This Is the Most Unique Part of the American West (SUV Camping/Vanlife Adventures)

I just got back a few days ago from my first car camping adventure east of the Mississippi! (Those videos won't be out for a couple of months still, though.) Where do you think I went?? 😁 -Tristan

I’m a New Mexico native and I’ve traveled the world, but I always yearn for home when I’m away! An exceptional video of views so many people will never see; thank you! Come visit everyone, so much to see and do, Christmas in Santa Fe is enchanting!

I think Northern New Mexico is my favorite place to visit and I live in MA-almost yearly for about 30 years until the pandemic. Bandelier National Monument began the love affair. Hiked Wheeler a couple of times in the early years and laughed when you hiked it in 2 hours 10 minute. 😊 It was Georgia O’Keefe who first drew me there. The unique beauty, various cultures and amazing energy of the many art forms that have existed there for eons are truly special! Because of the pandemic we have not been able to be there for two years so thanks for this lovely reminder. 😊

One of the interesting things about that staircase is that when it was built no nails were used. All glued and pegged together:) I've always liked N.M., went to high school there and have many fond memories of it. Especially the little villages out back. Thanks, for sharing both your video and time of the most beautiful, diverse state in America. Be blessed by the Best.

The spiral staircase is held together by square wooden pegs, no nails! The wood in the staircase, is spruce, that most resembles the kind found only in Israel! Who was the man who built the staircase to the choir loft? The sisters believe, and so do I, it was Saint Joseph. The man disappeared without payment, and the sisters never saw delivery of materials. They checked with the lumber yard, and they knew nothing about it. The sisters prayed to St. Joseph for help, and on the final day of the novena the mysterious man arrives.

I love Santa Fe, too! Some other things to note-- there is a huge art gallery neighborhood showcasing world class arts of all kinds which is worth a stroll. And near Santa Fe are several Native American Pueblos, some of which can be toured. Maybe covid stopped that, but when open, it's really a great thing to see. And sometimes there are Native ceremonies open to the public, and those beautiful spiritual eventsa are definitely worth attending. These are real cultural activities of the people, and not strictly touristy.

I was on my way west earlier this year and I was stopped in my tracks by new mexico. Especially the area you are in. I ended up staying a week in and around the taos area exploring all the mountains and hot springs in the area. I was amazed at how the terrain can vary so drastically in such a short amount of time. Definitely a unique area of the country, cant wait to return one day

Welcome to New Mexico! I live north of Santa Fe in the village of Chimayo. Thank you for your lovely travel videos and come back soon with your wife!

Santa Fe is one of my favorite places in the US. The old Spanish and Native American influences really make this a unique place.

A visit to NM isn't complete without a visit to Chaco Canyon! A bit of a drive, but worth it!

The Florida high point is 345 feet above sea level. And I think you can drive to it. I don’t know if you can handle that, but I believe in you. Good luck when you do that.

Above Santa Fe is Oho caliente. It's a spa very reasonably priced. I drove from Oklahoma to celebrate my significant bd of 50 a few years back. Great hot spring

New Mexico captured our hearts, our favorite place to travel.

Great video, Tristan! I lived in California for the first 55 years of my life. I agree that New Mexico is the most unique of states. Loved the atmosphere of Santa Fe; art galleries, architecture, food, and the generally relaxed vibe. And it's just a state away from my favorite place on earth, Grand Canyon National Park. Stay safe and happy trails!

I enjoyed seeing the oldest church and oldest house in the US Tristan! Thank you for traveling there and thank you for scaling that mountain! Congrats!❤️🙏🇺🇸🌏

Beautiful all around view from up there, its been 40 some years since I was up there.. Sad to me that people want to remove history rather than learn from it....

I really enjoyed this one. I've always wanted to visit that area and never really seen much about it yet so your video was very enlightening. You seemed pretty relaxed throughout it so obviously you were enjoying it. Thanks once more for sharing your adventures!

This is a favorite of your vlogs that I have watched so far. Really enjoyed seeing the great views from the summit and also your tour of Santa Fe. Thanks much!

This was so amazing. I loved the mix up hiking and sharing Santa Fe as you made it so interesting even though arriving on a day when some points of interest were closed. I appreciated that you slipped the inside of the chapel in since it was closed that day. You are such a relaxing person to travel with. You also do all the hard work of hiking and climbing and I get to sit with a cup of coffee and just enjoy the views. The miracle of the staircase was one of the high points.

About a month ago, I was traveling in all of the same areas you’ve been in over the las few episodes - Pike’s Peak, Garden of the Gods, Great Sand Dunes NP and Old Town Santa Fe (even hit all those same churches). Additionally, we hit Bandelier National Monument near Santa Fe and Rio Grande Norte/Rio Grande Gorge near Taos. Great episode! Safe travels!