United States - Part III
California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona
At the end of September 2024, we crossed into the State of California, ready to explore its diverse and stunning landscapes. Our first destination was Lassen Volcanic National Park, where we were met with both beauty and tragedy. While significant parts of the park had been devastated by the Dixie Fire in 2021, the resilience of nature was evident, and the park remained a must-see. The geothermal features and serene vistas captivated us, making the visit worthwhile despite the scars left by the fire.
From Lassen, we continued to the legendary Lake Tahoe, a breathtaking alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks. However, our visit coincided with peak tourist season, and the area was bustling with visitors. Campgrounds were packed, and we faced challenges finding a spot for our camper truck. Even the viewpoints and beach access points were overwhelmed, with parking spots nearly impossible to secure. After three crowded but scenic days, we moved on to Yosemite National Park, eager for a change of pace.
Yosemite’s majestic beauty did not disappoint. Although campsites within the park were fully booked, we managed to wild camp just outside the park boundaries for the first two nights. Fortunately, we secured campsites inside the park for our last two days, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the iconic landscapes. Highlights included an unforgettable sunrise at Glacier Point, which painted the sky in breathtaking hues, and several rewarding hikes through Yosemite’s pristine trails. Reluctantly, we left Yosemite via the scenic Tioga Pass, descending into the charming town of Lee Vining, nestled near the shimmering Mono Lake.
Our journey then took us to Great Basin National Park, where we soaked in its remote beauty before heading to the adventure hub of Moab, Utah. In Moab, we reunited with our German friend from @ehxplorer and embarked on an adrenaline-pumping buggy tour along the famous Hells Revenge 4x4 Trail. The excitement didn’t stop there; we drove the challenging Schafer Trail in Canyonlands National Park with our camper truck. This iconic, unpaved backcountry road winds down 457 meters through vibrant sandstone cliffs, offering dramatic views at every turn.
Continuing our adventure, we made stops at the awe-inspiring Valley of the Gods and the scenic Goosenecks State Park. Our next major destination was the Grand Canyon, where we spent three nights on the South Rim. The highlight was undoubtedly a thrilling helicopter tour over the canyon, offering a bird’s-eye view of both the South and North Rims.
After leaving the Grand Canyon, we ventured to Page, Arizona, where we hiked the stunning Buckskin Gulch slot canyon. From there, we headed to Zion National Park which was also crowded, but we did some nice hikes and enjoyed the beauty of the park. Next stop was Bryce Canyon National Park, arriving just in time for an unexpected overnight snowfall. Waking up to the park’s iconic hoodoos blanketed in a layer of fresh snow was a magical experience.
Our trip continued to the serene waters of Lake Mead, where we spent several days and took a tour of the impressive Hoover Dam. Feeling the need for a brief respite from camper life, we treated ourselves to a week-long stay in a hotel in Las Vegas. During our time in the city, we were fortunate to attend a spectacular concert by The Eagles at the Sphere, which was an unforgettable experience.
Refreshed from our city break, we returned to nature, exploring the stark beauty of Death Valley. A few days later, we found ourselves in the stunning Alabama Hills, where the rugged terrain offered incredible views and peaceful camping spots.
From there, we journeyed back to the Pacific Coast, traveling south through Morro Strand State Beach, Carpinteria State Beach, and Malibu Beach, soaking in the ocean views and California sunshine. In Los Angeles, we took care of some necessary maintenance for our truck, including getting four new tires in Temecula and an engine oil change in Oceanside.
As we continued southward, we made several enjoyable stops before reaching San Diego. There, we had the privilege of staying at the property of @bahay_kubo_aroundtheworld, where we exchanged ideas about camper builds and shared travel stories.
After nearly five months of unforgettable adventures in the United States, we crossed the border at Tecate on December 20th, ready to embrace the next chapter of our journey in Baja California, Mexico.
