Vasquez Rocks is located in the high desert near Agua Dulce Springs and feature spectacular rock formations and a seasonal stream. The park is a popular hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding and has been used in many hit movies, television shows, and commercials. This makes it a perfect day trip for any van lifer looking to get out of Los Angeles.
Lake Morena County Park is a great destination for any van or RV lifer. The park offers camping, hiking, fishing and is located in East County, San Diego. Lake Morena sits at an elevation of 3,000 feet and is the most remote reservoir in all of San Diego County. The park features 8 miles of trails, a pavilion, a meeting space, and a playground.
San Juan Hot Springs adjacent to Highway 74 has seen better days. There is not too much left except for a couple of pools of hot steamy water. Back in the 60s and early 70s, San Juan Hot Springs was a hippie hangout. Before that, there were San Juan Capistrano Hot springs.
Indian Canyons makes a wonderful adventure for any van or RV nomad who wants to hike and learn more about the Indian culture surrounding Palm Springs. It’s comprised of Palm, Andreas, and Murry Canyons. Each canyon offers trails that take you back into these vast canyons with their towering walls. During the winter and spring months, the river will be flowing, and the wildlife will be on display.
Tahquitz Canyon a great quick getaway in Palm Springs. The canyon is one of the most beautiful and culturally sensitive areas of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. Tahquitz Canyon is home to a spectacular 60-foot waterfall, rock art, ancient irrigation systems, native wildlife, and plants. Located at the canyon entrance, the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center offers educational and cultural exhibits, displays of artifacts, an observation deck, and a theater room for viewing.
Palomar Mountain is a mountain ridge in the Peninsular Ranges in northern San Diego County. It is famous for the Palomar Observatory and Hale Telescope and is home to the Palomar Mountain State Park. Palomar Mountain has plenty of adventure to offer any van or RV nomad to include hiking, camping, bird watching, and visiting the observatory.
Julian is a beautiful mountain town located in the Cuyamaca mountains. The town dates back to the 1870’s gold rush in the early days of California and has a rich history. As a result, Julian has shops housed in historic buildings, a historic hotel, and many restaurants. It’s also known for its famous apple pies that attract visitors worldwide.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a great way to beat the heat of Palm Springs and spend time in the mountains. The tram takes you up to Mt. San Jacinto State Park (8,516 feet), where there are plenty of hiking trails and campgrounds you can enjoy. It makes a great place for any van or RV nomad to spend the day exploring the wilderness.
Previous Next Overview: NEEDS UPDATE Afton Canyon is one of the hidden gems for spring and fall camping in the Mojave desert. The campground is
The Whitewater Preserve is a great place to visit if you are traveling through the Palm Springs and Joshua Tree areas. The preserve has the Whitewater River which runs year-round going through it which supplies water to its pools. The canyon has a robust population of bighorn sheep, deer, bears, and is an important wildlife corridor between the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains.
