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The West is Big! Explore It
United States
Приєднався 22 вер 2006
Informative, entertaining and fun travel videos for those who love or plan to visit National Parks, Monuments, State Parks and other incredible locations with natural beauty and or historic significance.
Videos are made by Steve Salis who produces video, photos and instructional design for professional clients for over 25 years.
The videos on this channel are researched and written at a professional level and shot, edited and voiced by a professional video guy.
Videos are made by Steve Salis who produces video, photos and instructional design for professional clients for over 25 years.
The videos on this channel are researched and written at a professional level and shot, edited and voiced by a professional video guy.
a VR tour of the SHAFER TRAIL in Canyonlands National Park- you control the camera!
a VR tour of the SHAFER TRAIL in Canyonlands National Park- you control the camera!
This is not one of my normal video guides. It's 8k Vr video drive down the Shafer trail from CL.
This 360 camera gives the viewer the ability to control what you see by clicking (touching if on a phone) or using the arrow pads on a TV remote.
The video quality is pretty low on a phone because of the data speed required.
The default resolution is 480, which is very low. Click the tools icon (the cog) to change the resolution to at least 1080.
00:00 Intro
2:15 Great place to look over the cliff
7:45 motorcycle pass
9:10 SUV passes by
18:30 Wide spot for sight seeing
20:25 turn left to Moab
25:00 Dry wash tricky spot
27:40 another dry wash
30:00 leaving canyonlands
35:45 River view
37:00 photo stop
38:00 close to cliff
This is not one of my normal video guides. It's 8k Vr video drive down the Shafer trail from CL.
This 360 camera gives the viewer the ability to control what you see by clicking (touching if on a phone) or using the arrow pads on a TV remote.
The video quality is pretty low on a phone because of the data speed required.
The default resolution is 480, which is very low. Click the tools icon (the cog) to change the resolution to at least 1080.
00:00 Intro
2:15 Great place to look over the cliff
7:45 motorcycle pass
9:10 SUV passes by
18:30 Wide spot for sight seeing
20:25 turn left to Moab
25:00 Dry wash tricky spot
27:40 another dry wash
30:00 leaving canyonlands
35:45 River view
37:00 photo stop
38:00 close to cliff
Переглядів: 0
Відео
360 view (you control the camera) of the hike to famous Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park
Переглядів 43112 годин тому
This was shot with a new 360 camera that allows the viewer to click on the image and PAN THE CAMERA where ever you want to see what YOU WANT TO SEE! A great way to see how easy the trail is and the Arch itself. especially if you're unable to get there yourself. This video is best viewed on a computer or a phone. If you have a very high speed internet connection increase the resolution by clicki...
Glacier National Park's Most Popular Trails described in a minute each- ish.
Переглядів 1 тис.14 годин тому
For those who don't have the patience for my hour long Glacier guides, this time I describe each of them, with maps etc in a minute or so. The most popular trails are covered including my Favorite trail, Grinnell Glacier. Another favorite is the spectacular Highline trail from Logan pass- the trail's long medium and short versions are described making it a great guide for hikers. The moderate I...
5 Best Hikes in Many Glacier In Glacier Nat. Park- Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg, Ptarmigan Tunnel More
Переглядів 2,1 тис.21 день тому
A detailed look at the Best Hikes in the Popular Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park, by famous write/ photographer Steve Salis. Over a dozen trails are shown, do let you decide for youself if you agree with Steve. 00:00 Intro 2:58 Bullhead Lake (2nd best) 7:22 Iceberg Lake (3rd Best) 11:19 Ptarmigan Tunnel (4th best- because its hard) 15:29 Short easy trails that didn't make the list 16...
The Hot Springs of Big Bend National Park- Fun in very remote "Fountain of Youth" on the Rio Grande
Переглядів 1,1 тис.Місяць тому
Big bend National Park is one of the biggest parks but also one of the least visited. It features incredible desert and volcanic mountain photo ops, hiking and 1500 ft deep slot canyons. One of it's must do places to visit is its historic hot springs on the Rio Grande. In 1909 it took J.O. Langford 10 days to travel 120 miles to the land he bought via a homestead plan, from Alpine TX. He hoped ...
