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I Hiked 4 Days Into California's Most Brutal Ghost Towns
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- Published on Jun 20, 2025
- Check out drinklmnt.com/... for a FREE 8-count sample pack of their electrolyte mix with any drink mix purchase. LMNT definitely kept me going on this hike, check it out!
This week I set off on a 50 mile hike to 4 different mining camps, lost to time. The hike was brutal with over 25,000 feet of elevation gain and 25,000 feet of elevation loss.
The reward was a look into history that few have had since the towns shut down. Each place tells a story that is related to Cerro Gordo, and that greater understanding makes my world that much better.
You can follow along on Instagram here: / brentwunderwood
We have all new stock of Cerro Gordo t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, flasks, and more here: store.cerrogor...
If you're interested in the backpack I'm using in this hike (it is awesome), check out this link for custom made backpacks, handmade in Cerro Gordo: exoticpax.com/...
THANK YOU!
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I'm 80 and live in a rest home but when I was younger I would explore the California desert and woods and it made me just feel good when I was there. Now that I can no longer do that you feel the void for me. I have been watching you from day one and can't wait for your new videos. I had a bad stroke five years ago and it hit hard and my coordination and memory is not what it used to be so I save your videos and they are almost new to me five months from now. This video was totally awesome! I will probably watch it again tomorrow! Thanks so much for sharing your videos with us, Dave
Good luck in your recovery Dave
74
Right on brother.
All the best for you from Switzerland!
I’m 16 and I hope when I’m older and have more freedom I can go on adventures like this. An area that I want to explore a lot more in northern Ontario. it is such a big and remote place I will be able to find lots of interesting things.
You're not just a youtuber. You're a great videographer and storyteller Brent. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
I appreciate that! Thank you!
@patrickt118 are you talking about Cerro Gordo. If so, you haven't watched Brents channel since te beginning.
@@patrickt118 and ?
@patrickt118 I swear he bought the other share off that dude?, so he is only backed by himself.
Wonderful! Thank you for taking me along on the adventure. The scenery and stories were both captivating. Nice work! ❤
I'm almost lost for words. The content, the cinematography, the narration and the emotion, are just spell binding. No one else delivers this with such enthusiasm, such passion and authenticity. That one person can bring this directly to us without having his story edited and changed by executives and marketing staff, is truly the power of RUclips. Incredible that an individual can tell his story directly to us.
♥️
I just commented something very similar... this is a bizarre roller coaster of emotions and I can't even pinpoint why... I was glued to every second of this... what an unexpected treasure
Ken Burns has competition!
Thanks Brent absolutely spectacular!!!! Thanks for taking us along especially for us who are not up to the physical challenges this type of hike requires, I pray you and Serigado Ghost town are all well and that all this wonderful mining history stays exactly the way it is what a treasure.God Bless you.😊❤
Would you feel differently If you found out he was a tech bro that made millions and is taking no personal risk? Or that this dude is a marketing wizard and everything he says is very considered and meant to elicit your reaction? Cause that info ruined his stuff for me.
I’m 76 years old. Many years ago my wife and I passed through Nevada and Calif I kept telling myself that when I made it in life, I would do what you are doing!!!!! It never happened of course. So I’m living through videos. TY
Oh wow, thank you for the note. I'm glad you're enjoying the videos and if you're ever in this area, come up and visit!
@@GhostTownLiving maybe he can come visit you at the mine
Thank you for being such an awesome speaker allowing us to be there with you in our imagination🎉❤
Brent, I am a blind individual just want to say you’re awesome and thank you for taking us that cannot see, and be able to visualize through your eyes things that we would not be able to experience, so you are making a big difference in what you’re doing to a lot of people man love it
Your humility really stands out. The joy you can allow yourself to feel is quite inspirational for me, putting the ‘problems’* I have into context. So thank you for that.
*I do have real problems, but that’s a part of life. In fact, a large part of meaning in life is experiencing and dealing with these problems. It’s been demonstrated time and time again, take away peoples problems and they’ll create their own. Drug addiction amongst the children of the wealthy is the most obvious example I can think of, right now.
I hope you can find a way of hearing this, as I feel a connection to you, through your comment. It has given me a little moment of joy, which is the most rare and precious thing we, as humans, have in my opinion. 🙏
Ok thanks for sharing this.
This is better than a lot of stuff on TV. The geographical location, the history brought to life, the enthusiasm for his subject, great documentary making. Deserves some kind of award. 👍
Thank you so much! I really appreciate that.
