Howdy from Nevada

[JackSlack]

Hello,

I have been wanting to join a 4x4 van forum for quite some time and here I is.

I've had my 4x4 Ford E350 for about 3 years now. Taken it on some trips with my wife and solo/dog's.

I don't know of too many places to go that are worthwhile.

I like boondocking with great scenery or perhaps some low key parks. I don't enjoy crowds but I like meeting like minded people. I'm hoping to get to travel with some of ya'll and also get some suggestions on places to go privately.

I'm not really a mechanic, but I am handy. I like exploring and hiking and just seeing great places whether it's ocean or mountains. Desert is not really my thing because I've lived in desert for far too many years.

I'm retired on a budget but not poor, or rich, so my rig isn't instagram worthy but it's solid and getting better. looking forward to suggestions and deals on the equipment exchange.

Anyway, you'll see me lurking here and posting from time to time.

Glad to be here. Thanks, for the opportunity.

Jack:h1:

 

[marret]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[joefromsf]

Here's a quick way to make 10-20 new van friends next weekend:


https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/f...-23rd-25th-macks-canyon-campground-31432.html


--Joe

 

[Twoxentrix]

Hello,
I'm retired on a budget but not poor, or rich, so my rig isn't instagram worthy but it's solid and getting better.
Jack:h1:

Well Jack, we are all focused on tinkering on our rigs with the goal of "getting better"...it's an endless process which also explains why the majority of us aren't rich either. :b5:
Welcome!

 

[JackSlack]

Well Jack, we are all focused on tinkering on our rigs with the goal of "getting better"...it's an endless process which also explains why the majority of us aren't rich either. :b5:
Welcome!

Yep, If it twern't for hobbies I'd be giving Bill Gates a run for his money. :n5:

 

[arctictraveller]

I'm surprised you have had enough of the desert as it meets almost all of your requirements. There are so many ghost towns, old mine sites, unlimited wilderness camping options, fantastic scenery, great hiking, very few people, amazing off roading etc. Never the less, I'm sure you will find plenty of places to explore, how about Eastern Oregon?

 

[JackSlack]

I'm surprised you have had enough of the desert as it meets almost all of your requirements. There are so many ghost towns, old mine sites, unlimited wilderness camping options, fantastic scenery, great hiking, very few people, amazing off roading etc. Never the less, I'm sure you will find plenty of places to explore, how about Eastern Oregon?

Personally, the lack of pine trees and Ocean are the main reasons I don't like the desert, But if someone could move those things to the desert South West, I'd be delighted.:d3:

 

[wanderers-SMB]

Personally, the lack of pine trees and Ocean are the main reasons I don't like the desert, But if someone could move those things to the desert South West, I'd be delighted.:d3:

If you had all that in the dessert it would be like San Diego or Los Angeles and there goes your crowd free travel. All things are a bit of a compromise it seems.

 

[arctictraveller]

Finding crowd free beaches is pretty problematic without a lot of travel. Most beaches on the west coast are well known and crowded but less so in the winter and mid week. As for finding solitude in the Forrest, that’s much easier. There are thousands of miles of roads in the National forests and on BLM lands. Maps are your friend, both paper and electronic.

 

[JackSlack]

Finding crowd free beaches is pretty problematic without a lot of travel. Most beaches on the west coast are well known and crowded but less so in the winter and mid week. As for finding solitude in the Forrest, that’s much easier. There are thousands of miles of roads in the National forests and on BLM lands. Maps are your friend, both paper and electronic.

Agreed. I know most folks keep their favorite place pretty close to the vest. Only sharing them with close friends and family. So I know I won't get too many "perfect" places on a world wide forum.

But if I could get some specific tips on best practices of finding great places that'd be great, M-Kay?. Greeat.. (Office Space reference)

I'm nearing the end of my adventure days (57 years old) and so I don't want to waste a lot of time with fruitless searches into the void.:b1:

 

[marret]

Agreed. I know most folks keep their favorite place pretty close to the vest. Only sharing them with close friends and family. So I know I won't get too many "perfect" places on a world wide forum.

But if I could get some specific tips on best practices of finding great places that'd be great, M-Kay?. Greeat.. (Office Space reference)

I'm nearing the end of my adventure days (57 years old) and so I don't want to waste a lot of time with fruitless searches into the void.:b1:

I think it is different for each person. Arctictraveller mentioned maps, both paper and digital/electronic.

