How To See Valley Of Fire State Park in One Day

We talk a lot about National Parks, but what about State Parks? Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada’s first state park, and even though it’s a desert full of red rocks, petroglyphs, and gorgeous hikes now, it was once completely underwater and home to an entirely different array of wildlife to the lizards, snakes, and desert tortoises that call it home now. Valley of Fire State Park is a fairly small park next to Lake Mead, and while you can definitely spend more than one day here, it’s also more than possible to see it in less than 24 hours. This is the ultimate itinerary for seeing Valley of Fire State Park in one day. Let’s start at the West Entrance to the park…

(Do this itinerary backwards if you’re entering from the East Entrance)

The Basics

Valley of Fire State Park costs $10 USD per car per day. As budget travelers, this was the inspiration for our one day trip—we didn’t want to pay a second time! Valley of Fire is also extremely dog friendly and our Border Collie, Lassen, was able to join us on every trail we hiked that day. None of the trails are extremely hard, even the longer Fire Wave Trail. I hiked everything in trekking sandals just fine!

Stop 1: Atlatl Rock and Arch Rock

The first major stop you’ll want to make during your day trip to Valley of Fire is Atlatl Rock and Arch Rock. They’re really close to each other, and you’ll find them near Atlatl Campground. Atlatl Rock is one of the main petroglyph sites in the park, some of which are over 4,000 years old. Arch Rock is your classic arch, and the good news is, it’s right next to the road, so you won’t have to hike yet if you’re still waking up!

Stop 2: Visitor Center

This is the only place dogs aren’t allowed, but it’s a good stop for you to get the lay of the land, ask some rangers your questions about the park, see the museum, and hit up the gift shop!

Stop 3: White Domes Road

While this isn’t technically a stop, this is the next place you’ll go during your journey. This road is about 6 miles one way, and isn’t recommended for oversized vehicles (25 feet +). This is the view you see when you look up pictures of Valley of Fire. Our next two stops are on the White Domes Road, so keep your eye on the map so you don’t miss them! There are plenty of other things you can stop and do, but these next two hikes are a must-do as long as the weather is nice!

Stop 4: Fire Wave Trail

This 1.5 mile hike is rated easy-moderate, depending on your hiking style. I personally did this hike in trekking sandals and found it easy. This trail starts off sandy and then turns to a rock trail that you must follow cairn-style posts to hike. You’ll end at a beautiful rock formation (pictured below) that’s reminiscent of Arizona’s “The Wave,” which you need permits to hike.

Stop 5: White Domes Trail

This is one of my favorite trails in the southwest. This short hike is only about a mile long, and is rated easy-moderate. It is a bit hard to follow unless you know to look for cairns, but it features a slot canyon, colorful rocks, and a historic movie site.

Stop 6: Elephant Rock

Our last stop of the day was Elephant Rock, a trail that’s located at the East Entrance. Elephant Rock is exactly what it sounds like—a rock shaped like an elephant! It’s only about a half a mile hike, and it’s rated easy. Make sure you keep an eye out though! You might miss it!

Valley of Fire is a state park that needs to be on everyone’s list. With plenty of easy and dog friendly trails to hike, you can’t go wrong with spending a day at this underrated southwestern park.

How to Visit Channel Islands National Park

California is home to 9 stunning National Parks, more than in any other state, including Alaska. 8 of these are accessible by car, but Channel Islands, off the coast of Ventura and Santa Barbara, CA is a little harder to get to. When you visit Channel Islands, you’ll have 5 beautiful islands to choose from, and 2 harbors you can sail out of. This is bound to be an amazing day trip or camping trip, so here is everything you need to know about getting to Channel Islands National Park.

Dogs are not allowed on the islands.

The Ferry

The ferry is the main way people travel to Channel Islands National Park. While you can take private boats out, the official ferry for Channel Islands National Park is Island Packers. They sail out of both Ventura Harbor (which is the larger harbor, and is closer to LA), and Santa Barbara Harbor (which is further from LA). Tickets are $63 per person, round trip for a day trip, and about $80 per person, round trip if you’re planning on camping on the island you choose. On your ferry ride, you’ll likely see animals like dolphins, whales, and sea lions.