Local News promotes National Park Week- interviewing me (I hate being on camera) LIVE! top 10 mkt
Переглядів 704Місяць тому
They invited me to be interviewed on Monday- on Wednesday they surprised me by telling me it would be LIVE on Thursday on the number one morning news show in DFW. I don't like being on camera but I need the subscribers so I said yes. I was nerve racking but they made me feel at ease.
Big Bend National Park Intro tour of its T-Rex, Pterosaur & other giant Fossil Exhibits
Переглядів 6 тис.2 місяці тому
The first of many videos featuring Big Bend National Park in Texas. In this episode we are introduced to this remote parks hiking, and canyons and varied volcanic landscape while seeing some of the largest of the 1200 extinct fossilized species found in the park. 00:00 Intro 2:29 Location 2:44 Kids Play area 3:25 Exhibit building 10:45 Overlook 12:21 wrap up
From Daylight to Totality and Back by drone- 360 degree view. Dallas 4/8/24 and some weird lines!
Переглядів 1,3 тис.2 місяці тому
the drone flies 390 feet above Dallas as the totality shadow moves over Dallas. I rotate the drone 360 degrees as the city lights come on and the distant sky is still lit. Then, after totality some very weird wavy shadow lines appear- anyone know what they are? Cloud caused? It was pretty cool to see the city lights and traffic ligh up during totality.
Drive Glacier's National Park Road- without a vehicle reservation ticket.
Переглядів 35 тис.3 місяці тому
I've been to the park 19 times and have driven and photographed my favorite road in all seasons. We see all the beautiful sites as we drive across one of the most scenic roads in North America- Glacier National Park's Going to the Sun Road. In 2024, you do not need a Vehicle Reservation ticket to drive the road from the east side. From the west entrance, between 6am and 3pm you need a hard to g...
A Ranger tells us about his Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque.
Переглядів 6343 місяці тому
For a couple of years it was possible to record an interview with a park ranger. The Ranger I spoke to was great on camera and off the cuff with no 2nd takes told me everything we need to know about this park and it multiple locations. today a special filming permit would be required to shoot such an interview.
How to Get a Timed Reservation to enter Arches National Park in 2024. & when you don't need one
Переглядів 1,2 тис.4 місяці тому
In our on going efforts to help you explore the West. This short video helps you visit Moab's most popular park. Arches NP is so popular, the Parks Service needs to reduce overcrowding and they are doing this with a Timed Entry Reservation Ticket system. from Apr 1 to Oct 31 you need one of this tickets to enter the park between 7am and 4 pm. I walk you through the special website that has been...
Glacier National Park's Going to the Sun Road & 10 Best Hikes- Vehicle Reservations- Documentary
Переглядів 20 тис.4 місяці тому
It took over 35 days to shoot! and over 300 hours in post production. The 5 or 6th revision of the most comprehensive youtube video on Glacier National Park. For 2024 the new Vehicle Reservation Ticket is explained. It is beautifully shot by professional photographer Steve Salis. I narrate a drive across the famous Going to the Sun Road with stops at viewpoints and hike short trails along the w...
Glacier National Park 2024 Everything you Need to Know - Including Itinerary
Переглядів 73 тис.4 місяці тому
This is the 5th annual update by Glacier Expert Steve Salis. It has been updated for 2024. he of course shows us how beautiful the park is but also how to navigate the Vehicle Reservation System- which could keep you out of the park. He describes each of the Park's 5 activity areas as well as things to do in each. There's a section on the park's shuttle and Bus tours, horse trail rides, tour bo...
