Road Trip

Stunning Scenic Lake In Southern Colorado: Smith Reservoir!

Colorado, nomad, Road Trip, Uncategorized

This is an awesome little road trip stop if you find yourself in southern Colorado! This reservoir is small but it’s so beautiful!

I drove from Austin, Texas, cut over into New Mexico just before Amarillo and winded through some back highways until I got into souther CO! My grandpa taught me to always take the scenic route, even if it takes longer. I always do now and it has lead me to some incredible hidden gems on my journeys.

I wanted to relax by some water for a while to take a break from driving. I hopped on my maps and zoomed in on the bodies of water around me and searched them on DuckDuckGo.com (safe and private search engine).

When I pulled up, it was even prettier in person than it was in pictures! The mountains in the background made it look like a painting.

I brought my portable solar charger, works great with any USB! Starts charging instantly too. I was recommended this specific one for traveling and hiking. It folds up to about the size of a notebook!

About 30 minutes after I got there, I noticed a herd of cattle starting to drink water on the other end of the reservoir. They were so cute! One cow made it’s way over to graze next to my car and then shorty after the rest of the herd was all around me! I love cows so this was super exciting for me!!! Lol. Mountains AND cows?! How did I get so lucky!!!

Smith Reservoir Colorado

Charles Licken’s sat and watched from inside the car and didn’t seem to phased by them! He’s used to my random shenanigans now.

We loaded back up into the car to head to Great Sand Dunes National Park, which is only a 30 minute drive north of Smith Reservoir.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir: Road Trip Stop On The Utah/ Wyoming Border

I’m always looking for new and beautiful places to explore around the United States! A lot of the time I will just zoom in on my apple maps on a green area or a body of water, and then research whatever names are posted in that area! That’s how I found the Flaming Gorge. I…

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado: Rocky Mountain Sand Dunes

Colorado is such a beautiful state! I’m so glad I took this route on my way up to Washington State! I weirdly had never been to Colorado, one of the only states I hadn’t been to yet (aside from the airport)! 🤯 seems like the first place I’d go lol. I also stopped at the…

The Mojave Desert: A South West Road Trip Essential Stop!

This was a quick stop for me on my drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles! I always try to see any many places as possible when I’m on road trips, even if I only have time to stop for a few hours. This place was nothing like I had never seen before! Growing up…

Ocean Jet Skiing in Destin, Florida: Destin Beach Trip Mini Guide

Destin and the entire Florid Panhandle have a ton of very underrated beaches! If you’re looking for white sand, and bright blue water, this is the spot! And it’s a pretty affordable vacation spot! I’ve been to the Panhandle a handful of time and it’s been a blast for all of them! Pro tip: it’s…

Tennessee Waterfall Hike: Burgress Falls State Park

I wasn’t sure how I was going to like living in Tennessee, after growing up in the beautiful Pacific North West, but I was pleasantly surprised! Tennessee is extremely lush and has hills and mountains. There a lot of waterfalls to visit! (Here’s another one of my favorite Tennessee Waterfalls). This hike is right off…

Middle Tennessee’s Best Hike, Waterfall, and Swimming Hole: Cummins Falls

I lived in Nashville, Tennessee for a couple years and this waterfall and swimming hole is by far my favorite place in the State.  Also… side note! If you’re going to Cummins Falls you should definitely spend some time in Nashville! I will be writing up a post on the best spots to go in…

Hiking Red Rock Canyon: Best Las Vegas Hikes- Calico Hills

I spent a couple months in the greater Las Vegas area! Between the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon National Park! All of which are beautiful in their own way! One of my favorite hikes and hot springs is close by as well! It goes along the emerald colored Colorado river. If you…

Big Tree State Park, Northern California Road Trip

I was making the trip from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe, and of course decided to take the back roads! (Which also lead to another cool discovery and long dead end). I didn’t have a big plan, I was car camping and was stopping and going as I pleased! Luckily I saw the signs for Big…

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Flaming Gorge Reservoir: Road Trip Stop On The Utah/ Wyoming Border

nomad, Road Trip, Swimming Hole, Utah

I’m always looking for new and beautiful places to explore around the United States! A lot of the time I will just zoom in on my apple maps on a green area or a body of water, and then research whatever names are posted in that area! That’s how I found the Flaming Gorge.