The Islands

There are 5 islands you can choose from when visiting Channel Islands National Park. We chose to visit Santa Cruz Island because we went in the winter, only certain islands were accessible. Each island is known for some thing unique. For example, Santa Cruz is known for the endangered island fox and the sea caves!

Anacapa Island is known for the famous Inspiration Point and is also one of the islands that’s more accessible in the winter. Santa Rosa Island is California’s second largest island, and is home to over 100 bird species. San Miguel Island is smaller, and is home to the fossils of prehistoric pygmy mammoths and the caliche forest. Santa Barbara Island is the park’s smallest island, but is home to marine mammals and kelp forests that snorkelers love.

Camping on the Islands

Since you can’t drive to the Islands, the only way to camp on the islands is to backpack. You’ll have to carry all your gear, water, food, and shelter with you. Camping gear must be stowed on the ferry, which you’ll get back once you get to the island. There is a designated campground on the island you choose, and you have to camp there in order to preserve the land elsewhere. Island Packers asks that you book your campsite with the NPS before booking your ferry ticket.

Other Island Activities

There is a lot to do at Channel Islands National Park, but most people who were on our ferry chose to hike or kayak. You can rent kayaks at Ventura Harbor if you don’t own one. We hiked to the Potato Harbor Overlook, but there are other trails you can choose from. Each island has its own hiking guide, and you’ll receive a list of trails and a map when you check into your ferry. Other popular activities on the islands are kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife photography. Or you can just explore!

Sedona, AZ Bucket List

Sedona, AZ is already a bucket list destination for hikers, photographers, spiritualists, and vanlifers, but what do you do once you get to Sedona? From the crowded trailheads, to the must-see Uptown Sedona, this is everything you need to do and see in Sedona, AZ.

What to know before you go…

The best time of year to visit Sedona, according to the weather, is between October and April, but the best time of year to visit according to the crowds is in the summer. Sedona is located in Northern Arizona, so it gets really hot in the summer, making it almost impossible to hike. In the winter, though, the crowds make it so that you need to choose a hike the night before, and get there first thing in the morning in order to find a parking spot that allows you to actually hike.

Most hikes in Sedona that aren’t affiliated with a state park are dog friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along!

On the Soldier’s Pass Trail

Visiting Sedona Vortexes

Sedona is a highly spiritual location full of energy Vortexes. These are natural spaces that are known to be super energetically charged, so much so that spiritual people can feel an energy shift while they are near them. You can recognize them by the swirly “vortex trees,” and they’re often found at the top of hikes like Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon.

At the Boynton Canyon Mesa

Hikes You Should Do

Sedona is known for hiking. This is the main thing we do whenever we visit Sedona, and there are so many trails, I definitely haven’t hiked even close to all of them. These are my favorites for first time visitors, though, so that you get the best experience.

Devils Bridge: 4 miles RT, easy-moderate. Devils Bridge takes you to the famous bridge arch formation, where you can get your perfect picture. The trail starts on a 4x4 dirt road, and eventually climbs to the viewpoint. Be careful on the bridge though—it’s narrow!

Devils Bridge Trail

Cathedral Rock: 1.2 miles RT, moderate-difficult. Cathedral Rock is a straight ascent of about 700 feet up to a beautiful viewpoint and spiritual vortex. This hike involves some heavy rock scrambling, and I highly recommend going in real hiking boots.

Solider’s Pass Trail and Seven Sacred Pools: as long as you want it to be, easy-moderate. The Seven Sacred Pools are an easy .25 miles from the trailhead, but if you want to go to Soldier’s Pass or the nearby caves, you’ll be doing about a 4 mile hike. We liked returning by walking the 4x4 road to avoid crowds going to the Seven Sacred Pools from Jordan Pond.

The Birthing Cave: 2 miles RT, moderate. This cave trail is easy until it reaches a steep ascent during the last .25 miles to the top. Traditionally, Hopi women came here to give birth, which is part of how it got its name (the other reason being its yonic shape). This is a very busy trail, so be prepared for crowds, and if you want a picture perfect scene for the ‘gram, get there early!