Mesa Verde National Park- Tours of Cliff Palace, Long House and more. Lodging sight seeing
Переглядів 3,7 тис.4 місяці тому
Tour Mesa Verde National Park with park Lodging info. We go on 3 Tours of the Parks most famous ruins including Cliff Palace and Long House Ruin. The national Park service produced some nice videos on the park and they are included as they are in the public domain.
23k yr old foot prints and 13 more Native American Ruin Sites in New Mexico and the 4 Corners.
Переглядів 237 тис.4 місяці тому
23k yr old foot prints and 13 more Native American Ruin Sites in New Mexico and the 4 Corners.
Aztecs in Illinois? Tour Cahokia Mounds largest City in the World in the 1200s.
Переглядів 6424 місяці тому
Aztecs in Illinois? Tour Cahokia Mounds largest City in the World in the 1200s.
Moab's Arches & Canyonlands National Parks Plus Dead Horse & More- Shafer 4x4 Trail
Переглядів 13 тис.Рік тому
Moab's Arches & Canyonlands National Parks Plus Dead Horse & More- Shafer 4x4 Trail
Drive the Shafer Trail from Canyonlands NP to Moab Utah- drop 1900 feet to the Colorado River
Переглядів 41 тис.Рік тому
Drive the Shafer Trail from Canyonlands NP to Moab Utah- drop 1900 feet to the Colorado River
2023 Latest info & Guide to Driving Glacier NP's Going to the Sun Road and its Trails
Переглядів 5 тис.Рік тому
2023 Latest info & Guide to Driving Glacier NP's Going to the Sun Road and its Trails
Glacier National Park's Going to the Sun Road- Plowing and Off-season. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Переглядів 6 тис.Рік тому
Glacier National Park's Going to the Sun Road- Plowing and Off-season. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Detailed guide Moab Area - Arches & Canyonlands National Parks, Dead Horse Point Fisher Towers more
Переглядів 32 тис.Рік тому
Detailed guide Moab Area - Arches & Canyonlands National Parks, Dead Horse Point Fisher Towers more
Big Bend National Park- What you Need to know.
Переглядів 28 тис.Рік тому
Big Bend National Park- What you Need to know.
Arches National Park's Fiery Furnace Hike- from the park service
Переглядів 1,1 тис.Рік тому
Arches National Park's Fiery Furnace Hike- from the park service
Glacier National Park- the early years. made in 1930 by Great Northern Rail Road to promote tourism
Переглядів 892Рік тому
Glacier National Park- the early years. made in 1930 by Great Northern Rail Road to promote tourism
Road trip to SW Native American Sites Pt3 - We visit a Lava field (tools) & adobe Pueblo village...
Переглядів 1,4 тис.Рік тому
Road trip to SW Native American Sites Pt3 - We visit a Lava field (tools) & adobe Pueblo village...
Native American Sites Road Trip Pt2 - 20,000 Petroglyphs!!
Переглядів 1,5 тис.Рік тому
Native American Sites Road Trip Pt2 - 20,000 Petroglyphs!!
Road Trip of Native American Sites- Pt 1 20,000 yr old Human footprints in White Sands National Park
Переглядів 2 тис.Рік тому
Road Trip of Native American Sites- Pt 1 20,000 yr old Human footprints in White Sands National Park
Glacier National Park 2023: Complete Guide - GTSR, Trails, Lodging, Vehicle Reservation, Wildlife
Переглядів 41 тис.Рік тому
Glacier National Park 2023: Complete Guide - GTSR, Trails, Lodging, Vehicle Reservation, Wildlife
The Best Guide to Glacier NP's Going to the Sun Road & its trails- Everything you need to know
Переглядів 41 тис.Рік тому
The Best Guide to Glacier NP's Going to the Sun Road & its trails- Everything you need to know
Amazing views & great job explaining all the +/- of each trail
Thanks! 👍
Thanks for the video. Drove it today. The upper part is indeed the smoother part. Saw a lot of folks on the trail. Having a high clearance vehicle was nice. Took about 2.5 hours.