I had just drove thru Colorado, I went to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and some other places, and wanted to find a spot to swim.

I pulled off the highway at Sheep Creek Bay, which is park of the Flaming Gorge.

There was a big parking lot and a boat launch! Parking was free for cars, but it did cost money to launch your boat, I’m not sure how much.

This place was incredible! The water is a bright blue and it’s surrounded by the red canton all around. The contrast makes it even more breathtaking.

I put Charles’s leash on and we headed for the lake. It was a short walk. I found him a nice shaded spot under a tree. He watched me swim and looked at me like I was a psycho lol.

I took a little nature bath and used some nature-safe suds! The water was super refreshing! I stayed in it for over an out and soaking in the views surrounding me!

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Stunning Scenic Lake In Southern Colorado: Smith Reservoir!

This is an awesome little road trip stop if you find yourself in southern Colorado! This reservoir is small but it’s so beautiful! I drove from Austin, Texas, cut over into New Mexico just before Amarillo and winded through some back highways until I got into souther CO! My grandpa taught me to always take…

Yosemite Valley, California Road Trip Stops

If you haven’t been to The Yosemite yet, add it to the bucket list! I give this place an 11/10 for beauty. It truly is one of the most breathtaking places you’ll go to! I drove in from Los Angeles Overnight. I want to say it was about a 4 ish hour drive! My cat,…

Southern California Road Trip Stop: The Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is the largest lake in the state of California! This lake is very close to where they host Coachella! I made a pit stop here on my South West road trip, traveling from Arizona to Southern California. There isn’t a ton to do in the area, but it’s a super unique place…

Mount Rainier National Park: Driving to the Top, Photo Gallery

Mt. Rainier is one of Washington States most iconic peaks. You can see the mountain clearly from Seattle. I was fortunate to grow up in Washington. My brother and I decided to take a longer drive to our cousins wedding, and we drove through Mt. Rainier National Park. You can drive almost all the way…

North Cascades National Park, Washington State: Guide and Photo Gallery

North Cascades National Park is heaven on earth. It hugs the Canadian boarder, you’ll even get some “Welcome to Canada” texts if you happen to have service any point! It encompasses serene alpine lakes, endless mountain peaks and dense forest! Everywhere you drive or go is another breathtaking view! It never ends. For Forests floors are…

Grand Canyon National Park: That Time an Elk Hiked With Me

This was my first time ever going to The Grand Canyon, so you could say I was pretty stoked!  I got up early where I was staying, in Flagstaff, which is just a little over an hour from the park! I threw on my spandex and USA hat and hit the road! I knew I…

Oregon Water Fall Hike: Ramona Falls in Mt Hood National Forest

Ramona Falls in Oregon is a Hidden little gem found in Mt. Hood National Forrest! My friend from Texas found it on the AllTrails app and we went for it! This hike made you feel like you are walking through a tropical rainforest, it was insanely green and lush!  The Trail Head It’s not too…

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The Mojave Desert: A South West Road Trip Essential Stop!

Adventure, California, Car Camping, nomad, Road Trip, South West USA, Uncategorized

This was a quick stop for me on my drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles! I always try to see any many places as possible when I’m on road trips, even if I only have time to stop for a few hours.

This place was nothing like I had never seen before! Growing up in the Pacific North West, I didn’t see the type of greenery and terrain that encompasses the mojave desert and surrounding areas!

I took the scenic road through the park. A lot of it was gravel roads, but they were well maintains. Charles Lickens (my cat) and I decided to stop for an hour or so and take it all in. There were tall, barren mountains in the back and beautiful Joshua trees all over.

