I lived in Phoenix from 1971 to ‘78. Been to Castle Hot Springs road many times hunting Gambel’s Quail and sightseeing. I saw the old resort several times. It was much more grand than the current resort. A terrible historical loss because of the fire. I never saw that much water in my travels on the Castle Hot Springs road. I don’t think I ever saw the surrounding desert so green and beautiful. The local legend was that President Kennedy visited Castle Hot Springs Resort in the early 1960’s to relieve his injured back. Your videos are gems! You and Amy both have the personalities to make this channel successful. Please do more videos!

@CactusAtlas

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so very much! The website does back up that claim about Kennedy. Also states that Theodore Roosevelt stayed there when they dedicated the Roosevelt Dam. Loads of interesting history. Would have been a treat to experience the resort in its prime (or heck, even today given the cost. 😅)

@allend777

3 ай бұрын

@@CactusAtlas I’ve read that the Battleship USS Arizona was christened at its launching in 1915, with not champagne, but water from Roosevelt lake. I also read about Pearl Hart from Amy’s mention in the Castle Hot Springs video. Interesting character and possibly a vamp at the Yuma Prison. Played guards like a fiddle. Got a pardon from the Governor with help from the Yuma Prison Warden 🥰

I agree with exploring more ghost towns, those are very interesting and fun to get to. Half the fun of it is learning about the area and researching it.

@CactusAtlas

Ай бұрын

They are our favorites as well. Lots out there - many with little to no remains but still fascinating.

Hey there! I was the listing agent who sold that empty land with the palm trees and old stone buildings. It was the old JL Bar Ranch, a ranch that was owned by the same family for a long time. It has always just been a family ranch, and at one point, a dude ranch. It was never part of the resort, but stories say it was a place that guests from the resort could venture down to and do ranch activities. There are some old newspaper articles talking about how the first palm trees planted in Downtown, Phoenix, and even the palm trees at Castle Hot Springs Resort, actually came from the canyons on that property. Incredible history out there!

@CactusAtlas

11 ай бұрын

Oh, that's really awesome! We really appreciate that information. Thank you so much for sharing! 😄👍

Saw Amy's ear...she's starting to overcome her camera shyness 😊

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Hahaha! I suppose I'm not an invisible vampire after all. 😅

I enjoyed following you and Amy. Thanks ❤

@CactusAtlas

23 күн бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

I really enjoyed going on this adventure with you two!! The Az desert is so pretty! Especially in the spring! It’s a fun format that makes us feel like we are along for the ride!!!

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Wasn't really sure about the format at first. But yeah... the wildflowers this year have been beautiful here. 😊

The company I wok for put the new septic system in a the resort. I hauled the material to them with my dump truck. That property is beautiful.

@CactusAtlas

3 ай бұрын

Isn't it, though? Just a perfect setting for getting away. 😊

Like Abandoned and Forgotten places tells of history of each old mine camps as he drives to them. Lots of drone work!

AMY! It is awesome to hear you guys interact, I can tell Glen misses you when he is on his adventures. You do a great job giving him Bob Ross vibes. I especially love it when Glen seems to truly be discovering wherever he is along with us as the viewer. I am guessing it is because Amy did the research and gave Glen the directions. I love hearing about the plantlike Glen comes across. Check out Cerro Gordo Ghost town over in CA. You may want to do a video colab with Brent who lives there alone. Thanks again for the wonderful content. Please come along more often Amy...and truly we will be super friendly if you want to come on camera and say hello.

@CactusAtlas

6 ай бұрын

Cerro Gordo is 100% on our list. We've been wanting to go for a LONG time and hope to soon. 😊 Appreciate the kind words. I tried popping on camera a couple of times in the past... it's just so weird. 😅

Got pictures of Castle Hot Springs in the 70's & 80's before it burned to the ground !

@CactusAtlas

8 ай бұрын

😮 How very cool! I imagine it looked quite a bit different.

I actually didnt do research when i did this trail, i was shocked to stumble across the resort

@CactusAtlas

Ай бұрын

It seemingly comes out of nowhere, does it? 😂

Hey Glen,I actually have a Side x Side and I totally love it but if you don't have the space for it like myself and rent a storage space $$ Do yourself (Slim) a favor and invest in your suspension and bigger tires you will love your truck even more and the ride comfort will be so much better especially if you (air down) to about 20# you will be shocked by the improvement 😊

Very cool, check out the TW200 it's a enduro, they basically are all the same for close to 30 years. Just for putting around, fat tires and top speed about 55mph Please stay safe 🙏

Okay, I gasped sharply a few times when I thought you were going to be stuck in that river. I couldn’t tell where in the heck you were supposed to be driving. Glad you made it out without having to call a tow truck. Cheers!