@@GhostTownLiving when you say we can sense water 16:55 , I think we can smell it. But as it’s so subtle, we aren’t really aware we sense it that way, consciously at least.
Maybe we feel the raised humidity in the air, too. Whatever, it’s very interesting for me, too.
Brent, it’s pronounced Mc-a-Voy. say it fast. Not Mc-el-Voy
Just a wonderful Video!Thank you so much for sharing your experience and history lessons.
It always fascinates me how any Old shaft mine came to be. What was it the original miner found that said to him I’m gonna start digging a hole in this location? So remote!
@@GhostTownLivingyou are a little crazy if you ask me. It only takes one wrong move in those mountains. Leaving you bag and finding it was a risky thing. I dont think many dare go were you went. Im 65. It aint never goibg to make it there but thanks for taking me along. It was the next best thing !
@@Dude0000humans can sense when it’s about to rain just like animals
Hey Brent, I spent 40 years in the television industry and I would put your story telling up at the top, and more so because you dream it, then let the story reveal itself while capturing it on the go. The freedom you have simply can't be replicated in a studio system today.
On a more personal note, I spent my youth in-between projects in the Sierra, and your visuals bring back very strong emotions that I humbly thank you for.
Wow, such a great compliment! I hope Brent sees it!
In the late 70s, I lived in "Beautiful Downtown Keeler" at Inyo Dry Lake. I was collecting VA disability that my dear, unemployed, hard rock mining, uncle used for prospecting. We climbed and climbed, then dug and dug . One fellow known as "Coyote" actually struck it rich while I was living there. He found a huge deposit of shealite (tungsten ore) . It was close to a power line, and in Bishop, I think, there was a huge tungsten mine that bought his ore and dumped it in their milling process. The ore looked like kernals of popcorn in red rusty sandstone , and it showed like bright blue stars under a black light. The first load he shoveled onto his pickup was worth enough money to buy a NEW pickup.
Dear Brent - Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this magnificent voyage with us. My age and health would not allow me to make these kind of trips, so my opportunity has passed, but you have given us your spirit of exploration and opened our eyes to these wonderful and exciting places and times in history. This was a hike of a lifetime and I am beyond being able to find the words to express what I felt as you shared each one of these mines, homes, stories, structures and lives with us. Stay Safe. Kindest Regards, Randy in Oro Valley, AZ
You said that so wonderfully. I agree.
Thanks Randy! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I enjoyed sharing the experience. There’s a lot of history out there
❤💯🙌🏼😘 Agree. .
You are looking well Brent.
GBU 🙏🏼
@@freedomforever1962 I agree! He's looking healthy with great coloring, not so washed out as sometimes he looks from living in such a rugged place. His house is obviously becoming a warm home.
Brent really is a fine presenter, isn't he? Good tone, cadence, thoughtful with the idealism if youth. Yeah, he is my hero these days. It's a fine thing he is doing with the town.
My mom would so love your work. She explored the Great Salt Lake, especially the dumps and rail road sites. She wrote a book called The Diggers. She too felt it was important to document the history of the region. Kuddos to your wonderful spirit.
you should send Brent a copy of that book for his cave library!
Kudos to you
Thank you!! I'll have to check that book out!
I walked back trails near “Nine Mile Canyon”…Inyo County… UGH…brings back memories.. Have you ever thought of a burro..They are “sure footed”and eat that scrub…
Is your mom's book in mainstream print?
Brent, I am also 81 years and am still in good shape compared to many others. You chose wisely when you purchased Cerro Gordo and although I picked up on a little uncertainty, a little regret I watched it slowly disappear. You have become one with Cerro Gordo. You have spread the peace and joy you have gained with so many of your viewers. Really loved your trip that ended in that great cabin in Beveridge. Much Love lil bro!!!!
using the term "lil bro" at 81 huh???? OK im your huckleberry.
Play for keeps remember.
Sit down Pedro .
My grandmother, who died in 2004 at the age of 95, backpacked all over California, Oregon and Washington state. One of her favorite foods was onion soup made with bouillon cubes and dehydrated onions. Sometimes she would even use fresh onions on the 1st couple of days. Really light to carry.
Brent, this one video deserves an Academy Award for Best Documentary, and your channel deserves one for Best Docu-series. This is better than Anything on regular television! As always, I can't wait for the next one. Thank you for everything!
Wow, thank you! I really appreciate that!
