Posts in California
Wandering through the World’s Tallest Trees: Exploring the Redwood Forest

If you're planning a road trip through the Redwood Forest in Northern California, there are many stops and special trees along the way that you won't want to miss. Here are our favorite things to do in the Redwood National and State Parks. Plus find our recommendations for free campsites for vanlife near the Redwood Forest.

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8 Places To Go On Your First Visit to Yosemite

Here are 8 stops we visited that any first time visitor wouldn’t want to miss on a visit to America’s first protected park land! As always at the end of this post, you’ll find free camping suggestions near Yosemite.

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Our Misty Half Dome Summit Attempt

Half Dome is a mountain that is on a lot of people’s bucket lists. The iconic mountain is probably the most recognizable landmark in Yosemite National Park, and each day of the summer season hundreds of people make summit attempts. But can you hike up Half Dome if it’s wet? We hiked up most of Half Dome on a misty, rainy day in October…

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In Search of the Methuselah Tree: Visiting the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

The second oldest tree in the world is located in the White Mountains in the Inyo National Forest of California. Somewhere within the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, there is a tree that was alive when the pyramids were built—the Methuselah Tree. While we were traveling along the California-Nevada border, we were hoping to pay a visit this 4,848 year old tree.

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Three Days in Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is a land of contrasts, and it is probably one of the most unique national parks that we have visited. It holds the honor of being the hottest place on Earth. The lowest place in North America, Badwater Basin, is found in the park at 282 below sea level, but the mountains in the park rise to over 11,000 feet in elevation. There are white salt flats, gargoyle-esque formations of salt crystals, massive sand dunes, eroded badlands, and colorful mountains.  

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