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

I won't lie... I thought the exact same thing about that road at the end too. On our previous outing on it, it was generally in the same condition as much of the rest of the drive but MAN... those rains and floods did a number on it. I didn't recognize it at all! 😂

I took my KLR on some rough terrain. It is a mule for hauling my big butt up and down. Did a lot of riding in box canyon by Florence.

This was fun, really like to have Amy included! She is a very pretty lady, should not be so shy; however, I do understand. Your videos are always interesting. 👍

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! We're glad you enjoy them. Oddly enough I just never wanted to be on camera. I much prefer the other side of video making - editing and such. 😊

This was really fun, it was great to hear from Amy. If you get a dirt bike there are some really cool places you can get to that you can't go otherwise.

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! So true about the dirt bike. Since we've been using offroad maps there are so many times we see trails on the map and realize it's merely a tiny trail not suitable for trucks.

Love this Sunday drive with you both. Thanks for sharing. In regards to your docu series, I watch a channel that does a spring special every year called “30 in 30” it’s a live marathon of daily vlogs of baby cows being born and such. Every year we look forward to it because it’s right before Easter and a slow time for us. Planning your docu yrly might give you the time to do the research and film as you go. Just a thought. Love all do and love seeing Az. I am taking care of my aging mother and the adventurer in me is on hold. You journeys keep me in touch with our beautiful state. I have the whole family watching. And thank you for cleaning the windshield! It is greatly appreciated.

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! That's pretty much how we're going to have to handle the more documentary style videos. We'd love to do them once a month or so but at the moment we're just sort of keeping up with filming so there hasn't been much time for much else.

ARIZONA ALWAYS FUN TIMES HERE ! Been on that road many times !

Really enjoy viewing your videos, would love to follow along on two wheels sometime. Maybe do a video of your top 5 trips. I am looking to make my first trip out west with my Yamaha TW200 and would like to re-live some of your trips. Thanks for sharing the rides…

@CactusAtlas

5 ай бұрын

Thank you! Actually, we may have exactly what you are asking for. We did a top ten offroad trails ranked for 2023. We released it around the New Year. It covers spots in Arizona, Utah and Nevada. A good variety of easy and moderate trails with many points of historical interest.

Recommend a small 4-wheeler instead of a dirt bike. Had a friend literally break his neck on a desert trail. Was a nightmare. See Aquachigger’s videos on the spills he’s taken on his bike. I like bikes (owned one), but not in the outback alone. Thx for all your outstanding videos!

@CactusAtlas

4 ай бұрын

Thank you! 👍

The peak with the flag is where president Kennedy would hike daily to place the flag...it was when he was injured during the war, he stayed at castle hot springs to recover

@CactusAtlas

5 ай бұрын

Very cool! 👍

LOVED the episode!! What a great opportunity to launch a new channel, either "grumpy grandpa" or "cactus atlas outtakes" so we can hear the stuff that hits the editing floor 😂Please get the gaudiest, most ridiculous clothing, so we can laugh at all the trolls that come out.

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

😂🤣 Oh and Glenn would probably do it too! I think we joked once about dressing in all black Goth-style and hike in the desert for laughs. I definitely think Grumpy Grandpa needs to become a short at some point. 😅

never heard of it ,,, been here 30 ish yrs

Did you just say Captain Beyond? Whoa!!! Good choice, man!!! 😎😎😎 I really enjoy your videos, too. You have inspired me to do more local exploring!

@CactusAtlas

11 ай бұрын

Thanks! Yeah, Captain Beyond is frequently heard during Glenn's travels. 😄

@allend777

3 ай бұрын

@briandavis…I lived in Phoenix from 1971-‘78, and explored much of central and Northern Arizona. Fished Lake Pleasant, Apache Lake, Roosevelt Lake, San Carlos reservoir. I’m not exaggerating when I say there was an adventure around nearly every bend in the road. I’m sure many of the old properties I saw have changed. But this is your time. Take advantage of it. Chicken Springs Road in Wikieup is the gateway to the Hualapai mountains. Remote, beautiful, many mines and mining roads. I had a strange experience while hunting deer there. Not UFO related.