Joshua trees are such funky and delightful plants! They make me wanna throw a party to celebrate funky plants. I checked out A LOT of them lol. I’m that weird nature girl. They are so unique and beautiful!

This small detour is more than worth it if you are in the area!

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Stay safe and stay groovy!

Hiking Mt Hood, Oregon: MnNeil Point Summit

This was hands-down one of the most breathtaking hikes I have ever done in my life! And I have done a lot of hiking in my days. My friend has hiked around America, Europe and South America and he said the same! Mount Hood is Located just outside of Portland Oregon. You can see it’s…

Maryland Hiking and Sunset Locations: Sugarloaf Mountain

Not gonna lie, when I moved from Washington State all the way over to the North East…. Baltimore to be more specific, I did not expect to find a ton of places to explore outdoors. I moved there for a job and was planning on working as much as possible and saving a ton of…

Spokane, Washington Hiking: Big Rock

Growing up in the Pacific North West, good ole PNW, I was spoiled with serene mountainous beauty, clear lakes and endless exploring!  One of my favorite go-to-hikes when I’m back home in Spokane, is Big Rock! It’s right off the Palouse Highway! It’s about 10-15 minutes down the Highway if you’re coming from the South…

Mingus Mountain, Arizona-Near Sedona: camping, hiking and local amenities!

I’m so thankful I accidentally found Mingus Mountain, Arizona. It wasn’t part of my plan. I headed over to California, and almost all nature was closed due to COVID-19. It was super stressful so I headed back to Arizona. It was hot at this point in the year so I needed to get up onto…

Sedona, Arizona: Camping, BLM Land and Hiking Guide

Arizona is an incredibly beautiful state. I appreciate it more and more each time I visit! This previous time… I stayed for 2 months. Ooops! I was there during the chaos of Covid-19, so it felt better for me to stay put for a while! Sedona is one of the most beautiful places you can…

How Toxins Negatively Impact the Body: A list of non-toxic products

A study done by environmental scientists found an average of 200+ chemicals in the umbilical cords of pregnant women after giving birth. That’s a lot of poison being pumped right into our babies! General hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, bleach, shampoos, and popular daily products are loaded with toxins that have harmful effects on your body!…

Grand Teton National Park: Hiking Up To Delta Lake

Delta Lake Hike was one of the most stunning hikes I have ever done in my 26-years of life! The contrast of the bright blue water, green trees and white snow was unreal. I could have stayed up there for weeks and been happy! This was a very challenging hike but it’s doable for most…

How to Train Your Cat: Leash Training, Car Rides, Hiking, Camping and More!

Traveling with my cat, Charles, has been so joyful! I wouldn’t have it any other way. Cats can be trained just like dogs, people just choose not to train them for some reason. To prove it, he’s a video of my kitty cat going pee outside! He digs a little toilet, plops on top of…

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Ocean Jet Skiing in Destin, Florida: Destin Beach Trip Mini Guide

Adventure, Beaches, Florida, Road Trip, Uncategorized

Destin and the entire Florid Panhandle have a ton of very underrated beaches! If you’re looking for white sand, and bright blue water, this is the spot! And it’s a pretty affordable vacation spot!

I’ve been to the Panhandle a handful of time and it’s been a blast for all of them!

Pro tip: it’s dirt cheap in the winter months. I got a condo across the street from the beach… with a pool and hot tub for $40 a night! It’s a little chillier that time of year but I still got some 70+ degree days.

This previous time, I went in mid June! It was hot but the water there is super refreshing. Cold enough to cool you off but hot enough to where you can comfortably swim for an extended period of time! I got a lot of swimming in!

We spent a couple days relaxing on the beach. There’s something so special about sitting by the water… it’s so therapeutic and peaceful! I needed this escape after the wrath of 2020! Lol.

I brought my portable solar charger, works great with any USB! Starts charging instantly too. I was recommended this specific one for traveling and hiking. It folds up to about the size of a notebook!