Cathedral Rock Trail

Healthy Hippie Bites

Sedona is a true hippie town full of amazing plant based food. These are my favorite spots for any meal, any time of day.

ChocolaTree: If you’re looking for amazing lunch or dinner food, ChocolaTree has you covered for vegetarian food. With options for any budget and diet, including raw vegan, you’ll love this organic eatery. My favorite thing to order at ChocolaTree is the Mushroom Fantasy.

Local Juicery: If you’re looking for a quick bite for lunch, Local Juicery is an amazing choice. From smoothies and juices, to easy on-the-go meals, this is the place to stop for any food you’re craving. My favorite thing to order here is the Avocado Toast.

Berry Devine: For anyone trying to cool off after a hike, Berry Devine has got you covered. This acai bowl place carries organic acai soft serve perfect for quenching any thirst. My favorite thing to order here is the Vortex Bowl with agave instead of honey and vegan granola.

At a Vortex just after sunrise

Visit Uptown

Shopping, believe it or not, is another thing you have to do in Sedona. But not just any shopping: crystal shopping. Sedona’s Uptown is their version of downtown, with shops after shops, and restaurants you won’t find anywhere else. Aside from the clothes and art galleries, you’ll find endless metaphysical shops in Uptown, and these are the perfect spots to buy crystals and other spiritual goodies during your trip. My favorite metaphysical shop in Uptown is called the Center For New Age, a shop where the spiritual energy is high, and you’ll find the most genuine crystals in town. They also have affordable incense, a spiritual bookshop, and a vortex at the back of the store.

Sedona, AZ is one of my favorite places in the US, and as a spiritualist, it’s a must see for anyone who connects to the energy of the universe. Even if you’re skeptical, no one can doubt that the hikes here are incredible, and there’s no chance that there is a more beautiful desert town in the Southwest.

Live in a van? Check out last year’s Vanlife Guide to Sedona at the link below!

Beautiful Destinations for Beginner Vanlifers

Vanlife is becoming the newest movement, and with so many people embracing the nomadic lifestyle, there are more visitors than ever to a lot of the most popular places in the US. While places like Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Park, are incredible, when you drive a large vehicle, these places aren’t as accessible as we might like them to be. However, there are lots of places in the country that are super accessible to vanlifers, and are must see’s when it comes to getting out and exploring the country for the first time. These are my favorites for when you first hit the road.

Sedona, AZ

Sedona is a vanlife hotspot that everybody already knows about. It’s not a secret destination, but it is incredibly van friendly, and the locals are welcoming to vanlifers. There’s Forest Road to camp along, free water fillups in town, and three major grocery stores to shop at. Not to mention, the endless hiking trails, beautiful scenery, and good plant based food. This is an area that people travel to every year, whether they live in a van or not, and the accessibility of the things to do, great places to sleep, and easy ways to stock up on supplies makes it a great choice for beginners.

Cons: The trailhead parking lots are super small, so if you live in a big vehicle like me, you might have trouble parking at some of the most popular trails.

Learn more about Sedona in last year’s blog post: A Vanlife Guide to Sedona

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

National Parks are notoriously inaccessible, but Joshua Tree is a small exception. This beautiful National Park has large vehicle accessible parking, lots to see, do, and hike, stunning desert scenery, and nearby BLM land to park on, on both the South and North ends of the park. You can also fill up water in all bathrooms with running water, both on the South side of the park at the Cottonwood Visitor Center, and the North Entrance Station.

Cons: Joshua Tree is not dog friendly. While your dog can accompany you into the park, they are only allowed in the picnic areas, and not on any of the trails.

Bend, OR

Bend is easily one of my favorite places to be in the country. Aside from the adorable downtown, dog friendly trails, and nearby free camping in the Deschutes National Forest, this is truly a vanlife hotspot all year long. It’s even the site of one of the largest annual vanlife meetups, Descend on Bend. This is a super van friendly city where the locals know that vanlifers love to pass through. You’re allowed to park overnight on the streets in the city, too, if you don’t feel like driving out to the National Forest.

Cons: It is a larger city, which makes it a bit harder to navigate in a van. Be prepared for skinny dirt roads to get to camp, and busy highways to get into town for groceries.

