We Almost QUIT | Scary Experience Overlanding NEW MEXICO 

Hey Y'all. This video got a lot more traction than our other videos, and way more than we expected. I'll address a few of the repeated comments below, because my thumbs are tired😀 1. This occurred in early January. Takes us a while to edit things! We did not report it at the time. A fair bit of time has passed. We are now in Baja, Mexico, and have largely forgotten about the incident. While in the moment it was very scary, we're not emotionally scarred from it. We're not going to press charges or seek damages. I respect the point about protecting the overlanding community, but at this point without wanting to press charges(likely without ENOUGH evidence of a major crime) I don't see anything coming from calling NM state police and telling them I have a 3 month old dashcam video for them to watch. 2. This incident has not spoiled New Mexico for us, and we really hope it doesn't for you either. We're 100% going to go back and explore more. We might even drive the same road, with a few slight changes to our process(there's a ton to explore in that area.) It's a 17 min video, and the final 13 mins are not about our crappy first day. There are crazy people everywhere, we just happened to find one here. 3. The man did point the gun at me briefly once he was on the side of the truck, out of frame from our dash camera. It is not on video. The Garmin dashcam runs 24/7- we weren't personally filming at the time of the incident. I wish the clip had audio to hear the conversation, and hear how we de-escalated it, and finally, how the guy gave us a slight apology before he drove off. We don't remember exactly what he said, but this was part of the reason we didn't report it in the moment- we got a slight sense that he was remorseful for his actions. Not that it makes them OK...

That old man tried pulling the same move on me and a couple of friends, it was a really different outcome, we're local and we all carry fire arms, I think he does that to everyone, can't believe he is still doing that,

lol native New Mexican here. You definitely got the NM welcome that needs to stop happening. A lot of landowners think they own the public easements around here. ONX has definitely changed the game and put a ton of these overbearing landowners in their place. I’m happy you enjoyed this beautiful place as much as I love living here!

You have his license plate on camera. Brandishing a gun at someone is a felony offense. Please report and remove this danger to society.

I know a lot of people have said this but as a retired Police Officer what he did in the video is 100% a crime. You guys did exactly what you should do at the scene to stay safe but I would recommend anyone who has a similar encounter report it to the county sheriff as soon as possible. The video alone would have convicted that subject in the state I came from.

Looking at his front plate, it very much resembles a Texas license. Us NM residents don’t claim this guy! We don’t even have front plates here.

You should have called the sheriff, thats dudes gonna hurt someone. Im so glad that wasnt me, he have had a gun pointing back.

I would report the guy to law enforcement. Brandishing a weapon without cause is a crime.

Sorry this was your experience. As a lifelong resident of southern NM and a constant traveller of back country roads, I can confirm that some of these ranchers can be downright tetchy and view *public* land as *their* land. A responsible gun owner (like myself) would NEVER pull a gun out in this situation. Sounds like you guys handled things perfectly, but again - apologies from a New Mexican. Safe travels.

As someone born and raised in New Mexico, I am so sorry you experienced this. I promise there are good people here. Hard to find but we are here.

In the desert, you ALWAYS TAKE WATER!

Disappointed you didnt report him. You let someone like that get away with it, what will he do to the next person he pulls up on. Especially since you have video.

We saw you guys in The Baylor Canyon area. We also spend a lot of time in the Dona Ana Mountains that you biked on. You ran into one bad apple at the start of your trip, but trust us, New Mexico is full of very nice people. We have been in Las Cruces for almost 15 years now. Don't let that one bad apple keep you away. There is so much to see in our state. Go to the Gila Wilderness area near the Gila Cliff dwellings. You will fall in love.

We had a scary to us experience one time as well, and much less direct. A quick video never gives the full picture and some of the comments here show how some people do not understand this. When something sketchy happens, you're not thinking to document the whole thing on 4k video haha. Instincts kick in and all you can do is share the story after. Glad you all are ok! There is absolutely no reason to brandish a weapon during this encounter. I try my best to see someone else's view, he could have seen what looked to be a box truck on his land and assumed they were stealing his property. If that's the case he could be worried that such a brazen act could include less than savory people and was anxious about the confrontation. Regardless he had no right to handle it in this way. He had every ability to take some time to analyze the situation from a distance and use that information to conclude the lack of threat. Way too many hot heads out there who go right into a fight scenario.