Portable Solar Charger

There was beach access at the Fairfield in that’s easily accessible to non-guests. Just make sure you are respectful and don’t use their small parking lot! There are plenty of places to park and walk from alone the same street.

We started getting for dinner and realized the sun was setting! I never miss an opportunity to catch a sunset. The little things can help ground you and bring your joy! Don’t forget to make time for them.

Low quality photo. High quality sunset

Local Food Stops

We went to a local, family owned restaurant that had delicious seafood! The scallops were seared perfectly and the crab was delicious! (although I’m very picky with crab after growing up with family on the beach and catching them myself, but still good!).

We dressed up because we hadn’t been out in a while because of COVID, but you can definitely dress casual at this place too! Whatever your beautiful heart desires.

The place was decorated with soulful African American artwork! It was beautiful and unique all at once.

Jet Ski Time!

On our final day, we decided we needed an adrenaline-filled adventure! I crave a good rush, I love cliff jumping too.We found a family owned Jet Ski spot!It’s very important to me to support local businesses if I can! Restaurants, activities, shopping, all of it!

Power Up Watersports is where we went They also rent Pontoons! And other things, check out their website. It’s JUST over the 98 Bridge that goes over the Santa Rosa Sound, on the island side! You take off right under the bridge and head into the sound.

They have you watch a TV course before you go (liability) and then explain it again once you get on the Jet Ski.

We checked in and did the training and had an hour to kill before our ride. We got a quick sandwich and shared it at a picnic table right outside the Jet Ski rentals!

The sandwich you all know you wanted to see.

This was such an amazing experience for me! I hadn’t been on a Jet Ski since I was a kid. It was such a thrill doing it in the ocean instead of the lake!

There were a lot of smooth straight always that I went up to 50mph on. I have a neeeeed for speed and adrenaline. I went slow for the first 20 minutes to get a feel for it! And I also slowed down when I was close to other water crafts and big waves.

We found a few sand bars out on the sound where we parked and jumped off to swim! We could reach out in the middle, which was pretty cool! The color changes in the water were mesmerizing too! Make sure to wear some cheap sunglasses! Mine flew off and we weirdly found them lol.

Jumped off the jet ski to swim at a sand bar

We finished, ran back and showered (we packed our bags before) and headed to the airport with wet hair and sweat pants! Anything to squeeze an extra hour of adventure in on any trip is worth it!

Stay safe and stay groovy!

Feel free to email me with any specific questions or just comment below! I love to connect with new people (no spam at all I promise).

Breathtaking Hiking in The Las Vegas Area: The Lone Palm

Hot springs are not only beatific and relaxing, they have a lot of benefits to our health! Our skin absorbs the many minerals that naturally occur in the springs through a process of transdermal absorption.  Our skin is permeable and porous and absorbs a lot of what’s in our environment.  Don’t worry, if you can…

Hiking Alone is Very Peaceful, Here Are Some Safety Tips

Hiking alone, especially the first time you do it, can be daunting and very intimidating. I for one was very nervous and scared the first time I did it, but now I do it all the time! It’s so freeing and peaceful, it’s almost a form of meditation for me. Nothing but the wilderness and…

Utah Hot Springs: Fifth Water

I had seen a lot of photos of these bright blue hot springs on Instagram but didn’t know where to find them! Luckily, one of my best friends lives in Salt Lake City and she knew exactly where these springs were! We packed our backpacks up early Super Bowl Sunday and headed for the springs…

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico: sand dunes and sledding

When I started my second cross-country road trip, I didn’t have the highest hopes for New Mexico (not sure why because it’s gorgeous). I hopped onto my apple maps when I stopped at a gas station; I was tired of being in my car and needed to see some scenery. I zoomed in to a…

Sunrise at Yosemite National Park, California

I had been in LA for a few days and one evening I decided to pack up and hit the road and drive overnight to the Yosemite. I mean, the sunrise from the top is every hikers dream so I made it a goal. If you aren’t familiar with Yosemite, it’s a large National Park…