Why I Decided to Travel Full Time

Believe it or not, “Vanlife at 23?” is one of the most common questions I get, and it opens up one of my favorite conversations to have, because yes! I live the vanlife full time, at age 23. I didn’t have a house that I sold for the vanlife, I didn’t even really downsize, and if anything, the newest rig, my Sprinter I bought with my partner, is the biggest space I’ve ever lived in, at 90 square feet split between two people and a medium sized dog.

To some people, the thought of living in a van and traveling full time is a dream, and to some, it seems unthinkable. This is why I decided to travel full time.

This is also to serve as a bit of a reintroduction as I start putting more energy into this space. Enjoy!

A bit of backstory

I graduated university one year early in June of 2019. Because I got my degree in three years instead of four, I was lucky enough to escape student debt, but despite the year I graduated, summer 2019 was going to be the summer I traveled for 3 months with the goal of hitting all 48 connecting US states in my Kia Soul. I was originally planning on having to go back to school that fall, but I’m so glad I didn’t because the trip I took inspired me to keep traveling for much more than just 3 months, and to much more than just the 48 states. After completing my 48 state loop, I returned home to California, bought my first van, and kept traveling, slowing down for most of 2020, and buying a Sprinter Van with my partner in November 2020, which we’re moving into this week full time.

Why I didn’t wait

There are so many stories of vanlifers and full time vagabonds who got full time jobs after college and ended up quitting those jobs for a life on the road. Well, I basically decided to skip a step because I already knew that when I graduated I wanted to travel. So I started working online before graduation, worked in my downtime while I traveled in my Kia Soul, and wanted to keep going because I’d already proven to myself how possible it was.

My main philosophy with vanlife and full time travel was that I already knew I wanted to travel, so why should I waste my time at a job I knew I didn’t want, just dreaming, when I could simply make it happen for myself?

My philosophy for a life well lived

I realized when I was about 15, that there is more to life than just what society tells us. We have so many opportunities in this lifetime. I didn’t want to say no to a million of them just to sit behind a desk my whole life. I wanted to hike and dance and breathe and drive and listen to music and fall in love and sing campfire songs with my friends and experience it all because why not? We’re on this beautiful planet for a time, so make the most of it.

-HWS

4 Adventurous Date Ideas for Valentine's Day

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and for adventurous couples, friends, or even singles who want to take themselves out on a date, not being able to sit in a restaurant on your date this year might actually come as a blessing. There are so many things you can do for a romantic and adventurous Valentine’s Day outside, but as one half of an outdoorsy couple, these are my top 5 adventurous dates that you should try this Valentine’s Day.

Go on a sunrise hike…

There’s nothing more intimate than sharing a sunrise together. Head to your local National, State, or County park, and hit the trails for some spectacular sunrise views. This is a great opportunity to have a trail mostly all to yourselves before any crowds show up. And if you don’t feel like hiking first thing in the morning, simply wake up for sunrise and have a photoshoot.

Go on a guided or self guided tour…

If you’re looking to explore somewhere new this Valentine’s Day, think about taking a guided or self guided tour of your local park or city. Self guided tours and scavenger hunts are a fantastic way to get to know a place (and each other) better. One of my favorite tours I’ve ever taken was a self guided tour and scavenger hunt in Joshua Tree National Park, which I did through The Secret Tours (and this was actually my first date with Jared!).

Go shell collecting at the beach

Whether you live near the ocean or a lake, a great way to get to know someone and create great memories together is to go shell or rock collecting. Disclaimer: please do not do this on any protected land such as National Parks or in the state of Hawaii. A great idea is to choose a rock that you think the other person would love, so that the other person always has something to remember the date by.

Try something new

Trying something new together is a great way to get to know someone or bond with your favorite person. Rent paddle boards or kayaks, sign up for a day pass at your local climbing gym, take the ferry to a nearby island if you live on the coast, or go on an adventurous hike together! There are so many ways to explore this Valentine’s Day, so hit the trails, the waves, or the mountaintops.

