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Camping at Kenai Lake gave us the perfect reset after two intense weeks of road-tripping in our van around Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. Kristin and I were tired—physically and mentally—and in desperate need of a place to park, relax, and recharge. When we stumbled upon a camping spot on iOverlander right on the edge of Kenai Lake, we knew we’d found our answer.
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 I first started my peak-bagging journey, I was obsessed with climbing 14ers. Living in California gave me some great options, but nowhere near the variety Colorado offers. The flipside? Not as many people in California are chasing those 14,000-foot summits. In Colorado, the peaks are buzzing with climbers.
After my first few successful summits in California, I felt invincible. I tackled these mountains car-to-car and stuck to routes no harder than Class 4. Climbing solo felt completely fine—until the day I experienced altitude sickness.
Kristin and I were camping in Sedona, AZ, at the free dispersed camping sites with our converted van. It was winter, and the weather had been unpredictable. Some days were ideal for hiking, while others brought rain and even snow. After a particularly wet day of hiking, we woke to a crisp, clear morning—perfect for drying out and warming up.
Kayaking next to icebergs in Antarctica is both thrilling and humbling. The sheer size of these ice giants is hard to comprehend until you're gliding alongside them in a tiny kayak. Towering over me, one particular iceberg looked like a skyscraper rising out of the water, stretching for the clouds. Even after 15 minutes of steady paddling, my group still hadn’t circled the entire thing. I’d guess this iceberg was at least half a mile long, a quarter of a mile wide, and fifty feet tall above the surface. When you're surrounded by Antarctica's vast, empty wilderness, distances and sizes play tricks on your mind.
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.
When you picture ancient Egypt, you're likely imagining the wonders of Luxor. This “small town” along the Nile River is a treasure trove of history, home to some of the most iconic sites in the world. From the Valley of the Kings and Queens to the sprawling Temple of Karnak and the Luxor Temple, the sheer scale and significance of Luxor's ancient sites are breathtaking. Yet, without a guide, it can be hard to fully appreciate the depth of what you’re seeing.
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.
Driving along Highway One in Big Sur is like flipping through a photo book of California’s greatest hits. On this particular day, the skies were impossibly blue, the hills were lush and green from recent rains, and the Pacific Ocean seemed to stretch forever into the horizon. There were four of us packed into the car, road-tripping without much of a plan—just friends looking for adventure.
I was behind the wheel, enjoying the rhythm of the winding road, when someone in the backseat shouted, “Hey, this looks awesome, stop here!”
When I first saw Of A Lifetime pop up on my computer screen, I figured I’d give it a quick watch. Five minutes in, I realized this was no ordinary ski video. This was something special. I paused, headed to my TV, and settled in to experience the full 44 minutes on the biggest screen in my house. It was the best decision I made all week.
When Kristin and I decided to road trip from California to Colorado to climb all the Sawatch 14ers, we had no idea the challenges that awaited us. Starting north to south, Mount of the Holy Cross was our first peak—a trial by fire for Kristin’s first 14er and a humbling reminder of the demands of high-altitude climbs for me.
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.
When my girlfriend and I planned an ambitious three-day backpacking trip across Desolation Wilderness in Lake Tahoe, I was ready to push myself and test my gear. We aimed to start at Loon Lake and end at Emerald Bay, carrying three days' worth of food and supplies. There was just one caveat—I would be wearing a brand-new pair of Nike ACG Torre Mid boots.
Shopping for that adventurous woman in your life can be a challenge—she’s always seems to be chasing that next trail, slope, or flight. Whether the adventurous woman in your life is conquering summits, chasing powder, or planning her next epic road trip, this gift guide has something for every type of outdoor enthusiast. From hiking essentials to travel must-haves, gear for van life, and gadgets for trail running, we’ve rounded up thoughtful gifts to inspire and fuel her passions.
Vanlife has captured the imagination of many adventurers, offering a unique blend of freedom, mobility, and simplicity. However, like any lifestyle change, beginning vanlife requires careful planning, especially when it comes to costs. I can say, after building two vans myself, estimating the costs can be tricky. So, I put this article together, based on my last eight years of living vanlife to help you get a realistic idea of what it costs to start living vanlife.
If you’re planning to camp in Joshua Tree National Park, you’ve probably heard that finding a campsite can be a challenge. With a limited number of sites, high demand during climbing season, and no shortage of weekend warriors, competition is fierce. But don’t worry—I’ve been through it and learned a few tricks to help you secure your spot.
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?