I did it again a couple of weeks ago. I think my all wheel drive survived ok. i shot the 1st hr of the drive with a VR 8k camera that enables the viewer to control where the camera points. It’ll be on youtube tomorrow night if you feel like re- living it. 😀
I did it in 2002 in a Jeep Cherokee, and around the White Rim trail. Camped overnight and out the next day, awesome. Oldtimer Englishman now, was 58 at the time. I love Utah.
I’d love to hear about the White Rim. I hear it’s quite tricky!! I would love to do it, but don’t know if my all wheel drive suv can handle it. i doubt it. btw- you might appreciate that i’ve driven a ’76 TR6 for 24 years! i’ll never sell it.
Fantastic video. Informative on the science as well as the origins of some of the attractions at the park. I’m a Dallas native and I never knew this was just outside the city. Eager to take my daughter to have fun outside finding them and swimming in the creek… just like I used to do when I was a kid.
Glad you enjoyed it! Nice to hear somebody watched this one. It's a pretty interesting place. I wish more would see it. it's fun to put your foot in a dino track!
Hello. Thanks for video. I plan to see the park on August. I have senior pass, Do I have to pay entrance fee? Thanks from Virginia
If you have a Valid National park pass you don’t have to pay for another pass.
That was very very nice quality I enjoyed the video vey much. I used the mouse on my computer to watch on my TV via HDMI and catch all the cool angles, yeah buddy this is nice. . This is amazingly cool, thanks. Oh and the quality? 2160s 4k,
Thanks for the wonderful content!
Glad you enjoy it!
I can’t visit these areas due to health issues, so your videos are one of the few ways for me to see them. These law’s don’t just hurt small video makers, they hurt people who want to see the parks, but can’t go there! Bad law making.
couldn't agree more. I'll be releasing another VR- virtual reality video this week it allows you to pan the camera where ever you want. The video quality isn't quite as good but I'm curious if the ability to control the camera is worth it.
It's okay. I watched it on a LG, and the controls in general worked fine. I didn't try zoom on the bird though. The picture was not as good a quality as your other recent videos. Which are all very good by the way! I enjoy your channel.
Thanks for the feedback. yeah the default resolution is only 480 on the VR stuff on UA-cam. I will be putting out a few more of these but know that I am also working on my traditional videos. But they take 100s of hrs to make and its hard to find the time between doing jobs that help me make a living.
Amazing experience! Thank you very much for share it! Heloisa
Thanks. Were you able to pan the camera to look where you wanted to?
Just by touching the screen, rotating the image 360°! Funny! Heloisa
Remember, I use my mother's cell phone, a gift given to her by my father for my use too! Heloisa 😊
Ahh. yes. I’m glad you like it
@@TheWestisBigI hope you can do it again! Cool! Heloisa
Love it. More please.
50 minutes of the the shafer trail in VR tomorrow
Yes, very cool!
Great. I'll be releasing a VR tomorrow of 50 minutes of the 4x4 Shafer trail
@@TheWestisBig Nice!
Cool camera just wishes the video was better quality, good job.
Its default is 480. you can change it up to 4k- if your connection is fast enough.
This was awesome!
Thanks
This is an amazing video, thanks. Due to "advanced maturity", I'm no longer able to hike any of these wonderful trails. Your video brought back some great memories, Thank You
Thanks! that’s nice to hear
Ohhhhhh! This is so cool! You just got a new subscriber. I like this VR style video. I’m about to share this with someone that can no longer leave their bed. She will enjoy this video very much. The VR feature makes watching TV seem more realistic.
Awesome! Thank you!
The camera is neat, and it is cool to see the surrounding landscape, but your normal photography is one of the reasons why I watch so many of your videos. So every now and then would be fun. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for the feedback. My normal videos take weeks or months to make and the UA-cam algorithm needs more content or they will stop recommending my videos. So I'll be putting some of these out from time to time while I'm working on my regular travel guides. I hope you'll stick around for them even if you don't like these.