THANKS BRENT. I HIKED INTO BEVERIDGE DECADES AGO. YOU DID AN EXCELLENT JOB PRODUCING THIS VIDEO. I WISH I COULD STILL DO THESE TYPE OF HIKES….BUT AT AGE 83 IT IS NO LONGER POSSIBLE. MAKE FULL USE OF TIME….WE’RE ONLY HERE ONCE. GREAT JOB!!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it! That must have been great to see decades ago. And a great reminder to make use of time. I'm doing my best! Thanks!
Awesome. Did You bump into any interesting people such as the miner's ???
Superb video,so glad I found it.Have you written any books? I felt as though I was travelling with you.Thank you
what was it back like then? any better or mostly the same?
My great grandma is also 83
This is one of your best episodes you've made so far. I love the history of California mining, specially in the desert area. Keep it up Brent.
I also love these style of videos so much
Definitely a cool explore!
Not to mention, the quality of the video is just mind blowing. I'd enjoy these even without the narrative. The scenery is just so amazing!
Brent! I stumbled upon this video, read the posting by Daveneil3963, and then decided this might be a worthwhile experience. I'm now 74 years old and have aways been curious about the history of my country and the people who built it for me. I was awed with the spectacular views and history along this trail. I would have loved to trek this trail, sit and imagine the people who had created all of this; what were their hopes, their dreams, and how they must have lived here. They are now gone but they've left behind an inspiring legacy for me to appreciate and enjoy. Unfortunately, I am unable to make such a strenuous hike as I have suffered many disabling injuries due to my 26 years of military service so I have to rely on others such as yourself to take me on these amazing adventures. Thank you and I look forward to watching you make more amazing adventures with historical accounts of this amazing country to which I was blessed to have been born into and to have served with great pride. Your passion and cinematography were inspiring.
Love seeing an adult playing with big boy equipment and being as happy as a little kid playing in the sandbox. I had lots of smiles this video. Thank you so much, Brent.
Yeah, I got a chuckle from that too. 😄
Brent, you met my dad in Bishop last week at the grocery store. He sent me the picture of you two and it really meant a lot that you took the time to say hi to him. I’ve been watching your videos since your first upload and I couldn’t imagine missing a single one. Thank you for documenting your story and bringing history to life in Inyo county. It really is a special place and I hope to come up, see Cerro Gordo, and say hi one day. Awesome video as always!
Oh Brent. You are a scribe. I am SO thankful that you became custodian of Cerro Gordo. When Mike died I was scared for the town's fate. I could have never imagined someone so perfect would discover it and help all of us rediscover it in amazing and beautiful ways. When I visited with Mike, he told me about Beveridge and I have wanted to see it ever since. I am so grateful you released this video because I will likely never get to any of those places. Now, I'm off to explore my own backyard, as you suggested.
That means a lot. I know how much Mike and Jody cared about this town and to add to that lineage feels very important. Thank you for those kind words!
I also knew Mike ... and Jodi ... I was their UPS driver for many years ... I felt the same as you when I learned that Mike had passed ... who could possibly fill their shoes?? And now we have Brent ..... amazing ! 👍
I really enjoy the history associated with all your videos but the 4k footage simply puts it over the top! I'm so glad to have found your channel. Great job!
I can't express how thankful I am to be able to see these places. 2 back surgeries 13 stomach surgeries and 3 knee surgeries I can say I'd never be able to see these places otherwise. Thank you so much. You are such an amazing author, storyteller, and RUclipsr. True hard work and dedication just to share these videos. THANK YOU SO MUCH BRENT.
Me too, not as many operations but it is my back. I can still take my big old dog on some mild hikes, so grateful that people like Brent shows us his travels. I watch another guy who hikes to some of the most stunning places. His channel is Desert Drifter. I wish you well.
Sending you love and strength
Why 13 stomach surgeries.??
@avacadovich I caught an infection and the mesh they installed kept felling.
I wish this video went on for 10 more hours. Each of these small spots were so nice to see. The beekeeper's cave, and the minecart still sitting and moving on the tracks. I loved all of it. This seems like the hiking/camping trip of a lifetime.
Agreed. This could easily have been a 10 hour series, Much better than the trash on Netflix now. Thanks for your work on this documentation of a disappearing place and time.
I always admire you outdoor videographers who extend their hiking by at least 25% (if not more) by having to hike ahead, setup your camera hike back, hike past your camera, hike back TO your camera and then hike forward again. :)
Not to mention packing extra batteries for the awesome drone shots.
Oh my god. I never even thought of that. That’s wild! Amazing stuff.