Senior in nintey three Fuso FG 170 4wd with twenty two foot Rosa Bus body. XR six fifty on back and Australian Cattle Dog in charge. Just found your channel, thankyou for the precious heartbeats and bringing us along on your adventures. As far as the rancher, all battles are not worth fighting. No harm no foul.

We call those moments just between day and evening “Magic Time”. We named our ten acres in the woods of Oregon “Magic Time”. We have a van and travel….but it is always wonderful to come home to “Magic Time”.

Great video. Enjoy overlanding. You are doing it right!

As someone from New Mexico not surprised you had a gun pulled on you. That shit happens but glad you guys enjoyed your time in the state. When you come back you should try up north near Cuba

Just watched your video and it rattled my nerves watching your scary experience. I have been recently photographing public art for a nationwide project and have been approached aggressively several times. It happened again today here in Albuquerque. Too many aggressive people are acting out with violent and threatening behavior but the majority of people I have met are kind, generous and welcoming. If you ever visit Albuquerque I will gladly host you both and your sweet dog for some great trails in our Bosque along the Rio Grande River and then lunch at a doggy friendly patio cafe! Happy Trails, Steven

1. Report illegal actions to the nearest police or law enforcement. This may save a person's life in the future. 2. Bring extra water when hiking in the desert. First time viewer here and sad to say I am extremely disappointed. Great video presentation, incredible camper rig, but cannot believe you both went away to try to forget a life threatening Assault? I don't understand your choices.

Don't be put off by this one negative experience. -I'm sure you will have many more positive experiences that will outweigh this one. Your both very brave, and handled yourselves very well. Really enjoying your adventures and glad we found you on uTube.. keep up the good work!

Love the rig.

Glad you loved our Organ Mountains. You really show cased them beautifully. We are super friendly here in Las Cruces.

I’m used to old school tent camping. Big vehicle like that detracts from the beauty around it

Cruces sunsets are beauty. The Organs are very picturesque and the hike to the needle is the hardest hike in NM. Don't know how you hadn't run into a land owner like that already. You guys were close to a lava flow that is super cool

Nice 👌 lovin the hiking 🚶‍♂️

I lived in New Mexico for 11 years. I loved it. So sorry for the incident. Unfortunately New Mexico is still the wild, Wild West. I used to hike the Organ Mountains, White Sands, and the Franklin Mountains many times. It's absolutely beautiful.

Traveling, biking & hiking!!!... My kind of day❤ thanks for sharing ❤

Good stuff guys, really enjoyed this video.... Got ya another sub.

Pulling a gun for possible trespassing is a crime. He overreacted. Cops need to pay him a visit.

I lived in New Mexico for a long time and I go off-roading all the time anywhere where it's open land and I always carry my weapon but I never come across a Rancher or anybody bracing their weapon on me but I am prepared for it if it comes to it

You should have immediately called the local sheriff's office.

That feeling you had after is totally normal after you have a direct, intense exposure to the ugly side of humanity. It will stay with you for a long time. There's alot of people out there who live off grid because they don't mesh well with society. Also, there's just alot of a**holes out there. Be safe.

Nice video 🤘

Never had anything like that happen to us in our Promaster. We’ve been two years on the PanAmerican Highway through Central America and now in Colombia. Lovely people and friendly cops all the way. Stay safe.

Love the truck/camper. Although I'm not surprised this happened it's unfortunate. Welcome to the wild, wild west.

Awesome video. I just mountain biked in the Doña Ana Trails (part 2 of your video, where you pulled out the mountain bikes). I ride there most weekends or days off.

Awww Heather!! Keep your head on a swivel I'm sry this happened to y'all!!

I live in New Mexico and go off roading all the time… the ranchers are very territorial. Reasoning is not everyone has good intentions, people shoot cows or damage property on a regular basis. It’s their lively hood. We have two brothers who get into all the time because their cattle is grazing on the other one’s land, one day when a brother went to get his cattle, the other one shot at him numerous times.

Based upon what can be observed from your video, this individual is a practiced intimidator. He has seen you, assessed you from a distance, and then comes in fast and by surprise to give you little time to prepare. It sure looks like he has an object in his right hand that could be a gun as he quickly passes in front of your vehicle. From what I can see there appears to be a license plate on the front of his vehicle. This needs to be investigated by law enforcement and you should use your platform to do so. This is not the intimidator's first time, but it could be one of his last times - otherwise a terrible tragedy is certainly possible. Great content & actionable information.

Hello from LA! So sorry that happened to you!

