If you’re wondering, “Can you kayak at Convict Lake?” the answer is an enthusiastic yes! Nestled along the iconic Highway 395, Convict Lake offers an unforgettable sunrise kayaking experience that combines serenity, breathtaking views, and the perfect start to any outdoor adventure. Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or someone seeking a peaceful escape, this lake offers something magical for everyone.
Just ten miles south of Mammoth Lakes along Highway 395, Convict Lake is an alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks waiting to be kayaked on. This glacially carved gem in Inyo National Forest is a favorite for outdoorsy people, offering year-round kayaking and paddleboarding. The lake’s mirror-like surface reflects the towering mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop as you glide across the calm waters.
Hot springs on the beach sound like a dream, but in La Ventana, they’re a reality. Just north of this kite-surfing addicted city of Baja Sur lies Playa Agua Caliente, a unique beach where you can soak in natural hot springs at low tide along the Sea of Cortez. These hidden treasures bubble right out of the sand, offering an unforgettable experience for those who make the trip north. The trifecta of secluded beach, desert landscape, and floating islands makes this spot dreamy, at least that is how I felt.
Baja's Sea of Cortez offers an incredible escape for adventurers and beach lovers alike. Often overshadowed by the Pacific side's renowned surf breaks, the Sea of Cortez is a hidden gem with its own unique charm. This coastline is brimming with opportunities for exploration and relaxation, offering something for everyone. Let me share some of the best things you can do in this remarkable area based on my experiences.
What more could you ask for than the freshest fish tacos, a beer, and sunset ocean view? Well, you can have just that while spearfishing in Baja, Mexico. In this article you will find the best areas to go spearfishing, get a long list of potential fish to spear, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about spearfishing in Baja, Mexico.
Last October, I received a phone call from Andrew Muse to be the Director of Photography for the fourth season of Tiny Home Adventures. I’ll be honest, I had never watched an episode of the series, but my interest was peaked by the location, potential adventures, and the client list we would intertwine throughout the series. So, after we chatted on the phone, I watched a few episodes and gave him a call back, “I’m in, it looks like fun.”
Winter in Sedona is a magical time that combines stunning landscapes with fewer crowds and plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities. Whether you're drawn by the allure of Sedona's famous red rocks or the chance to explore the town's unique cultural vibe, winter is a fantastic season to visit.
Exploring the backcountry of Joshua Tree National Park is an experience unlike any other. For some, the vast, barren desert might seem uninviting or even intimidating. But for me, it’s a place of serenity, creativity, and unmatched beauty. It may sound strange to some, but I genuinely love spending time in Joshua Tree’s backcountry, especially when I go solo. There’s something about being out there, surrounded by desert silence, that keeps calling me back.
Visiting Todos Santos, Baja is a journey—both in distance and experience—that rewards the effort with unforgettable charm. My most recent trip began with a flight over the rugged Sierra de la Laguna mountains into the San José del Cabo Airport. As the plane descended, I looked down at the arid landscape colliding with the turquoise oceanfront. The strip of resorts in San José del Cabo was unmistakable, and our smooth landing brought us closer to the adventure.
Mammoth Lakes, California, is a destination I return to time and again. Tucked along Highway 395, it offers a perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery. With its natural hot springs scattered across the rugged landscape, Mammoth Lakes has become my favorite place to unwind after a day of exploring Yosemite, skiing at Mammoth Mountain, or adventuring through the Sierra wilderness.
Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Among its many renowned viewpoints, Tunnel View stands out as one of the most awe-inspiring locations to take in the park's grandeur.
Located in the Inyo National Forest, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs is a natural wonder that attracts adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts year-round. If you're planning a trip to this hot spring, you're in for a treat! In this guide, we'll give you everything you need to know about visiting Wild Willy’s Hot Springs near Mammoth.
As our alarms sounded at 3:30 am, we packed up our van and hit the road, eager to experience one of California’s most iconic landmarks. The plan? Arrive at Bixby Bridge for sunrise. Neither of us was sure whether sunrise or sunset would showcase the bridge at its best, but sunrise felt like the right choice for our night-owl road trip vibe.
When road tripping the Pacific Coast Highway, the Bixby Creek Bridge stands as an architectural marvel that effortlessly merges with the breathtaking natural landscape of Big Sur. The first time I drove across this bridge, I knew that I had to stop and get out, to look at what I was crossing. It was kind of terrifying, at first. What sets this bridge apart is not just its structural elegance but its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the raw beauty that defines the region.
If you’ve ever tried camping at Joshua Tree National Park, you know how competitive it can be to snag a campsite. With limited spaces at popular spots like Hidden Valley Campground and Jumbo Rocks, visitors often face the disappointment of finding every site full, even with early arrival and perfect timing. After years of visiting Joshua Tree for climbing and photography, I’ve learned that camping near the park doesn’t have to be this frustrating. There’s a hidden gem that few people seem to be talking about: the free Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land just outside the park.
Growing up, I dreamed of visiting all seven continents. I didn’t just want to see them from afar—I wanted to stand on the land, breathe the air, and hear the sounds of each one. As a kid, this felt impossible. What working-class child gets to travel the world? It seemed like a distant fantasy. But as my career path developed, opportunities appeared that I never thought possible. One of those doors recently opened, leading me to Antarctica.
Naturally, if you’re interested in rock climbing, and planning to visit Yosemite, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. Of course, you will be able to tick “rock climbing in Yosemite” off your bucket list, but there are so many more reasons than that. Climbing Yosemite’s clean granite routes is pure pleasure – whether you’re dancing up thin slabs on dime-edge holds, pulling for all you’re worth on splitter cracks, or pinching crystals in Yosemite’s high country. Plus, the view really is better when you’ve earned unique views from above the treetops and eye-level with the birds. Below are six rock climbs that are accessible to new Yosemite climbers in the range of 5.6 to 5.10:
So, you want to vanlife the Last Frontier? Well, Alaska isn’t for the faint of heart, but it does offers vanlifers unparalleled opportunities to experience a rugged landscapes, see an abundance of wildlife, and enjoy remote beauty unlike anywhere else in North America. From the iconic Denali National Park to the breathtaking Kenai Peninsula, Alaska’s vast and varied terrain provides endless opportunities for exploration and connection with nature. Whether you're chasing the Midnight Sun in the summer or witnessing the magic of the Northern Lights in the fall, vanlife in Alaska promises unforgettable experiences for those seeking freedom and adventure off the beaten path.
So, longstory short, yes, you can vanlife Alaska. The real question is what do you want to experience while vanlifing in Alaska?