Love it!!!!!! I'm watching on a 65" samsung smart tv, and the quality is great! Yes, more, please!
Thanks for the feedback!! How do you navigate ie pan the camera? I can’t do it on my samsung. And I’m thinking about publishing 50 minutes of the Shafer Trail shot with that camera- it may be out this weekend.
We use the TV remote NOT a cable remote, using the arrows. We can pan up/down, side to side, and a full 360. No zoom or anything but not needed at all. Whoo hoo for a possible 50 minutes! Glad we found you 😊
Love the camera
Great! I thinking about uploading the entire Shafer trail drive- 2hr + thoughts?
We watched several videos of yours! Had a great trip 2023 and will be back 2025
Awesome! Thank you!
I see it now. I was wondering why you took it down before. Very nice.
I one i uploaded before was made wrong- only 180 degrees. So i took it down
@@TheWestisBigWouldn’t mind seeing more like this for sure, Steve. I don’t have a VR set but I bet it would look good on it.
Hmm Id like to see that
Nice addition every once in a while. Definitely enjoy the 360 capability!
That's the plan! The algorithm needs me to post content and my big videos take months to make.
Video quality is less than your normal videos.
true. The default resolution is only 480- so you have to click the cog icon to change to higher resolution. Were you able to change the shot by panning the camera?
뭐여?
Jenipper
@@TheWestisBig, yes. And when I put my phone on a flat surface, the quality did improve. But as you made turns on the trail, I started to see the trail behind you.
Did you use your finger to change where the camera was pointing? It's interactive- you control what you see.
You survived the trip through Albuquerque? That's astounding! As a resident at one time, or maybe even now, I can tell you there's a massive lack of driving competence and a whole lot of ego diving instead of driving using one's brain. I was followed for 35 minutes once by a road-rager who would not stop until I led him/us into a police station. No cops around of course, but he finally gave up. They typical driver does not use turn signals for anything at any time. They roll right through stop signs and red lights on purpose. Speed limit? No such thing. There is very little law enforcement, so they know there are nearly zero consequences for anything they do. All this is complicated by texting and driving, and the relatively recent legalization of a popular mind altering substance. If you have your window down, you can smell it billowing out of cars. Again, almost zero law enforcement. One example: My niece in middle school was hit by an uninsured, unlicensed driver and was thrown up over the car, breaking both legs and shattering her pelvis when she landed. If any reader here has never driven through New Mexico before, especially Albuquerque, let me give you a desperate warning. I beg you, please be on your guard and use extreme caution. Colorado is not much better but competence is slightly higher.
Some of these folks had great foot arches 23,000 years ago.
lol
This is difficult to watch, shes...not good. This could gave been really interesting. So loud, interrupting...how does she hace this job.
Thank you for the video! I like it a lot! I've seen here so picturesque views, so magnificent places which i dream to visit. So different nature, from what i got used to see. Btw, I am watching you from Russia.
Best video , about GNP!!! Thanks a lot , God bless you !
Thank you for recognizing the hard work that went into it.
Wow! Just watched the whole video although I admit I did it over several viewings- so comprehensive and enlightening. I definitely need to go here and I feel like I have a preliminary idea of what is on offer- I might have to watch this video several more times to really get it! Thanks so much for doing this- it is much appreciated!!
Glad it was helpful! thanks for letting me know. That one tool a lot of work. It is worth watching again.
Even on a non monetized channel?
because UA-cam, insta and TikTok make money and my place adds next to your content- yes! It's an incredibly stupid law - but that's this admin. Note: I've talked to a few Rangers in charge of giving the permits. They hate this rule too and are not going to enforce it unless the photog is overt- like a large wedding party of someone with a sign on their car with their YT channel
You did a fantastic job showing everyone all the great views that Glacier Park has to offer. Well done!
thanks for recognizing the work!