This was really fun! Loved your dialog, seeing Slim in action, and the scenery. Glenn, Your caps are you, and the schmogg is protection from skin cancer, not a political statement. Who cares what the trolls say. Amy, your Bob Ross-ing is totally on point! And…..kayaks! Yes!

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Haha! The Bob Ross thing has always been my joke since we don't really follow the current trends on KZread (style of editing or music, etc). I think over time I just really leaned into that joke and it became our style. 😅

Another well produced presentation ,,, thanks for continuing your channel.

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Thank you kindly! 😊

Cool 😎 you brought Amy along 👍 sounds like she has to deal with a lot of raw GoPro from the car 🤪 I yell at my Google too. Especially the built-in GPS she can’t understand a word. 🤪

@SomeplaceOrAnother

Жыл бұрын

I’ve had people notice me 🤪 it’s weird. I like that brown hat 🤠

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Hahah! You have no idea of the GoPro clips he comes back with sometimes. Especially offroad style trips. 🤣

Thanks once again at my age that is one trip I won’t be making. So I’m grateful you ‘brought me along’!

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Our pleasure as always! 😊

Nice to finally hear you Amy. We talk on the messages but hey great to hear you both on a Sunday drive. It is Sunday morning for me here. Love the videos. Hope Slim got a good bath after taking you through all the mud and water. Thanks.

@CactusAtlas

9 ай бұрын

Hahah! I'm there in the background of a couple videos. Just not my thing being on camera. 😅 And oh, yes. Slim most definitely got a bath immediately after that trip.

I'm from Tucson, Moved to Tonopah Nevada about 5ish years ago, Your channel is one of my favorites because I get to see the best of both states! Thank you for your travels🙏🏻

@CactusAtlas

7 ай бұрын

Nice! We've been through Tonopah many times now. What's every day life there like?

@haleymckellips3602

7 ай бұрын

@CactusAtlas I've seen some parts of your videos where you come through and I'm like dang I missed them haha. And it can be pretty quiet, compared to the big city, but having to drive to Vegas, Reno or Pahrump for things can be tough.

@CactusAtlas

7 ай бұрын

Yikes. I can imagine those trips get pretty old. 🥴

You can always film segments of it when you are filming in the same area as the history you are seeking to uncover, and then stich it together and release a documentary. That way you don't waste time running back over and over to get one story together. Film some good shorter ones and do your camp reviews and release them like dominos. then drop a documentary and a surprise find one or two between all that. Keep mixing it up if it brings you joy then you will continue to do it and thrive.

@CactusAtlas

7 ай бұрын

Kind of exactly what we're hoping to plan for some of the larger scale projects. Takes time to research so plenty of time to plan with other things in the area. 🙂👍

Nice adventure in the desert. Have a great day

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, you too!! 😄

I work at this resort, I haven't had to make that crazy river driver yet but I'm sure it's coming 😂😮

@CactusAtlas

4 ай бұрын

Oh nice! Well, about the resort not the drive. 😅 We're itching to stay there one day if we can swing it. A place with some history to it? Heck yeah!

Ok I used to ride Motorcycles so I have a very healthy respect for only two wheels on dirt. I rescued a guy that badly broke his ankle when on his dirt bike (Like bone on the outside now bad). Not saying you shouldn't get a dirt bike but I am saying mistakes have greater consequences.

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

I can totally respect that. For what it is worth, I'm not 100% on board with Glenn's dirt bike dream. Just the simple logistics of loading/unloading it himself and being out alone. If an accident happens... 😩

@stevenchurch8901

4 ай бұрын

The second you don't respect it, it can kill ya

the hat style you could want is the 'gus'. look it up, and yes, gus is the same from lonesome dove

I really enjoyed this episode. I am realizing that I have missed out on alot of my home town, lived here all my life and I have never been down these back roads. Literally live a few miles away and never have I done these drives, I have alot to catch up on. Thanks for taking us along on your journey :)

@CactusAtlas

4 ай бұрын

There's little surprises out there everywhere it seems. We keep finding more as well. 😊

many years ago I drove a Ford Festiva around that loop to Castle Hot Springs. The road through the wash made me super nervous because I started floating. I dont claim to be too terribly bright ,but I know how to have a good time!

