Dead Hot: 5th-Gen 4Runner Tackles Death Valley
If you’ve never been to Death Valley, this awesome video tour will have you planning a trip.
Death Valley. It’s the hottest place on the planet — but it’s far more than scorched earth. There’s loads of natural beauty to be found in this rugged landscape, and that’s what draws almost a million visitors to the desert every year. I actually went through the park on a road rally back in 2008, and along with gorgeous vistas, the sole gas station I saw was charging $10 per gallon. So I can’t imagine what it costs right now. That said, if you’ve never been, this great video from Capt. Al Roper will likely make you want to plan a trip. Just bring a few jerry cans.
While the YouTuber has posted a few other videos detailing the kit on his Army Green 4Runner, the Capt. is a man of few words, and this clip is all about the scenery. The scenery, however, is incredible. In the opening shots, what looks to be an F-35 Lightening rips across the sky, and the speed of the fighter jet provides perspective on just how vast this sizzling stretch of sand and mountains is. Even the sound of the turbine helps paint the picture.
During his trip through the park, we see several of Death Valley’s most famous spots, including Lippincott Pass, Titus Canyon, and the Saline Valley Warm Springs. He also makes a stop at the infamous Barker Ranch, which was the headquarters of the Manson family in the late 1960s. And given the creepy name and generally barren nature of the place, there are sure to be some weirdos out there today. But seriously, the real danger is being unprepared for the ferocious heat.
My favorite part of the clip is the definitely the footage of Titus Canyon. From the camera perspective, you can only occasionally catch a glimpse of the sky, and the rock walls which border the narrow trail seem to go up forever. It looks like something straight out of a Indiana Jones flick, and must be absolutely awe-inspiring in person. So watch the video below, then hit me up and let me know what your favorite part is. Or better still, tell me about some of your favorite overland adventures! I’d love to profile them for the blog!
Photos: YouTube