I am going end of June with a friend and his son. His son has MS and could walk some but certainty not long hikes. My question is specifically about Many Glacier. What is the best way to take in all the beautiful views? Is it better to drive or hike? I will only be there like one day. Is it better to do the boat rides and hike the Grinnell Glacier or is it better to just drive around Many Glaciers and do no hikes? I figure driving I can cover more area, but to go in deep you need to hike. So I'm conflicted and only have one day.
hmm. i suggest you subscribe and watch my 30min ish Going to the sun road video - the one that includes the trails near the road. Also, my what u need to know video might be useful- especially the vehicle reservation situation which limits where you can go during certain times of day. also getting boat tour tickets may difficult on the day.
Definitely make the guide.
thanks. i’ve started and released 2 segments. not many are watching. so not sure it’ll be worth spending a couple 100 hours on it.
Thank you for your video! It is very relaxing, informative and show new destinations which i would like to reach, and dream for now. Thank you again. And, i am watching you from Russia. This is how i study English.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I was called crazy for saying the natives been here for 25k years
thanks for the great narration... we will be making this drive in August...
Have fun!
Really love this video. So gorgeous and also so informative.
Thank you so much! It took a lot of work. Checkout my 2hr ish Glacier NP video- skip this segment. it took over 30 days to shoot and 100s of hrs to edit and narrate.
I was walking through the woods in Mesa Verde once along the road to Cliff Palace, and I found an ancient hide scraper sitting exposed atop a large mole mound. It was very eerie to find it just sitting on a fresh mound of earth, like it was pushed up for someone to find. FWIW, I did not keep or take the hide scraper, but I recognized it in the brochure when I got back to our car. The Navajo insist that the cliff dwellers ARE NOT Anasazi and ARE NOT descended from the Chaco communities. Navajo say cliff dwellers were there when the Navajo got there, and most cliff dwellers became Diné or Navajo. Navajo elders say “Anasazi” means “elders not like us,” that is, elders who teach a death cult that practices slavery and cannibalism. Navajo elders say some cliff dwellers in the Grand Canyon were ancestors of Hopi hiding from the Anasazi incursions.
Very cool
Very impressive video. You’re a great presenter. Thanks for taking the time to create such helpful content. P.S. Thanks for debunking the “Inconvenient Truth” false science. 👍🇺🇸
I appreciate that!
When I first drove it it was really rough. Looking like a freeway now.
after a rain they say its still pretty rough. It's a very popular trail these days. It seems they maintain it regularly.
I was standing on Dead Horse Point taking with an older guy who said that they drove a 49 Buick over the trail and the car was never the same 😂
lol
Excellent video thank you.
Thanks for watching, subscribing and commenting
Real quick PEPPER SPRAY! The videos that you make are incredible and the work you put into showcasing the best national park in America is WOW! We love glacier national park (2/4 members of my group) and we are going to gnp for our 2nd time in 2025.! P.S would you say Rising Sun is a okay hotel.
Ah- thanks for making it to the end. Re: Rising Sun , i’ve stayed there a couple of times it’s fine. It sounds like you haven’t watched my 2hr Glacier video that includes a tour of each of the lodging options in the park. My channel also has the lodging segment video by itself. The long one has chapter marks to make it easy to skip segments.
Love from Mississauga, Ontario! It is an informative video! My family would love to be here, but it is just that traveling that far west is a challenge.
Thanks! Just take 1 west and turn left at Calgary. Btw - I have cousins in Kingston and London ON
The Navajo tell a similar story about the Chaco communities. Chaco means place of sadness, because the people there were slavers and cannibals.
thanks
Wow great video thank you so much
You are so welcome. and thanks for letting me know.
The excitement I feel when I see a new "The West is Big" video! This is such a valuable resource. I appreciate you.
I appreciate that! thanks!
Headed to Glacier 6/14. We were lucky enough to get reservations at the Many Glacier Lodge. Super excited about that! Been watching your videos, v excited to hike the Grinell Glacier Trail. Thanks for all you do!
you’re welcome and thanks for the comment!!