I don't think he has nobody with him he solos . I could be wrong ?;
@@Safteassemblies he's wise enough to not solo hike in the wilderness, regardless how experienced he is. He must've had a hiking buddy.
Yes he does solo . Always has done..
The quality of the cinematography and storytelling is second to none. Thank you.
I understand your ambivalence about sharing these wild places with the internet, but with my physical limitations, this is the only way I could ever experience a place like Beverage. Thank you so much.
Thank you! I appreciate knowing that people are able to experience these remote places this way.
4 magic words in this vid - "…for my next book." Really looking forward to reading that!
Sir Brent you have taken a Disabled Old Man on a Most Incredible,Beautiful,Historical 4 day Adventure in 54 Glorious minutes and I want to thank you so much. Amazing the History you just showed the World. The Highlight Bonus was The Feeling of Being In Shangri-La with You. GOD Bless and Keep You Safe....We Love You Brent Underwood🥰
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I like sharing the adventures and history all around here!
Yeah Brian I'm 79 and I'm from Massachusetts and I was born in Canada and I'm an immigrant I went to a great schools in the US churches and the movie studios wonderful restaurants and grinder places and I've traveled up and down the planet lucky enough with my, time seems to get after you after a while you get old my wife's been gone now for 13 years I would like living in a cave in a beautiful house and The virtuous watching TV anything I like I started watching TV and black and white it was as big as a portable radio and I love the radio people talk to me and people got together and they were out of his and they were lonely and he listening and stupid music, Elvis music Kitty car music black and red music and anywhere from outer space to SpaceX to President Kennedy to even Trump, what is the cowboys of spaceman in some of us and rodeo people and whatever bikers hikers sinners smokers winners gifts they're out there too, the relatively listening of the guy that lives in beautiful Massachusetts and Dalton has and I'm happier than s*** to see those people that have a heart soul and I give me in a one and a story to the late thanks very much for him and if I ever meet you I, I'm happy that you're out there for me does fertile mean to just the lottery throwing your money away or going to church or walking the king, walking the outlets in the balls and the theaters at The log beautiful streets and beautiful, some place we're going we're all going there in some way we know nothing will live 80 years and don't know nothing about our bodies or how to keep our minds happy it's a wonderful thing to thought the story The prayer the home and all you can say is like I said my job is now is the spread hope wherever I can and I'm still doing it and you are too thanks for listening see you in Texas
It's so cool to think that what you saw from pats cabin that second morning is the same view he saw every day. Slightly different arrangement of plants maybe but for the most part that exact view is what he saw. And that feels amazing.
Back in 1979 I was living in the Fresno area and was offered an opportunity to work for gold in the areá near the area of your video today... Twenty years of age at the time... I am glad that I chose to go to university instead... Thanks for the update of the area today... The narration of this video today was marvelous. Thank you... May other viewers of this story enjoy it as much as I Brent... 😎
Brent, no one that I watch is a better creator than yourself. Your production of these are above great. Seemed like a 15 minute video. Thanks for taking me on that journey with you.
Wow, thank you! I enjoy sharing these adventures
I had to watch this twice, to actually take in the views and appreciate everything I saw. The fact that you woke up and saw the same sunrise that Pat Keys would have seen all those years ago...the view is still the same, untouched, wild. I love these types of exploration that you do. When you say, if I can't find the springs, I will have to turn back, but would you have enough water for the hike back? As you mentioned, a hiker cannot pack 4 days of water without finding water. In the end, you found water and the remnants of the mines were the only trace of those who lived there so long ago. You are reigniting the history of these places by discovering them and taking us along with you. Thank you for including us. I love to see you journaling because that could mean you are working on another book. I hope so because I loved your first book. Time travel with Brent Underwood. Until the next video, take care of yourself.
Fabulous. Old age hits a lot of us hard and cuts us off from these adventures. I thank you for sharing in such an excellent fashion. Well done!
Brent is living the life I dreamed about at 15. How awesome.
I just finished the ghost town living book. It was absolutely awesome. If you have seen all of Brent's videos it makes the book that much better because it helps your mind travel to the places Brent speaks of. It was the best book I've read in a long time. I can't wait for the next one.
Thank you! I'm really glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate the kind words.
I second that. The best biographical (I was thinking how to classify it) book I’ve ever read. Now waiting for the next book.
One of the nice things about the difficulty of the location, is that it means that less people would be crawling all over those ghost towns taking "souvenirs". Which helps to preserve the locations for future hikers.