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Oh wow! I can imagine how frightening that could have been. Even though the water in that wash wasn't too terribly bad & Glenn's truck can handle it, I still have weird phobias of water crossing from when I felt my old car start to float in some water when a dam broke (I was stuck in traffic on an Interstate at night with the power out). But a Ford Festiva on that wash?? Definitely good times there! Glad you made it out! 😄

You might look into one of the electric battery powered off road bicyles. They are designed for hunters and fishermen and are marketed as for being able to go farther into the woods than a regular vehicle. There are models that have higher torque, heavier and wider tires and can pull a small 2 wheeled trailer. I'm sorry that I can't recall the manufacturers name.

@CactusAtlas

10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the tip! We were thinking about a e-bike or something similar, however, there's plenty of time to research. 😊

Love this one! I heard that the first set of palm trees and buildings you passed was part of the resort. Maybe the original. It was for sell not to long ago. You 2 are awesome

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Oh, neat! We were wondering about that area because the palm trees are lined up so perfectly and it was clear that the area had some intent at one point. Thanks so very much! 😊

2:58 the peak is called “white picacho” mountian. There was an Indian battle on that peak between either Apaches or Yavapai and white miners. One miner that was killed was an Arizona pioneer named Colonel Jacon Snivley. He had fought in the Texas Revolution.

Lots of abandoned mines in the area!

@CactusAtlas

4 ай бұрын

Oh for sure! They're everywhere. I'm sure we'll explore one of these days. So many place, so little time. 👍

Just east of red hill tailings next turn north is little San Domingo wash and a huge placer gold area.

I definitely think we need to see some of those outtakes. Another nice video though, thanks for sharing.

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Noted! Perhaps one will appear in the future. And thank you so much! 😄

Research the mines in those areas. Fun to,have a SxS to go explore the head frames, camps

Next time, continue on that road past the resort and go up to Crown King, it's a great ride (4WD).

@CactusAtlas

6 ай бұрын

Next time for sure! We've been a couple ways to Crown King now but haven't checked that one off our list just yet. 👍

@joesmith1922

6 ай бұрын

@CactusAtlas I'm sure you will like it - there's a lot of history along the way.. And let me know; maybe we can do the trip together...my wife and I are always looking for a new adventure...

you mention wanting to get more dispersed camping, your truck is a perfect candidate for a fourwheel camper, wife gets the homey feel with conveniences, and you have an awesome place to stay in any weather related conditions, more storage, the popups offer queen size bed over the cab, very comfortable. i can add more if interested, i spend 2 months a year traveling in mine, trailer in tow with street legal dualsport motorcycle, and side by side, solar freeze for the long term isolation.

@CactusAtlas

5 ай бұрын

Glenn's been thinking about something like that. Just not currently in the budget.

A lot of history on that road lots of placer mining and road was also stage road from Morristown train station to castle hot springs and a lot of old stage stops for water

@CactusAtlas

11 ай бұрын

Very cool! Appreciate the info about the stations and stage stops! Not surprised about the placer mining as it seems that area has loads of history in the mining industry. 👍

Epic episole ! 🤠😀 💥👋

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! We both had fun on this one. 😄

Awesome

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! 😊

Glamping with a Toyhauler. Park it, then hit the trails

Look up Castle Hot Springs Resort Tour / Sarah McClure

@CactusAtlas

8 ай бұрын

Will do! Thanks for the info! 😄👍

Check out Tilley hats. I love mine.

I own a Chinese adventure bike and been to 2 ohv areas on it. I recommend a quad instead of a dirt bike and will not pay the 25 a year for ohv as because of quad and side by sides bunny hopping leaving holes that you have to ride through because you need to keep moving forward or you will slide down the hill if you stop. I think having 4 wheels as apposed to 2 on these hills have added benefits. My 2 Pesos worth.

it is great to see the surroundings. Although, seriously when you talk about what you wear. Don't think twice of what public opinion is. Wear anything you feel comfortable in. I say that out of experience of traveling, and Age ;) Just get into your zone and go.

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely! Excellent words and excellent advice. Thank you! 😊

Never really though much about Glen’s head gear or the scarf!! Expecting that the hat is a dark color which tend to hold heat. Are there hot spring other than at the resort.?Great Amy went along !

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I would HAVE to think that there are (or were) other hot springs in the area. There's lots of private property along that section though so if there were any others they likely wouldn't be ones the public could see or use.

Can you make a video with just Glen yelling at the gps lady and tailgaters?

