I was going to add to my other comment, but let me throw this out here. I was a Park Ranger for 6 yrs. We worked very remote areas. Many times the reason you may encounter some guy out in a remote area is because they are making, processing or growing something nearby and they dont want you to discover their secret. Most of the time they dont want to have a confrontation (that may bring authorities), they just want you to move along to somewhere else. I have seen cameras and signaling devices guarding areas where they are doing their activities.

I’m a 6ft 4 inch former Army Paratrooper, a retired LAPD officer and a Firearms Instructor. I would never camp solo without my German Shepherds and at the very least, one firearm. Humans are the most dangerous animals on earth and we must always be prepared to put bad people down fast. The dogs are early warning systems. They alert us so that we are not caught off guard. Please, if you are going to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, have a firearm, know how to use it and stay alert. Being fully situationally aware is not being paranoid. It’s being smart.

I don't know if you realized it, but you actually used your best protection—your gut feeling. Never stop using it.

I have been camping and backpacking in Utah since 1976. One thing I learned is there is ALWAYS someone who knows you are there. In 1982 I took a class that had us camping in very remote spots. At night when others could see the fire, they came around to "visit". After that I never had a fire again. Lots of scary folks that live in the wilderness, lol.

it made me kinda angry that your solitude and comfort zone had been disturbed. but you are very wise to listen to your feelings and instincts.

as a trucker we face similar dangers in truck stops, rest areas. we never sleep deep, I started to run nights and sleep during the day, and carrying is big no no for company I work for. Be safe and make sure to practice with your protection, in the heat of the moment we do forget and freeze.

The part that would creep me out the most is the fact he had a mask on…why would you do that with nobody around if it wasn’t to hide your identity, and then why hide your identity if you’re not up to something nefarious?

What’s really scary are these people who are out in the middle of nowhere being creepy! I hope you’re ok? I could see the worry all over your face. I would definitely leave too! Safe travels to you!

There's no reason for somebody to have a mask on in the middle of nowhere. This looks like an intimidation tactic from what I saw. If he was a half decent person, even if you were near his camp, would have honked and given a wave and said hey I'm just down the road if you need anything. But that jerk didn't. He just wanted to act like the tough guy. I'm glad you left because there's something not right in his head. Anyone who is bigger and stronger who tries to overpower/stare at someone smaller and more fragile is a sicko in my books.

I follow a camper's channel who goes to campsites with no one around, who puts motion sensor alarms around his rig at night. They have different sounds, so he can tell where the intruder is.

So glad you got out of there. I was driving through Utah on my way to Colorado and there were no gas stations or anything for miles. I went off this dirt road so my daughter & I could go to the bathroom and in the daytime, only to find a guy in a truck watching us then trying to block my jeep so I couldn't leave. I pulled out my 357 magnum and let him see it and after that we were able to leave. There was only one way back to the freeway. It's very scary for females alone out there. Keep safe!

So glad you are safe! I’ve heard of ladies catching glimpses of guys in the distance watching them with binoculars in the middle of nowhere. You can never be too cautious. Keep your protection on you at all times!