Arizona Hiking and Hot Springs: The Lone Palm on the Colorado

This hike was very challenging but oh so worth it! This is one of those hikes where you really need to listen to the reviews on All Trails and be prepared! There is hardly a trail to follow so it’s extremely easy to get off course once you’re fully into the trail (the start isn’t…

Grand Teton National Park Adventure: Cliff Jumping at Phelps Lake

It had always been on my bucket list to go to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson, Wyoming. I finally made that dream come true in the summer of 2019 during 4th of July week. My best friend and I decided the night before that we were going to go (that’s how we roll), we…

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Middle Tennessee’s Best Hike, Waterfall, and Swimming Hole: Cummins Falls

hiking, nomad, Road Trip, State Park, Swimming Hole, Tennessee, Waterfalls

I lived in Nashville, Tennessee for a couple years and this waterfall and swimming hole is by far my favorite place in the State. 

Cummins Falls State Park, Tennessee Waterfall.

Also… side note! If you’re going to Cummins Falls you should definitely spend some time in Nashville! I will be writing up a post on the best spots to go in Nashville too soon. Also, feel free to email or message or comment questions about any spots as well! Happy to share the love.

The first time I went, was with my roommate, Hannah. She’s one of the most kind and caring souls I’ve ever met. We haven’t seen each other for years and I know for a fact she would be there for me if I called her in need. She’s a singer and songwriter and very talented!

We droved about an hour and a half west of Nashville. It’s a pretty easy route getting there and the trail head isn’t too far from the main highway! 

The trail is well labeled and marked! There’s a very large gravel/grassy parking lot. We didn’t have to pay, but rules can change so it’s always smart to bring a little cash.  

The hike is only about a mile each way. The first part of it is a well maintained trail that goes steep down to the river. The second part of the trail you hike through the river… there’s no avoiding hiking through the water! Make sure to bring shoes you don’t mind getting wet. I wore some old Nike’s, as did Hannah! 

She lost the Rayban’s of the top of her head… there’s so slippery spots. I wouldn’t recommend bringing anything too valuable unless it’s secured in your backpack!

This waterfall is absolutely breathtaking! There’s a natural grotto under that you can go relax under. 

The front of the waterfall is one big swimming hole! Such an awesome spot. You can jump off the small part of the waterfall as well into the swimming hole. But the water is shallow so be careful and don’t dive! A guy snapped his leg while we were there and a rescue team had to come.

On a happy note, we saw the sweetest little old couple who made it all the way to the waterfall. They were so proud of themselves. We took their picture for them. I wish I would have on my own phone too because of how much joy they were expressing. 

I went a second time with a guy friend. Also another awesome day! The sun was beaming perfectly and made a rainbow in front of the waterfall.

Cummins Falls, Tennessee

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Highly recommend this place! Worth going out of your way for. Stay safe and stay groovy!

Idaho Mountaintop Hot Spring: Hike up to Goldbug Hot Spring

Goldbug hot springs tops the cake for my favorite hots spring in the United States (at least thus far in my adventures). Adding an amazingly breath-taking view on top of a fully natural hot spring makes it stand out among the rest. Hopefully I will be able to make it back many more times while…

by Margo

Hiking Red Rock Canyon: Best Las Vegas Hikes- Calico Hills

hiking, National Parks, Nevada, Road Trip, South West USA, Uncategorized

I spent a couple months in the greater Las Vegas area! Between the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon National Park! All of which are beautiful in their own way!

One of my favorite hikes and hot springs is close by as well! It goes along the emerald colored Colorado river.

If you haven’t experienced a ton of red rock (like the Pacific North West girl in me), this is an amazing place to do it! There are so many unique colors and rock formations. Such an badass place!

I met another Van Lifer, he was from Cyprus (an island in Europe close to Greece). He’s big on rock climbing and was traveling around America climbing in different locations! We met at an RV resort off Las Vegas BLVD… so random haha. But, we ended up traveling together for a good while during all of the COVID-19 madness!

