Hidden in the plain sight in the breathtaking Eastern Sierra region of California, Mammoth Lakes and its neighboring areas provide a perfect retreat for travelers craving tranquility, natural beauty, and rejuvenation. Among the area's most alluring features are the hot springs scattered along Highway 395, offering a serene and soothing escape amid stunning mountain views. Whether you're looking to soak in a natural mineral pool after a day of hiking or simply unwind surrounded by nature, these hot springs are an oasis worth exploring.
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide to Yosemite Firefalls in 2025
In the heart of one of America's most iconic national parks, a natural phenomenon known as the Yosemite Firefall awaits those seeking to capture its breathtaking beauty. This awe-inspiring event is a testament to the wonders of nature as a sliver of sunset light casts a lava-red glow upon a thin stream of water plummeting off El Capitan. While it may not involve actual flames, it's a mesmerizing illusion of fire that graces Yosemite's Horsetail Falls every year in February.
Read MoreFour Winter Escapes Filled With Sun You Haven't Thought About Yet
As winter casts its chilly spell across much of the northern hemisphere, the desire for warm, sun-soaked destinations intensifies. If you find yourself yearning for an escape, look no further than these four idyllic destinations. All accessible with a passport and relatively quick flight, these enticing destinations that not only promise delightful temperatures but also offer a plethora of activities to make your winter getaway truly memorable.
Read MoreDriving Big Sur Is Kind of Scary, Here's Why
The breathtaking stretch of California's coastline known as Big Sur is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and unparalleled natural beauty. While many travelers are drawn to this iconic destination for its stunning landscapes, some may wonder if the experience of driving along its winding roads is as awe-inspiring as it is nerve-wracking. Is it scary driving in Big Sur?
Read MoreVan Life and Hiking Go Hand in Hand
You don’t need much to go for a hike, which is perfect for van life. Toss on a pair of shoes, ideally something a bit sturdy, and head out for a walk in the woods, desert, mountains, where ever your van is parked. I’ve lived on the road for 8 years now, in a van, focused on getting outside as much as possible to snap pretty photographs and reflect upon the question, “Why am I here?”
Read MoreSearching For Flatwater To Kayak Along Highway 395
We had a crazy idea, let’s road trip down Highway 395 in our self-converted van (watch the video tour of our dodge promaster 2500) with kayaks and explore as many bodies of water as possible. We only had a week, so how much could we cram into a single outing? We were not sure, but we wanted to try. So, would five bodies of water be too many, ten? Now, I’ll admit neither of us are good at kayaking, heck we can barely get in the kayaks without flipping, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that we committed to the idea and have loads of fun along the way.
Did we succeed? Kind of.
Read MoreYour Adventure Guide For Yosemite Valley National Park
There is no better place to visit for an adventure than Yosemite National Park. A bold statement no doubt, but here’s why? From jaw dropping views to rock climbing to hiking to backpacking to skiing to photography, Yosemite is the perfect place to immerse yourself in raw nature. These seemingly unlimited options lead to one main issue, paralysis by analysis. Meaning, there is so much to do in Yosemite knowing where to begin is a challenge.
Read MoreAn EV Road Trip in Search of Fall Colors in Northern California
Few road trips start as grand as this one, but our road trip, in search of fall colors, was going to be different.
Starting at Lake Tahoe’s iconic Emerald Bay on a crisp morning, the Rivian R1S had the seats down and was loaded to the brim with camera gear, dog toys, suitcases, snacks, and hiking gear. Kristin, Chestnut (our dog), and myself were in for an adventure of a lifetime. Seeking fall colors throughout Northern California, we had planned a week long road trip looping from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park back to our home in Lake Tahoe via as many backroads as possible.
Read MoreNorthern Lights Over Lake Tahoe
My phone binged with an alert from Aurora, an app I had downloaded when I started chasing the Northern Lights in 2023. The message read, “Do to high aurora activity, it might possible to see the aurora in your location right now.” However, since it was 2 pm in the afternoon and the skies were cloudy I knew it wasn’t going to happen, but the alert made me ask the questions; If I could see the aurora tonight in Lake Tahoe, CA where would I want to see it? Could I photograph it?
I got thinking…
Read MoreHere’s What You Should Do On Your First Visit to Big Sur
The rugged cliffs of California’s Central Coast and the vast Pacific Ocean define the Big Sur area as a destination calling hikers, road trippers, and photographers with its dramatic landscapes, unspoiled wilderness, and stunning views. With towering redwoods, rocky beaches, and scenic highway, Big Sur feels like a place where nature rules. If it’s your first visit to this wild stretch of coastline, you’ll be in awe of the sheer beauty and diverse outdoor activities available. Whether you’re hiking along coastal cliffs, standing in awe of McWay Falls, or simply soaking in the sunset at Bixby Creek Bridge, Big Sur is a place you won’t forget. Here's what you should do to experience the magic of Big Sur like a seasoned adventurer.
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