Head north to Angel Fire/Red River/ Eagle Nest area. So awesome up there.

Aloha - I just found your channel & subscribed. I’m looking forward to the adventures. Safe travels 🏝️

Welcome to NM!

Just got home from a few weeks van camping in Northern NM, have always found the people of NM to be very friendly.

As a native New Mexican, I am sorry to say that that this is not an uncommon occurrence, especially in the very rural areas. It is not super common but is known to happen. Land owners are very protective of their property as there have been issues with trespassers trail blazing and damaging property as well as unscrupulous characters trying to illegally procure land through various means. When land owners, especially ranchers, see unfamiliar vehicles on their property they tend to get jumpy. I work for a company that does surveying and we always prepare for this to happen when we go out in the field. I am not excusing the man's behavior, just trying to bring some context to why he acted the way he did. As for the many people saying to report the guy, nothing would come of it. Yes, brandishing a weapon is a crime but given the area, county law enforcement wouldn't do more than give him a warning and state police wouldn't make it a priority to respond in a timely manner and would likely defer it to the county police and all that assuming they could even determine who it was. I am glad that this incident didn't prevent you from enjoying your visit. If you ever find yourself visiting again, some places I would recommend visiting would be Carlsbad Cavers National Park (one of the largest cave system in the country with a large self-guided tour and several VERY good ranger guided tours), the Valley of Fire Recreation Area (large lava flow that can be seen from space! It is that black sideways mustache in the middle of the southern half of the state), Chaco Canyon National Park (one of the largest pueblo ruins known), Tent Rocks National Monument (excellent hiking and biking opportunities, many are also in the shade!) and many more!

I live in Albuquerque , NM . We love it . We host folks, at Mother Bosque Garden , 87107, dog friendly .

It’s When you hear banjo music, you know things are about to get bad.

Great video - really enjoyed it. In my mind, I would think the biggest risk is having a significant breakdown of an unusual truck in the middle of no where…

Expect crazy and you’ll never be surprised.

Don’t be scared be prepared, that can happen anywhere

Man, what a bummer that you experienced that situation. A really neat area in by the Organ Mountain is Kilbourne hole, next time your around reach out. This whole area has a great amount of back country trails and great mountain biking.

You should report that to law enforcement.

I thought I saw your rig or one like it out in Ventura awhile back.

the mountains you climbed up I can see out my back door. Behind them there are a bunch more trails.

I'm curious. Living in my car but not traveling. What map are you using to see private land? Google doesn't show this. I want to start traveling but I'm so afraid of being alone on the road and something like what just happened to you, will happen to me; a single 66 yr old green nomad. Thank you for your advice in advance.

Have acreage in Concho, AZ if you would like a scenic spot to camp.

Awesome Video! I love the outdoors out here in New Mexico and have hiked and camped all over most of my life. But I also explain in my videos that you have to be aware of where you are and don't get into arguments with anyone out here.

Call the cops, even IF you had driven on his property, he is not allowed to intimidate anyone with a gun.

So sorry you guys experienced this. We too have had some scary experiences while on BLM land and it definitely shakes you up for a little while. Glad you still enjoyed NM! It's one of our favorite states!

Also... those are the Dona Ana mountains, and there are a bunch of roads you can drive up.

Check into Deaver custom leaf springs, would definitely help with the back and forth roll.

O great video

Love the video. I’m a mountain biker and in this type of terrain it kills me to see to ride without helmets. I do a lot of biking in AZ and have seen three friends crash hard on their bikes and it isn’t pretty. Please, stay safe!

The haves all have it coming

Sad people gotta try to be a bad ass, but the property owner has probably run into some shady characters out there… but you had a good attitude to defuse the situation… 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 “Not all who Wander are Lost”

Yeah I had someone try the same thing to me when I was inspecting a property for a bank, he made a big mistake!

WHERE on this video is the guy SHOWN ((pointing)) his gun at you ??

Hi, guys. I live in Santa Fe. There is so much beauty in NM. But almost everybody has a gun. I think you deescalated that guy very well.

Born n raised im NM, its kinda like a Sour Patch kid. But how bout those sunsets😂

Been to the exact spot- from the base of the Organ peaks to climb the the top of Dona Aña. Funny, our impulses to wander the same places! When you come back, if you didn’t, this time, got to go to Silver City, and Gila Hotsprings. Then on your way towards Tucson, go to Cochise stronghold, Patagonia is beautiful and starting to become famous for a gravel road riding, but I prefer Araca about an hour south of Tucson. All the land between Araca and the Mexico border along Ruby Road is amazing!