We started the day making breakfast on my portable single stove! Its small and easy to bring places. And isn’t too weird to use in public areas haha.

Cheap Portable Stove that I bring!

He taught me a little but of rock climbing! I did some free hand climbing down this little Canyon. It was scary but I felt accomplished! Red Rock Canyon National Park is a world class climbing destination. Climbers from all over the world come here! I saw them everywhere. They are pretty fun to watch too.

Red Rock Canyon Rock Climing

Las Vegas is HOTTTT. Make sure you bring a lot of water. And I don’t mean that lightly. Between the dry air and the heat, you can get dehydrated fast.

I drank 40oz of water on this hike, so important to stay hydrated. I love Camelbacks (they hold a lot of water) and I use them on super long hikes, but on 1-8 mile hikes, I typically just bring my Hydroflask since I prefer ice water. I have a 40oz Hydroflask and it keeps my ice water cold all day, no matter how hot out it is! (they have smaller and larger ones as well).

Apparently a lot of burrow are on this trail because of this watering hole. I was sad I didn’t see any so I pretended to be one drinking water instead lol:

No better feeling than a cold brew at the top of a long hike!

The hike we went on is called Calico Hills, I found it on the AllTrails App!

The views inside of this park are also unreal! As well as the drive. Definitely recommend stopping by if you’re in the area!

Sunset at the end of the hike, walking back to the car.

You can get in for free if you have a National Park Service Pass. The pass costs $75 for the entire year, or you can pay anytime you enter but it adds up fast. A lot of parks charge $20 a car. I always get mine renewed every year! The pass also now comes with a parking pass, which hangs from your rear view window.

Big Tree State Park, Northern California Road Trip

California, nomad, Road Trip, State Park, Uncategorized, Van Life

I was making the trip from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe, and of course decided to take the back roads! (Which also lead to another cool discovery and long dead end).

I didn’t have a big plan, I was car camping and was stopping and going as I pleased! Luckily I saw the signs for Big Tree State Park and decided to stop. The two lane highway driving in near Arnold California was so lush and beautiful. Dense Forrest with massive trees everywhere!

This was when I wasn’t as good at self timer photos 🤣

This was just a small pit stop on my way to Lake Tahoe! But I’m sure glad I made the stop. So worth it!

It was pretty cool feeling super small next to these massive trees. Charles Lickens also loved checking out the tree roots! It’s a very unique place to be, especially if you have yet to experience the massive trees in the state of California. I’m lucky enough to have grandparents who live right next to the Redwoods in Northern California, so I was spoiled with beautiful scenery my entire childhood!

He talks a lot when he’s curious.

We went in early spring and there was still a lot of snow, so sadly we didn’t get to see a lot of the coolest part. We’ll be back!

California is in bear country, make sure to always have your bear spray on you anytime you are in the woods. The attacks are rare, but I’ve seen A LOT of bears. Better safe than sorry!

Bear Spray on Amazon
Sir Charles getting some fresh water. (And yes he always talks this much lol).

Stay safe and stay groovy!

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Yosemite Valley, California Road Trip Stops

California, Cat On A Leash, Cats, National Parks, Road Trip, Uncategorized, Waterfalls

If you haven’t been to The Yosemite yet, add it to the bucket list! I give this place an 11/10 for beauty. It truly is one of the most breathtaking places you’ll go to!

I drove in from Los Angeles Overnight. I want to say it was about a 4 ish hour drive! My cat, Charles Lickens, and I got there in time to see a beautiful Yosemite sunrise! Charles and I have been car camping all across America for the last year or so! It’s a cheap and easy way to see the country!

Near the visitors center

You can drive all the way through the park from one side to the other (most the year, be sure to check for snow/weather closures).

There are tons of waterfalls and scenic lookouts! I normally would have stopped to hike but it was super packed, there were endless lines for parking spots and I was there at first light! I also didn’t have a safe place to leave my kitty.