I think one just has to go explore, that's how one finds cool places.

Delorme Atlas and Gazetteer for each state are great resources for travel and finding out of the way places. NF and BLM maps as well.

Digital sources for me include Locus Pro and OsmAnd+, both Android apps with downloadable maps. I do use iOverlander as well.

I made a post a while back about chosing roads and where to go. This thread, post 56:
https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f17/meandering-in-the-west-21814-6.html

I am in my 60s and there are quite a few "mature" members.

 

[deserteagle56]

I think one just has to go explore, that's how one finds cool places.

This! How I've been doing it all my life - and I'm closing in on 80 years old!

 

[dhally]

One cool spot in Nevada is Ophir, a mining ghost town near South Toiyabe Peak. It is right on the edge of the "forest". We were there in February with a 2WD, but it looked interesting above the town up into the forest. Take lots of gas and water!

 

[deserteagle56]

One cool spot in Nevada is Ophir, a mining ghost town near South Toiyabe Peak. It is right on the edge of the "forest". We were there in February with a 2WD, but it looked interesting above the town up into the forest. Take lots of gas and water!

That road above Ophir goes over a summit and down into the Reese River Valley...but this year it will probably be August before the giant snow drift melts off. If memory serves correctly there's a sign at the summit stating an elevation of just over 10,000 feet.

Just an FYI that the road above Ophir gets pretty gnarly. I wouldn't want to take my van up it!

 

[HIGHCOUNTRYMIKE]

Jack,
You live in the greats state for 4X4 exploration in the US. It's geologically known as the basin and range State........get out there Jack
Mojave Rode (south) to Jarbidge (north).
Thousands of miles of north/south roads.........I just crossed from Cedar City, UT to Bishop, CA.............it should be called the "boondock" state.

 

[lchukar]

Nevada Mountains

Jack - Not sure where you call home in Nevada, but there are plenty of snow covered mountains in your state. Check out the Jarbidge and Rubys, and Great Basin NP. SW of Denio around Duffer Peak there are rugged roads leading to lovely reservoirs/lakes, as in the attached photo. Zoom in to spot Moby.

 

[1der]

This! How I've been doing it all my life - and I'm closing in on 80 years old!

:l8:
:b5::d5::e5::d8:

Pushing on to 66 this year, LOTS more to do with no end in sight :h8::i5:

Heck, I was WAY out skied by an 80 yr old this past season, and he was taking it very easy on me.:r7:

Plan: me at 110 yo > :k1::d6: (hopefully no wheel chair!)

Life story: My Dad at 65th birthday party - "Son, I just want a few more good, healthy years with my family. I have had a good life."

32 yrs later, 32, he is driving, at the gym 3 days a week, sharp, traveling and enjoying life and a lifestyle of taking care of himself.

But he does not get many pats on the back since my Mom's uncle made it to 109.97 (11 days shy of 110) in pretty good darn shape thru 109. My Dad is actually in better shape than Uncle Bill at 97! Uncle Bill regretted not getting shoulder surgery at 80 because he did not think he would be around that long. 30 years later....

Hard to grasp the reality of time, at any age really. At 57, TRY to imagine another 50 yrs of adult life. That is 133% more adult life LEFT than you have already lived. Something to ponder when looking back, ........ and then forward.

oth - just lost a 67 yr old cousin yesterday. Enjoy everyday!:u1:

 

[deserteagle56]

Jack - Not sure where you call home in Nevada, but there are plenty of snow covered mountains in your state. Check out the Jarbidge and Rubys, and Great Basin NP. SW of Denio around Duffer Peak there are rugged roads leading to lovely reservoirs/lakes, as in the attached photo. Zoom in to spot Moby.

A quick update...most of the high altitude roads in Nevada are still closed by snow. Someone just posted photos of the Lamoille highway (in the Rubys) and it is still covered with snow drifts. Jarbidge road is still closed from the south - have to come in from the Idaho side. I made a trip up into the Santa Rosa mountains north of Winnemucca a couple days ago; the main road was open but all the side roads were still snowbound and they are at only 8000 feet elevation. Haven't heard anything about Great Basin - but since the elevation there is 10,000+ feet I would imagine that area is closed also.