It never fails to amaze me what YouTubers can create with basic camera equipment and a talent for storytelling. As mainstream TV and movies double down on AI and CGI, I find myself increasingly gravitating toward amateur filmmakers who provide a more visceral and authentic viewing experience. Cue Where To Next Overland, aka Jeff and Christine, and their epic Utah Overland Movie.
At over 1.5 hours in length, this is a legitimate film that has you immersed from beginning to end. On this two-week trip through Utah, the couple (in a Lexus LX470) and friend Corey (Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road) journey west to east on largely unpaved roads through Zion National Park, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef Park, and Moab. The first day is spent camping outside of Zion National Park before traveling in the next morning to embark on several famous hikes. It’s then on to the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, which encompasses a whopping 1.9 million acres of land and an incredible network of dirt roads. Throughout the movie, there are interludes narrated by Jeff sharing historical and geographical information with photos and diagrams that really add to the viewing experience. There’s also a plethora of top tips, such as using paracord and rocks to stake a ground tent on hard surfaces and cooking then freezing extra portions of your favorite meals at home to reheat on trips. The next morning they explore breathtaking moon-like landscapes and, after a few dusty days, enjoy a well-earned shower at a proper campsite. The next stop is Capitol Reef Park, which doesn’t disappoint with Strike Valley Overlook, the Burr Trail Switchbacks, and some challenging sections that require a recovery. They also visit some additional tourist spots; such as the fascinating Fremont Culture petroglyphs and Cassidy Arch Trail. The vehicles then escape the busy areas and traverse a 60-mile loop through the remote Cathedral Valley, which is a Martian-like landscape with sandstone monoliths, Bentonite Hills, and the iconic Gypsum Sinkhole. Finally, they reach Moab and complete the Gemini Bridges Trail, Long Canyon Trail, and the infamous Chicken Corners.
The film does a wonderful job of showcasing why so many of us spend a small fortune outfitting our vehicles for overlanding. They allow us to enjoy touristy destinations but also provide the option to escape the crowds and access and camp in remote beauty spots that few get to experience. The camerawork, aerial filming, informative narration, and soundtrack make for an immersive cinematic experience that captures the magic of Utah. If you’d like to follow Where to Next Overland you can find them on Instagram and YouTube.
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