Tips for Beginner Solo Travelers

With vanlife growing exponentially, there are countless amounts of people hitting the road for the first time. In my time scanning the internet, I’ve noticed a lot of these people are solo, and that a lot of these solo travelers are women. Traveling full or part time is becoming more popular, and with that, comes a beautiful new community of road dwellers. But what also comes with that, is learning to adapt to your new life on the road. You’ve created the life you’ve imagined, so how can you truly live it?

These are my best tips for new solo travelers hitting the road for the first time.

Badlands National Park, SD

Wake Up For Sunrise…

…At least once a month. When I first hit the road solo back in the summer of 2019, I woke up for sunrise almost everyday. The above picture is one of my favorite sunrises from that 3 month trip, in Badlands National Park, SD. Now that I’ve been on the road full time for almost 2 years, sunrises are more rare, but they’re always magical. Choose one day a month to truly cease your day, and wake up for sunrise, so you can make the most of the daylight you have, especially in the winter. Plus, there’s a special magic in experiencing a sunrise that’s all yours.

Sunrise in Mount Rainier National Park, WA

Follow Your Gut…

… And never doubt yourself. When you travel solo, especially if you’re a woman, your intuition will become a superpower. So many women ask how I stayed safe on the road as a solo female traveler, but my truth is, I listened to my intuition. I left places that felt sketchy to me, I avoided people that gave me weird vibes, and it kept me safe the entire time. If you pull up to a campsite and feel weird about it, save yourself the trouble, listen to that gut feeling, and find somewhere safe to sleep.

Don’t Post Your Location…

…Until after you’ve already left. This is my NUMBER ONE safety tip for solo travelers, especially those who identify as women. No matter what your social media following is, do not post your location on social media (even in Facebook groups, and especially in Facebook groups that are CoEd), until after you’ve left that location. I’ve found that posting a general location is okay (EX: California, Big Bend National Park, The Mountains, The PNW), but don’t post specific locations until you’re far away (EX: Quartzsite AZ, Big Baldy Trailhead, Half Dome, Camp 4). That way people can’t find you, and you remain safe where you are.

Indiana Dunes National Park, IN

Do Meet People and Make Friends…

…And maybe even caravan with a few of them. Even though you want to keep your location secret, some of my best friends are people I’ve met on the road while traveling solo. Just combine tips 2 and 3: use your gut, and keep your location a secret (as in, maybe don’t share your campsite until you’ve gotten to know your new friend a bit). You’ll eventually have a group of people you’ve met all over the world, and a ton of travel buddies who love the same life you do.

Solo travel can 100% change your life. Just make sure you’re being smart about it so that you can enjoy this life you’ve created in a safer way.

Your Guide to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is one of the Big Three National Parks in the US, with Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon being the other two. It’s a top tourist attraction in California, and it’s the site of documentaries such as Free Solo, The Dawn Wall, and Valley Uprising. It’s a rock climber’s paradise, and it’s home to huge rock monoliths such as El Capitan and Half Dome. It’s a destination that’s on nearly everyone’s bucket list, but if you’ve never been, it’s quite an overwhelming park to plan a trip to. This is your complete guide, to help you plan your Yosemite camping trip, vacation, or something in between.

The Basics

Yosemite is located in Northern California, and is closest to Sacramento. It spans over 1,200 square miles. It’s most easily accessible from the west entrance. The east entrance through Tioga Pass closes for snow between November and May/June. It costs $35 to enter per car, or the use of an America the Beautiful Pass. You will need a car to get from the entrance station into the Valley, but in a normal operation year, there is a shuttle you can take around the park. Overall, pets are not allowed on trails, but please check NPS.gov/yose/planyourvisit/pets for more information on where your dog can accompany you so that you can make the decision of whether you want to bring your dog with you to the park.

What time of year should I visit?

Yosemite is known for its waterfalls (Yosemite falls is the tallest waterfall in the lower 48), so if your goal is the see the falls, spring is going to be your best bet, after the snowmelt. But, that’s not to say that other times of the year aren’t amazing times to visit. Winter is ideal for avoiding crowds, but the park does get super snowy. Winter is also the only time of year you can see the annual Fire Fall at Horsetail Falls (February). Summer will be the warmest but also the most crowded season, however, it’s not too late to see the waterfalls this time of year. In the Fall, the waterfalls are mostly dried up, but this is the only time of year that you can see the trees changing colors, which is a unique sight to see in this park.