Personally I'm torn. It's so beautiful the way it is but every year it wears away just a little more. I'd love to see some of this stuff preserved in a museum or something.
I think I'd be crawling around about half dead by the time I got there!🍻
id take a souvenir and preserve it. it would just rot in the town
People should leave them exactly where they are kinda annoying seeing him move the stuff and not return it to where it was left, video is great otherwise!..
He's not the first there . Who's to say it hasn't been moved already by a hiker before him . But yes you have a point .
8:02 "There's something a little comforting if you see a small carin along the way."
No truer words, brother.
Helicopter or no helicopter it never ceases to amaze me all the supplies that they were able to get into such remote locations. Crazy.
No helicopters 1880!
But that bull dozer how? did they bring it in pieces or drive it all the way there imagine the fuel that took
I love this great video. That's because I love this area, going back 50 years. In about 1982 I climbed Mt. Langley, across the Owens Valley, had a spill, and got disoriented coming back. I made it back to my partners at our camp many hours later, with some injuries. They helped me down to the clinic in Lone Pine the next day. That made me more interested. I used to hike all over, from Saline Valley to Darwin Falls. But I'm now 70, and with age advancing all I can do now is enjoy it vicariously thru your videos. Thanks for this one! I hope to visit in Cerro Gordo some time.
Such profound, deep thoughts and so well spoken and narrated! Not to mention, all the cool video shots and then editing it all! You truly make great videos, dude!
Thank you!! I appreciate that!
This video is so amazing. It’s so unbelievable what people back in those days were capable of doing. Just the terrain along blows my mind. Thanks for going back Brent.
I'm always amazed at the perseverance and determination of the people who built the mines and the mills back in the day. The labour it would've taken to get all the material into these areas really speaks to the drive and conviction it took to get things done.
Amen to this!! I wonder if this same drive and conviction still exists today, or are we as a society just super lazy? Something to definitely ponder. Thank you again!
You are making you are making history my friend how do you remember when you first went into that town in farro Gordo or whatever that thing is since the beginning of the first journey I've been with you all the way love your work
I love virtually trekking with you and the history you share. It's awesome that you respect the areas and artifacts you find along the way. Thank you Brent!
Thanks for checking it out! Appreciate it
Wow Brent I've been watching you channel since overnight or TFIL was out at your place when you had it for just a little while. Look how your channel has grown ! You have over a Million Subs now! So Proud and Just honored to have watched you grow so much these years!
Agreed. I thing we as a community are honored to have been a part of this journey over the years.
I have be watching for years now and evry vidio i watch i finish watching satisfide with the video everytime thenks for your hard worck.
🙌🏼 Agree 💗🐾
Well said!!!
Just a note on that Yellow Shipping Container next to the generator... As a 25 plus year employee of Caterpillar, I can tell you those clam shell shipping containers are still used today for transporting equipment around the world.. The Division I'm in still uses them to ship Industrial Gas Turbines around the world to our customers.. They are air tight and pressurized, have a sight glass on one end so the contents can be verified without opening it... and I wouldn't be surprised if that Generator was partially disassembled, packed into the container and flown in under a helicopter.
Back in the day, 50-60 years ago, a lot of those containers were declared as surplus and, split into two, made their way into the cattle industry to be used as water troughs. They have since rusted out and I have not seen one in years.
Those cans are still used in the aviation industry to ship Gas turbine engines. I packed many in my Air force days.
The split cans are used in aviation to contain turbine engines and also gearboxes and rotor heads for helicopters. Basically, anything that fits and needs a sealed dry atmosphere for long term storage and shipping, there was a BBQ place in San Diego that had a few used as pits for cooking.
Last of the Americans! Brent, you are quite the amazing person. I used to play in the Cerro Gordo mines in the 70's. Great wonders await you starting at 1100 feet. It gets spooky and very real down there. Worth the venture! Many artifacts and great wonders!
I've been trying to get down there! The access from the 900 is collapsed now. Do you know how you got down there?
I'm wondering the same thing as Brent. I've been hoping for a while now that access to the lower levels will get found. There has got to be a bypass or emergency path out one would think.
Come visit and share your stories !