I'm a gun own and advocate for 2a rights but that guy should be turned in. You can NOT brandish a firearm in a threatening manner. He was on public roads during so even if you did cross over to his property the incident took place on public land. I'm sharing this with local law enforcement.

Sorry you had that experience in NM. You should check out the Sacramento Mountains if you are still in the area; lots of nice places to camp high in the pines.

Is it possible that I saw you guys in person randomly at Sunspot Observatory parking lot a couple months ago? I had a very dirty 4Runner with orange traction boards mounted to the side of the roof and a WeBoost antenna. Was there with my baby daughter. Saw a large Earthroamer type vehicle with a young man and woman. This was while there was still plenty of snow on the ground. It was probably someone else, since I seem to remember their vehicle being a darker shade than yours. Still, curious if it's even possible? Safe travels!

What road was the one in question with the upset property owner?

come around here in Bama and get met with the same warm welcome...

Funny how just yesterday I had a similar experience with a rancher that was only leasing the BLM land. I had already got the okay from a Ranger that it was dispersed camping. First the jerk tried to act like it was his land, then he acts like a cattle lease gives him the right to run people off. I told him all the rules about the 14 day in and 14 day out and he was not having it. He knew the rules but said camping is spending 2 or 3 days but 14 days is living there! I told him I suggest not leasing land when you know it was a designated camp area or taking 8t up up with the government. I said either way you are not suppose to be harassing the campers. after 6 years of Nomad life it really did bust my bubble a bit because I realized no matter how remote you go, you'll still run into aholes. I should have reported him but I'd had enough negativity for awhile and bringing in law enforcement usually becomes a regret.

He did NOT have the gun pointed at you. He had it handy. He likely was worried whoever he was confronting might get violent.

You have him on video pointing a weapon at you. That's assault with a deadly weapon and you should report him to both the sheriff and state police and press charges.

Rancher did over act .with his fire arm.he was a ass. You to recover .be safe out there.

Hi guys. New subscriber here. Spent 35 yrs of my life in NM. Love the place and sorry for the bad experience. He is lucky you didn’t call the cops. He would have gone to jail and lost his gun carrying privileges. We believe we saw you down in Puerto Peñasco México. If it was you, you guys camped I believe 2 nights real close to our house.

You need to call the sheriff's office. Next time might not be so lucky for someone. It's illegal to just draw on someone.

Where was this area located so other campers will avoid it?

Driving through Northeastern New Mexico along the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos in the 1950s one would occasionally see corpses covered in black shrouds hanging in cottonwood trees. New Mexico is still a dangerous place.

Texan here. Hard to tell, but that front license plate appeared suspiciously Texan: Black letters on plain White background.

We had a similar experience during COVID. We stopped at Rockhound State Park and a state park ranger kicked us out of the park and we were not welcomed. Could have been the California plates or he did not like foreigners. Luckily I have a family that lives in Deming and reported the ranger. Great vídeo.

... just checking out RU-vid tonight and I came across your video. I'm from Las Cruces, born and raised and could not believe how that old man confronted you... but what was he thinking and who was that old man? What is wrong with him? I regret that you had such a horrible experience in my "homeland". Please don't think that all New Mexico citizens are like that man. Safe travels.

Las Cruces is my home, but seventy percent of the time I travel the world and I must say I love returning home! New Mexico is the best kept secret ❤

Do you ever worry about your dog getting mixed up with cactus or snakes?

Would ALWAYS carry ... things will continually grind down and risks will increase.

I’m from Santa Fe New Mexico sorry for your experience freaking people are jerks out here

Haha! Welcome to New Mexico, buddy!

This guy seems like he’s had a problem before!

Omg, wondering if that’s the crazy guy in Otero Mesa area that I know people in the borderland have talked about. He thinks the whole area is his so he drives up to people trying to scare them off.

You need to report that. He will do it again.

Good on him for protecting his easement. I'm gunna play devils advocate here.

Did you report this to police?

Good job. Easement is a public road that goes through private land and is completely legal. The ole boy should of had a pleasant conversation with you but lots of mental illness because of alcohol and drugs

Why would they not allow videoing, only still pictures.Does not make sense to me. Go figure.

Uh I didn’t see him point it at you at all. It’s in the video. He grabbed it and put it away as soon as he got out of the truck.