm planning to do a quite similar travel in the Mighty Five, and to be honest, I'm gonna use your video as a guide. My most sincere Congratulations for such a great video.
We are planning to go almost same routes in June this year. I found your video very informative and helpful and we'll definitely use the majority of your tips! Thanks a lot!
thanks! Fyi- make sure you check out my newer Mon valley side trip vids. it includes some areas not covered on this one. also. my Road Less Traveled series has videos about some lesser known areas in the 4 corners. it may help u- especially if the crowds are really bad
First, I was at Grand Canyon in 2006. Last year when my family visited (yes, from Europe :-) ), I had to take them there and many of these places in your video. This year, during Spring Break, I had to go back... 3,206 miles within ~8 days. What a great experience! I cannot wait for another Spring Break!
That does seem to be about the miles required. But they are amazing miles! FYI- my Road Less Traveled series covers less crowded places in the four corners area- bisti-wilderness, Chaco, hovenweep, house on fire and some other are worth considering a visit.
Thank you for this very informative video! My husband & I are in the beginning stages of planning a road trip to this part of the country next summer, & were feeling a little overwhelmed with "what should we see & exactly where do we go?". Your video helped narrow that down for us & give us an idea of a road trip itinerary to follow. We look forward to watching your other videos of sites in this area & can't thank you enough for the invaluable information!
If you go to Goblin Valley state park, I highly recommend a hike nearby at Little Wild Horse Canyon. It was one of the highlights during our trip through Utah!
I’ve been to most places mentioned here, I wish I could see this video before I went there 😢😢. Will definitely do it again following this instruction, the best I’ve ever seen 🥰🥰
Thanks! Before you come, check out my Road Less Traveled Series- it covers some less crowded places in the four corners, like Bisti, House on Fire, Chaco, Hovenweep and orhers.
Niiiiice! 👍 We Aussies drove UT9, UT12, UT24, then via Hanksville all the way south to Monument Valley! Beautiful drive. Late winter, plenty of snow around Zion NP, Bryce Canyon and upper UT12 towards Torrey. Stunning.
Glad you enjoyed that great part of the world. I've never done that drive so early in the year. I've seen areas of light snow contrasting on the orange rock- I bet it's really nice with more snow. BTW- in case you're planning another trip around the world - check out my Road Less Traveled series- I cover some interesting places you not have heard of.
The West is Big! Travel Guides just had a look... 3 series, correct? Yes, March was fabulous. Well, it was our first time there. No crowds, seeing snow capped mountains miles away, the fantastic light. No wild fire smoke from further afield to cover the sky. :)
The Bisti- wilderness, chaco canyon, hovenweep, canyon of the ancient, are interesting places on the road less traveled. House on Fire is a great photo op if you dont mind a short hike.
Wonderful video. I have seen several of the areas. My plan was to go there this spring, but of course that is on hold for now. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the great areas your video highlights. Stay safe.