Agreed, someone who's been down there would be valuable to go give Brent some tips and insight
@@GhostTownLiving You are in fine young shape. I am 75 and getting long in the tooth. The 70's was long ago. I do remember taking a corkscrew 3 foot diameter tunnel down from one deep level and ending up in the 1100 foot area as charcoled on the wall. Tracks were still intact with many carts and a larger room with what looked to be a hoist, but pretty collapsed. Many areas we went through were very crumbly and dangerous of caving at any time. It wasn't shored up and timbered as many mines are. Lots of old decaying dynamite, tools, and various buckets of stuff just laid were it was left many moons ago. We had to climb back up that corkscrew tunnel at the end of the adventure. I remember three sardine cans un opened still stacked on a little table. Lots of steel drill bits, a compressor or generator. Looked like a Disneyland adventure ride. We decided they must have had a timber shortage and took timbers down and rebuilt them where they were digging? That might explain the abundance of collapses? That mountain is amazing. Many many mineral changes and colors. Lots of really fine dust. Many unseen dangers until it's too late. Be careful! You tempt fate spellunking alone in there. It is a different world, isn't it? It calls to you......"Brent, come on down! The price is right!" You rule, Brent. You have the 60/70's spirit with you! Live long and prosper!
No new video for 2 months and now you came back with bombshell!! What a video Brent. This is probably one of the best videos on your channel. I love this type of content when you go on a long hike and uncover the history, tell some stories about place, tell some secrets... Well done Brent and keep it up 👌
That's how long it takes to upload via carrier pigeon. ;-)
@@jum5238 Thank goodness he doesn't use USPS. Would end up being 4 months and good chance it gets lost on the way!
I’m speechless and teary-eyed, Brent. Thank you for sharing this remote beauty that’s inaccessible to most of us.
Thanks for being simply yourself and real, and not hyping up your videos with overly done music and filming and unnecessary drama, like so many RUclipsrs do.
Thanks for the history, and a walk back in time into a real mining camp. The pictures were also really cool to see. I have watched your videos for about two years and envy the life you're living there, and life there.
Can we take a moment to appreciate how Brent lined up the music perfectly when he had the shimmer on the elevation levels?
From the moment I witnessed your remarkable journey with your truck stuck in the snow and your perseverance to hike up the mountain, I was inspired. During the pandemic, I discovered your video and have been following your incredible endeavors ever since. Your determination and passion are truly motivating, and I have no doubt that you will continue to push boundaries and achieve greatness. I eagerly await the day when I can visit your ghost town and witness your remarkable work firsthand.❤
Thank you! I hope you can visit one day soon.
I cant imagine the feeling of discovering something that's been left behind, to be a part of history and discovered so many years later. That in itself is a treasure. Beautiful!
Pat's set up and the bee keeper's was amazing and got us all imagining what it would be like to be him and to live there among the mountains.
55:17 Brent, I cannot thank you enough for sharing your life with us. You just remind me what is important in life, and what is to be a human
Keep it up Brent !
This is beautiful & special.
Thank you for sharing your journey.
I am a huge fan of your FIRST book. Preordered in hard back. Have been reading via Kindle for a very long time.
I knew that I needed to hold & see your book.
Visionary.
Many blessings, young man, from an old, disabled lady in Southern California.
2nd gen native born. Mother born in 1919 on the family ranch, outside of Brawley, CA.
I LOVE this stuff! Its incredible that most of that stuff is still around... I always love to sit there and close my eyes and picture what it use to be like when everything was thriving. always try to picture the people walking around doing their daily duties.. incredible
54:28 Talk about putting things into perspective!🙌🏻🙌🏻Brent's outro...and look at the size of that stamp mill! 😲😲
I always find the equipment left behind as mesmerizing as the view and nature. In fact I’d venture to guess that some of that heavy equipment left behind like that dozer would fire up with some fuel, batteries, and a little tinkering. What a sweet trip though, thanks for taking us along.
As soon as I start to worry you have given up on RUclips, you give us a Great video like this one. Thank you for keeping us informed and entertained Brent!!!!
I was wondering where the videos were and had to search to find he never posted one. Hope all is well with him, probably just needed a little break
I grew up in independence, used to hike and camp/hunt all over inyo and owens valley. I moved with my family in the early 2000’s but I absolutely love and miss the place and wish I was able to explore the area more. Your videos are inspiring me to plan a trip and revisit, thank you 🤙
The little pit in the ground was not the kind of mill I was expecting! What a fascinating hike.
Brent, I can't even put into words the magnitude of your preservation efforts. Everything about this video made it one of my favorites you've done. The beauty, the romance of the history, almost as though the mountains are calling out toy you, and you heed the call. The time and effort you pour into this video is such a testament to your passion for the journey you have chosen, or perhaps, the journey chose you. This is a very powerful video on so many levels.