Where should I stay?

If your goal is to stay in the park, you’ll have quite a few choices. If you want to camp in the park, I suggest making reservations on Recreation.gov as soon as you start planning your trip. Upper Pines is my favorite reservable campground in the park, but any of them will do. If you can’t get a camping reservation, I love the community at the walk up campground Camp 4. This is the famous climber’s camp, and it’s only $6 per person.

If you’re not super into camping, there are quite a few lodging options within the park. The Ahwahnee, the Yosemite Valley Lodge, and the Wawona Hotel are three hotel options within the park. If you want a glamping experience, Housekeeping Camp or Curry Village are great options.

If you can’t get a spot in the park, there are plenty of hotels and even a hostel in the nearby town of Oakhurst.

What should I not miss?

When people ask me this question about Yosemite, I have a list of my go-to spots for first time travelers. If you’re entering the park from the west side, make sure you make a stop at Glacier Point on your way either in or out of the park. Once you’re in the Valley, make sure you see Lower Yosemite Falls, and if you’re a hiker, hiker to Upper Yosemite Falls. If you visit in the Spring or Summer, make sure you go see Mirror Lake. Seeing the giant Sequoias in the Mariposa Grove is a must-see for anyone who’s new to the Sierra Range. For hikers, Vernal and Nevada Falls are a great combo of hiking destinations to fill a day with. Of course there is so much to see in the park, but if you can’t fit anything else, make sure you catch the sunset over Half Dome one night.

Anything else?

Yosemite is home to tons of wildlife, so to keep them and you safe, make sure that you use bear boxes whenever camping, and try not to leave food in your car. Yosemite bears are smart and can break into vehicles. Bear spray is not necessary in the park, unless it makes you feel better, since there are no grizzlies in Yosemite, but they do want your food, so make sure you don’t sleep with anything in your tent that smells like food.

Also, remember that no national park is an amusement park, so you’re responsible for your safety on the trail, your food, and to keep your area clean of all trash. Wear proper footwear when on the trail, and bring water, even if it’s cold outside.

The Vanlife Guide to Hitting the Road

It’s finally 2021, and with so many people hitting the road in their quarantine-built vans this winter, I thought it was about time I gave you all my ultimate tips for beginner vanlifers from someone who’s been on the road for almost 2 years. I started my vanlife journey in June of 2019 and have since been to 48 states and over 40 National Parks. I’ve camped in official campgrounds, Walmart parking lots, rest stops, and on BLM land. And I’ve showered at State Parks, with baby wipes, and outside. These are my favorite tips for beginner vanlifers so that you can hit the road easily this year.

Buy a National Parks Annual Pass

My best investment when I hit the road in 2019 was my America the Beautiful Pass. I’m now on my third annual pass, and I could not be more grateful for it and the money it’s saved me. When you’re traveling, especially if you’re in the US, you’re likely going to be hitting a lot of public lands, which includes National Parks. In the US, the average National Park costs $30 USD to enter. If you add up how much it would’ve costed me to pay the entrance fee at each of the 42 parks I’ve visited in my life, that would be over $1,200 USD. Purchasing three America the Beautiful Passes over the past few years at $80 each adds up to only $240 USD. While some parks, especially on the east coast are free to enter, there are over 400 National Park Service sites in the country, and having an annual pass is going to save you a ton of money. If you’re going to be traveling in Canada, check out their annual pass system as well.

My dog, Lassen, at my 42nd National Park, White Sands in New Mexico

Know That You Can Camp For Free

While I’ve done my fair share of paid camping, specifically while I was solo, there is a secret that many people don’t know about, and that’s free camping or boondocking. Of course, there are places you can park overnight for free such as rest stops (in some states) and Walmart parking lots, but if you want to experience the photogenic vanlife you’ve probably been dreaming of, you’ll want to look for National Forest and BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Land. Both of these types of public land allow dispersed camping on their dirt roads, which means your backyard for the night can be the woods, the desert, or the mountains!