Charles and I did manage to find a nice spot to cozy up for a hammock nap! I also found out you can buy a beer in the little eating area. It’s in the fridge with all of the other drinks (water, pop, tea, etc.). It was a nice little refresher after pulling an all-nighter and walking around all day, kitty in tow!

Hammock chillin’ at Yosemite

I have a double hammock! I like the extra space. I’m able to draw and read comfortably inside! It also fits two people super easily! My friend and I used it together and we had more than enough space. He read on one end and i drew on the other.

Mr Talkative as people walk by lol.

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

There’s a town on the north side of the park, Sonora, California! I stayed the night there. It was so cute! I was told by more than one person that they have the best Mexican food ever there! And I must say, it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had! The place was Called El Arroyo. Yum!

By far the best restaurant you can eat at near Yosemite. But there were also other types of food in this town if you don’t like Mexican!

The best place to eat near The Yosemite.

The drive from Yosemite to Senora is also amazing! Little windy two lane road through the rolling hills of California.

Driving out of the the north side of Yosemite, towards Sonora.

Southern California Road Trip Stop: The Salton Sea

California, nomad, Road Trip, South West USA, Van Life

The Salton Sea is the largest lake in the state of California! This lake is very close to where they host Coachella! I made a pit stop here on my South West road trip, traveling from Arizona to Southern California. There isn’t a ton to do in the area, but it’s a super unique place to stop if you are close by!

Learn how I trained my cat to travel with me!
I circled the Salton Sea on this map screenshot!!
The Ground is completely made of clay!
The ground was all cracked in a cool way!

Car Camping: An Affordable and Safe Way to Travel The Country Van Life Style

camping, Car Camping, nomad, Road Trip, Van Life

I get a lot of questions on how I life the “Van Life” without having an actual Van or RV. It’s taken a lot of trial and error to find the best ways to live like this, but I have found ways to make it cozy, comfortable and affordable!

I also love that car camping allows you to lock your “bed” while your sleep. My SUV has an alarm too so I always feel at ease when I’m asleep.

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

Mountain Car Camping with Sleeping bag in Summer 2018

Setting Up the Bed

We spend a lot of time sleeping… well were supposed to anyways… so having a comfortable and safe place to sleep when you’re living on the road is very important.

  1. Start but laying down all of the back seats in your SUV (or whichever vehicle you are using). If it doesn’t lay down completely flat, I would recommend taking the seats out completely and storing them somewhere safe (hey, mom and dad!)
  2. Place some sort of soft pad on the bottom. I bought a 2 inch pad, click here. If you are doing it short term, feel free to grab the one off your bed, just make sure it has a sheet (or maybe two, one for each side) so that it doesn’t get dirty!
  3. If the weather is cold, pack a sleeping bag, If it’s on the warmer side bring blankets so that your body can breath. If you are in the mountains I would recommend always having a sleeping bag, it gets cold at night! Right now I have a regular king sized blanket. I like to get them bigger than my car so that I can bunch them up on the side for extra cushion.
  4. Bring Pillows! I have four pillows, again to add some extra cushion and make it cozier!
  5. Set up battery or solar powered lights inside (I use this waterproof solar lantern). This was a game changer for me to help me relax in the evening after the sun goes down. Having lights in there makes it feel more like home and allows you to read, write and draw! … or to see your beautiful fur babies face!
  6. Face your trunk pointing towards the best view. I love relaxing with the back trunk wide open in bed while enjoying a beautiful view.
  7. Cover with a tarp and pack your things on top of it!