Perfectly Worded...Very Powerful Historical Video.
I could see a slightly tweaked version of this being submitted to film festival award shows. This was a sight to behold, and deserves a grander platform than a regular RUclips release.
Wow! Finding that canvas bag you had read about… in situ, on site like frozen in time; but to read about it and put your hands physically on canvas, simply beautiful, amazing, nearly unbelievable and just can’t find the words to express just how cool and unique that experience is!
Missed ya, Brent. Can't wait for the next full update episode! Cheers!
I've watched this channel since its beginning and this is easily one of your best videos. It's obvious that a lot of time and effort went into it. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Wow, thank you! This one I definitely took some time on, so I appreciate you noticing that
Incredible video !! I love seeing the history as it was left many years ago, which is much better than seeing artifacts in a museum. The videography was second to none !!! Great job, Brent.👍
Amazing footage. Glad these historic places remain untouched.
What I always find fascinating about all these remote mines is how they got all that stuff up in them canyons (the last 1800's mines), no helicopters, no motorized vehicles, all done on the backs of mules, horses, and men. Just amazing the amount of will power they had.
It's really incredible. The camera doesn't do justice to how steep these valleys were to get into.
Yeah considering that some folks today complain about having to walk a mile on sidewalks mind you. Folks were drastically built differently back then..
@@GhostTownLiving stay safe, Brent! We are all here rooting for you! Thank you for such amazing content!!
Men were just different back then. They didn’t have the technology that we have now, but nothing stood in their way. They are hero’s in my mind!
One added thank you. Your adventure is so well shared that I was hiking with you. Beautiful from every angle. Please keep sharing your experiences.
Thanks for taking us along with you, as you made your way along the somewhat precarious mountain paths to times of old. Seeing the remnants of the mines clearly shows that they were a tough breed of men, determined to make their fortunes.
Thank you! They were some very determined folks out in those mountains
@@GhostTownLiving They sure were...!
That little waterfall canyon was absolutely serene.
You know, Brent took that leap of faith regarding water. He knew that those mining towns had to have water to survive, but didn't know WHERE the source was. It was amazing just how much water he found !!
Most enjoyable; riveting even.
How sweet the sound of pure, fresh, life-saving water -- running in such a pristine surrounding -- surrounded far and wide by arid, waterless beauty.
I have a 90 yr old father in law living with me, and I'm going to introduce him to your videos. I think he would really enjoy them! This was an excellent episode! Thank you for taking us along with you. I dream of visiting there, but I'm not in the best of health, and my wife isn't into the same kinds of adventures. And... we have 90 yr old inlaws to take care of - one a recent stroke victim.
Kudos to you…hang in there…not easy I know, but don’t give up on some r&r now and then…and support groups can really help…
Thank you so much for taking me with you on this magnificent journey!
Thank you so much for sharing your adventures to these beautiful places most of us will never go. I love the way you educate us through your videos to see things through your eyes while encouraging our minds to wander! Thank you again!!! 😊
I am 78. I did a lot of this in Colorado, New Mexico and some in Nevada and Oregon. Often looking for game animals , sometimes hunting. The trip, into new country, and seeing the history all the way back thousands of years. Sometimes with horses but many, many miles with a pack frame. I still try to stay in shape to do a little trip now and then. Do it all while you can. It get tougher with age but those tops and beautiful places take you just as high. Like John Denver said, "Rocky Mountain High". No other feeling like it!
yeeeeeew! another brent banger! knowing how hard you work on cerro gordo and how much time you commit to it, it's awesome to see you be able to get out of that bubble for a change and do something likethis.
Thank you for this amazing hike and telling of history. You are a special man.
My pleasure!
Being stuck at home with a horrible back injury...your work helps lift my heart ❤ I'll never be able to hike like you do yet at this point in my life I am living threw you! THANKS! YOU YOU
What an amazing adventure you took us all on! I am way too old to be taking this on, but you took us so lovingly along with you that I feel as if I was with you , and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. What a fascinating journey ! Those cabins ! Omgggggg! People living so remotely, working hard, making their dreams come true . Beautifully done, well crafted, wonderfully shot with all the drone footage… Thank you again Brent! Bravo !
Just popped in to tell you that my father was a hobbyist beekeeper about the same era(1960's) at our humble home in the Carolina countryside. Just seeing the old bee smoker you rediscovered brought back beautiful memories of him. We'd laugh at his "safari hat" with the screen mask but, we'd always enjoyed the delicate sweetness of the bees labor! Thanks Brent for being.