A National Forest Spot I lived on for 2 weeks in 2020

Invest in a Solar Shower

So many people ask how you shower on the road, especially now that gyms are closed. When I used to pay for camping, I would often find myself at campgrounds that had showers or the option to pay for one. Now that the majority of my camping is done for free, showers are more few and far between. Solar Showers are a super basic concept that involves a black bag to hold water, and a hose that works with gravity. If it’s warm out, you can simply fill the bag with water and sit it in the sun for a few hours and it heats the water for you. If it’s cold, we’ll often boil half our water first. We got ours for about $15 at Walmart. Showering outside is incredibly liberating, and if you need a little more privacy, Wolfwise makes portable shower tents as well.

Download Your Google Maps

If you think you might be losing cell service while you drive anywhere, make sure you download your Google Maps to work offline. This means you’ll be able to get around safely, even without a signal. This has come in handy so many times, especially in Montana near Glacier National Park, and Washington, near Mount Adams.

There’s No Right Way to Vanlife

There’s this weird stigma I’ve realized is present in a lot of vanlife Facebook groups, and that is that there is a right way to do vanlife. The thing is, we’re all individuals on very individual journeys and what might work for one person might not for another. Don’t let anyone you meet influence your adventure. This is your journey, make it yours.

Products I’ve Loved During My Life on the Road (not sponsored)

• Doctor Bronner’s Castille Soap

• Outdoor “Mexican” blanket like the one in the above picture. You can find these at souvenir shops, and sometimes gas stations.

• A wide brimmed hat like the one I’m wearing above

• Tevas or some other type of trekking sandal

Top 5 Most Dog Friendly National Parks

We love traveling with our furry friends, but as a lot of people who like to travel in the US know, most National Parks aren’t super dog friendly. There are a few we’ve found since traveling with our border collie, Lassen, that we’ve loved due to the dog friendly trails. It’s made it easier to travel with him, and we all have so much fun getting to see the sights! These are our top 5 dog friendly National Parks.

Don’t miss the BARK Ranger program at many of these parks—a goal to educate dog owners on where their dogs can and can’t go in the park. Parks with BARK Ranger programs are specified below.

Great Sand Dunes, CO

If you’ve been following a while, you’ll know that we loved Great Sand Dunes National Park. This is a fairly large park, and the whole main area of the sand dunes is completely dog friendly. Your dog has to be on a leash, but we don’t mind! Lassen was able to climb to the top of High Dune with us and run with us down the sides of the dunes. We loved how dog friendly this park was, and so did Lassen!

White Sands, NM

White Sands National Park, NM is very similar to Great Sand Dunes. Dogs are allowed all over the dunes as long as they’re on a leash, which made this the perfect sunrise park for us. We love being able to take Lassen along on adventures, so it was great to not have to leave him in the car to experience the park. White Sands is also part of the BARK Ranger program.

Petrified Forest, AZ

While Petrified Forest is a small park, and one of the least visited, it’s also one of the most dog friendly. Lassen was able to come everywhere with us. Most of the trails in this park are paved, so as long as your dog is on a leash and stays with you on the trail, they’re allowed to accompany you throughout your entire trip through the park. Petrified Forest also has a BARK Ranger program where you can get a free treat for your dog.

Olympic, WA

Olympic was actually the park that coined the BARK Ranger program! Olympic is a huge park, and while not all of it is dog friendly, many of the beaches are! This was where Lassen first saw the ocean. Our favorite beaches to take our dog to were Rialto and Ruby Beach. Your dog is also allowed around Crescent Lake and on the Spruce Railroad Trail.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison, CO

While your dog can’t hike down into the canyon with you, this is the perfect National Park to take your dog to if you’re a sight-seeing type of traveler. Dogs are allowed to join you at all of the park lookouts, even the ones that are unpaved. Lassen and I had a great time driving to each viewpoint while Jared did a bigger hike into the canyon.

It’s unfortunately very hard to get a picture of a dog with a canyon you have to get very close to the railings of to see. But I promise he loved it!

Honorable Mentions:

City of Rocks National Reserve, ID

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, MI

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, NE