Setting Up Outdoors

My best friend and I do car camping together, we fit two in this Rav4 we rented (I didn’t have an SUV yet) comfortably.
  1. TARPS. I love tarps (outdoor rugs work too!). I set them up outside of every entrance of my car I’m going to use. This allows you to keep your shoes by your door without tracking a bunch of dirt into your car. I put one outside of the trunk and one outside of the back side doors (you can’t open the trunk from the inside so in the morning you have to go out of the side). Amazon basics has some nice and affordable tarps.
  1. Folding table. I have a folding table that lays flat in the back of my car on top of my bed. I usually set it up near the fire pit, since that’s where I prep most of my food. Put it where you are going to cook! Having a table makes a huge difference, you can find some affordable ones online and in store.
  2. If there isn’t any shade, I create some. A lot of people use an easy up, I don’t have one (yet), so I typically open my trunk and use bungee cords to hook a tarp to the top of it and then clip the other side of the tarp to a tree or another car near by! This creates shade just outside of your bed and makes a bigger shelter! I do this when it rains too to give me more dry space.

They also have those really cool tents that you can attach to the back of your open SUV trunk!

SUV Tent, so badass.

4. OPTIONAL. Set up your hammock on your campsite. I love relaxing and taking naps in my hammock, gives a cozy feel to your “home”.

Setting up the tent and unloading the car!

Efficient Packing

You obviously don’t have to pack the way I do, but I’ve learned a lot from others over the year on how to pack efficiently and in a very organized way.

If you aren’t interested in the “Van Life” and just want to go on a little camping trip, skip to step 2!

1. Become a MINIMALIST. This is one of the most challenging parts. We all learn to love and become attached to our belongings. You just need to pull the bandage and DO IT.

I got rid of almost everything, aside from a little bit of clothes and some kitchen and bathroom essentials.

I picked a few “cute” outfits to keep for when I meet up with friends or go out and got rid of the rest! It was hard but I knew I wanted to make the transition into this lifestyle so I did what I had to do.

I have one (shallow) clear tub of pants, one for t-shirts & tanks, one for long sleeve & athletic tops and then a deep large tub or warmer clothes (jacket, sweatshirts, gloves, snow pants).

2. I pack EVERYTHING in clear plastic tubs with lids. Click here for the ones I’m talking about! This is way cheaper than buying in person too. In person they are about $8 a piece. on amazon you can get 6 of the nice ones that have the lids that lock shut for about $30. I mean I put EVERYTHING in them. Underwear, food, shampoo, you name it! I got a lot of this from Marie Kondo’s show on Netflix; she does into a lot of detail as to why packing in clear tubs is important.

Clear tubs allow you to see exactly what’s inside without having to dig through it. They also store and stack nicely if you get uniform ones. I have found that the shallow, but large size are best for staying organized.

3. Pack your food in one, cooking supplies in another, clothing in one, bathroom supplies, etc.! Combine two different things if there’s room.

Setting up the car bed! (Shawn at the end)

How to Find Places to Camp

First, be sure to check my camping section, I’m working on adding more!

There are a ton of campsites all over the United States and Canada, and plenty of them are free! In fact, some of my all time favorite places to stay have been on free sites.

One of the best ways to find free land to camp on is by going onto the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site and finding free public land. You can stay in these places for up to two weeks and then after your time is up you have to move at least 20 miles to the next BLM spot. These are always free, but they don’t have facilities (water and bathroom) so you need to go extra prepared!

Another great way to find BLM spots on your phone and other FREE spots is through the Boondocking app. It will show you all of the free spots around the United States and also gives you information for each spot.

Another great website/app I use is Ioverlander.com. This site/app will show you all places to camp, free and with ones that cost money. I like this one because it has filters. You can put if you want showers and other amenities.

Lastly, the park4night app is another great resource for finding all different types of places to stay. This one will also show you parking lots that allow you to crash overnight in your Car, SUV or Van. It also has BLM land and campgrounds and typically provides information on each location.

With the van life, if you just need a quick spot to pull over and sleep, Wal mart allows overnight travelers to stay overnight in their parking lot (most locations, double check before). This might sound sketchy, but it is actually one of the safest options. There are security cameras, security, and indoor bathroom.

Stay safe and have fun!

Follow me in Instagram for more of my in-the-moment adventures! @maggmountains

If you have anything to add or ask, please comment or email me! I’d love to chat and get more tips and answer your questions. (enter below)