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Haha! I've thought a time or two about making a blooper/outtakes video once before. I might have to revisit that thought. 😂

Thank you for this video. I am planning on my 1st off-roading trip on the trail. I have full size truck that we will be taking. Any nice spots if we want to stop in the middle somewhere for camping overnight.

@CactusAtlas

3 ай бұрын

Oh gosh. It's been a while, but I can't recall anything that sticks out. 🤔

@davendrachetty7618

3 ай бұрын

@@CactusAtlas Thank you for responding. I have been following you for a while. Hopefully one of these days we can get together and do a trail.

Dirt bikes that run on gasoline or a mix are heavy, difficult to carry, require a lot of stuff like helmets, ramps., fuel cans, clothing and more. I have been looking at electric bikes, that are rechargeable, have off-road tires, Suspensions, some are foldable, and can serve many purposes. Many are from China but some of the best are made in USA. Some very good reviews here on U tube. Ck it out!

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Very much a viable option for us. 😄👍

Seems like a side by side you could travel faster, and bring stuff with you

@CactusAtlas

4 ай бұрын

We don't have the money nor space for one.

Quads and side by sides ruin trails and off roading for everyone, they race by noisily staring up the dust and tearing up the dirt roads.

@CactusAtlas

3 ай бұрын

Yeah, the dust clouds we could definitely do without for sure.😂

Did you get a dirt bike? I've been writing dirt bike on those roads you're on since back before when they were not much more than old trails back in the early '80s. Castle Hot springs was all but abandoned at that time. Still riding dirt bike at 63. My wife just took up the hobby as well. You all sound like my wife and I, I'm the hey, looking possibly go wrong, and my wife is, let me show you the list! She tolerates outdoor activities and actually enjoys them when she's out there, but if given the choice or first reaction is, can I stay home with my cat?

@CactusAtlas

4 ай бұрын

No dirt bike. Was talked out of it by too many folks! I still think about that though, as there are places I would like to visit that my truck is too large to pass through. So a bike would be helpful, or maybe even learn how to ride horses.

@MarkSpencerAZ

4 ай бұрын

I've had horses and I've had dirt bikes. My dirt bike only hurt me when I was being stupid, my horse hurt me when he was being stupid! My dirt bike doesn't eat except when I use it, and has no vet bills. Now if horses are your thing, great, they certainly scratch an itch! I am curious what reasons folks gave you that talked you out of it? The very reason I dirt bike is to get into places that I cannot in my Jeep. You do have to be proficient, meaning you must ride regularly, but there are some great benefits to that from a health perspective. I tried a small SxS for a while also, I hated it! Confining, noisy, hot, dusty, etc. Of course that's my personal bias.

What kind of hat, I replayed it a dozen times and can't understand what she said, you were both talking at the same time 😮

@CactusAtlas

10 ай бұрын

It's been a long time since I watched this video (and unfortunately I never did the CCs for this one - whoops!) but I THINK I know which part you're referring to. I was joking about a hat worn by Carl McCoy of the band Fields of the Nephilim - a band both Glenn and I listened to a lot in the 90s when we first met. 😂

Idk if I missed it, did you circle back all the way around lake pleasant from the beginning of the trip? I want to take that drive this weekend.

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

We did not actually start at Lake Pleasant, no. We started off 74 and turned onto the furthest west connection on N Castle Hot Springs Rd then took that road east towards Castle Hot Springs and made a stop at Lake Pleasant on the way out to 74 again. 👍

And now.....the sheriff mr. Glenn ford .....is the...law 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 kkkkkkkkk😊

For these route,did you basically just use 2wd seems like a very good dirt road..

@CactusAtlas

5 ай бұрын

We usually use 4WD, but It's been a while since doing this drive, so I don't recall. I know the end bit from Castle Hot Springs to Lake Pleasant was bad at that time due to heavy rains.

Unless you are experienced with motorcycles especially off road, I'd avoid them like the plague! Not a very safe starter hobby for someone >21 ha ha (myself definitely included). Electric off road bicycle perhaps?

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Not a bad thought at all! 👍

I'm also weird about shooting in public. The funny part is, I make videos in the pursuit of views, but if someone sees me making it, so awkward lol.

@CactusAtlas

5 ай бұрын

It really is. 😅

Castle Hot Springs is for the 1%

What’s with the Hurley ballcap? That’s for teenagers lol

$1200 for a,night in a shipping container?😂😂

@bosslady5163

3 ай бұрын

😂😅

What's Glenn's day job?

@CactusAtlas

Жыл бұрын

Software Engineer