I really appreciate you going out and publishing these videos. When I became paralyzed I couldn’t hike in some back country anymore. So your videos actually help me deep down.
Thank you Brent for taking me along. A great trip into the past.
Glad you enjoyed it!
A beautiful video Brent! - I remember doing a three day hike in New Zealand in the early 00's with similar views....you never forget those sights and experiences!
So grateful for the love you have deep within you Brent & like so many out there, we thank the lord for the light within you shines so brightly. I used to do things like these years ago & rode my Cr250R dirt bike hundreds of miles all over California from Bishiop to the far sand dunes of southern California in Buttercup, with so many trips camping & fishing the Owens River, & seen it all over 38 years hiking & camping & fishing, now 15 years of beating CML Leukemia & chemo every day now 61. Brent, you have brought such joy for me so deep with your excellence & purity in journalism, at times I had to stop just so I could take it all in. Respectfully & forever a fan, Carl S, now living back in East Texas.
Brent, what an adventure.! Thanks for allowing us to come along.
I'm happy that due to the remote nature of many of those locations, you got to share so many interesting artifacts left behind. Thanks, also, for your admonition to leave these area as you found them for others to enjoy.
I'm enjoying your journey.
Many happy trails!
Thank you Brent for another great adventure. I've done my adventures traveling all over the world, in the U.S., Germany, England, S. Korea, Japan, China, Philippines, Mexico, Canada. Your feelings of "gatekeeping" are accurate and understandable, hopefully those other adventurers who come along will be as respectful as you desire of the history, culture, and take care to avoid damaging or destroying the fragile sights we get to see. Take care.
In the 70's my dad and I went on many hikes in the California desert, prospecting and rock hounding. I love your work. It brings back many memories. In recent years I've been hiking out of Aspendell up through the Paiute Pass because of the beauty there. If I ever go on your hike to Beverage, I'll check in with you first. If you are the new steward of this region, it's in good hands. Thank you for what you do.
This video was stunning. Your thirst for knowledge knows no bounds and because of that we are able travel with you to these amazing places, without the leg work of course which is tough. The history is absolutely fascinating and I love that you keep it alive through your adventures. A book detailing this trail and its history would be awesome. If it could be as good as Ghost Town Living I would buy it. Take care, keep safe and thank you. Take care, keep safe. ❤ Dorset, UK
Your a true Old Soul Brent. Thank You for letting me tag along! You've got the beginning for another book. I really enjoyed Ghost Town Living. Brent of all trades!
Thanks for taking us on this hike man, very pretty views and interesting history. You gotta start wearing gaiters though man, getting snake bit out somewhere like that would be extremely bad.
Awesome Stuff! I'm 57 and I think I'm fixing to start my adventure, while I'm still young enough to do it. 39 years of oil patch and personal disappointments. No more, from here on in it's explore, discover, learn, appreciate and evolve as a person. Thanks for including us with your travels and discoveries. Bravo
As someone who grew up in this area , is against blowing out secret spots, the last point you make helps my ego accept your video. For me it was enlightening and you did a great job sharing the rich history of the area. As someone who grew up slightly north of there and spent a huge amount of time in the backcountry…… I still learned some things from you. Instead of being a senseless human parasite in a world of crazy ……. You have a light. Thank you for the education and good moral spreading to the world .
Capturing these forgotten places is such a great way for those of us who don’t get a chance to see these gems in real life. The fact that you live in a mining town, you bring something to the table about the history of these abandoned mining camps and towns. It’s good to see that for the most part everything is kept the way it was left when the last of the miners walked away. Simply beautiful in its own way.
Thanks for what you do. It is much appreciated!
@Ghost Town Living The Caterpillar D8800 is a diesel engine Power Unit for a CAT D7. I know of people who have run sawmills and rock crushers with the D8800. Those miners in the '80s were using some older equipment that was built to last! I know of someone who has one from 1948 and saw on for sale from 1953.
Thanks for the great tour and amazing photography! 🙏🏻👏🏻
The videography is magnificent. Just finished your book yesterday. Thank you for sharing your experience. Really.
Wow! Thank you so much! That is very kind. I’m glad you enjoyed it
We have all been waiting for an update ❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you for the most awe inspiring video that I have ever seen! An absolutely amazing journey, by an absolutely amazing soul.
Thanks for checking it out!
Thank you for sharing, even with my poor English, I still enjoy every minute of your video. Chao from Southern France. God Bless America.